Care Of Gemstones - Information about Gemstones

Agate
As with all gems, protect agate from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean agate in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Agate will chip and crack rather easily, even though it has a hardness rating of 7.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Amber
As with all gems, protect amber from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Dust and perspiration can be removed with clean, lukewarm water and a soft flannel cloth. The amber can be dried and rubbed with clear olive oil, then rubbed with a soft cloth to remove excess oil and restore the polish.
Never put amber jewellery in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, which would shatter the gem.
Protect amber from household chemicals, cosmetics and perfumes, as they can damage and discolour your amber. Do not put your amber jewellery on before hairspray and perfume are applied, because it will likely create a whitish coating on the amber that may be permanent.
Keep the amber away from common kitchen substances such as lard, salad oil, butter and excessive heat of ovens and burners.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Amethyst
As with all gems, protect amethyst from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Clean your Amethyst in ultrasonic jewellery cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
Amethyst often becomes paler if kept out in the sun.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Amazonite
As with all gems, protect amazonite from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean amazonite in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Aquamarine
As with all gems, protect Aquamarine from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean aquamarine in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Beryl
As with all gems, protect beryl from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean beryl in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
With Emerald, keep away from cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or household chemicals.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Bloodstone
Protect bloodstone from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. The polish will be removed if you get this type of stone wet.
Do not clean bloodstone in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Blue Sapphire
As with all gems, protect sapphire from scratches, sharp blows and temperature changes, although the sapphire is so tough, no special care is really required. However, sapphires are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly. Remove jewellery before doing heavy work.
Lightly included stones usually go safely into ultrasonic cleaners.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine.
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Blue Topaz
As with all gems, protect blue topaz from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean blue topaz in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Blue Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Carnelian
As with all gems, protect Carnelian from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean carnelian in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Wash with mild soap and warm water, then dry with a soft towel. Carnelian will get redder if placed in the sun. Be careful with stone rings, as they can crack as easily as glass!
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Chariote
As with all gems, protect chariote from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean chariote in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Citrine
As with all gems, protect citrine from scratches and sharp blows. Also citrine jewellery should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong heat, such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car, and strong light. Citrine often permanently changes colour if left in the sunlight for several hours.
Do not clean citrine in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Quartz will chip and crack rather easily.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Coral
As with all jewellery, protect coral from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean coral in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Coral is very soft, so you should avoid chemicals. Coral is brittle, scratched easily and can chip off or even break if handled roughly. Coral could be affected by cosmetic products, hot water and bright daylight. Coral jewellery should be carefully stored and be cleaned from time to time with a soft, wet cloth.
Since it is composed of calcium carbonate, coral will effervesce if touched with acid.
Coral can turn white if subjected to liquid cleaning solvents or extreme heat.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Cubic Zirconia
As with all gems, protect cubic zirconia from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Cubic zirconia can be cleaned with any conventional jewellery cleaner or detergent.
With such a high hardness and durability, you can use a brush to clean off dirt or oil, and cubic zirconia can also be cleaned in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaners.
When using soaps or detergents to clean cubic zirconia, you should wipe the jewellery dry thoroughly to avoid residue from the soap leaving a film that will dull the brilliance of the stone. Cubic Zirconia should be cleaned frequently to remove oils from skin that also dull the brilliance of the gem.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Diamond
Diamond has an unusual property for a mineral, because of its strong bonding and carbon composition which cause its surface to repel water, but to readily accept wax and grease. This means your diamond needs regular cleaning.
Remember, even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage, cleavage or fracturing, because most gem stones form as crystals which have directional hardness. If the gem is heavily included it may be slightly weak.
Most gemstones are much harder than the metal they are set in. Gems can scratch each other and the finish on your jewellery, so don't throw them together or let them rub.
Diamonds will be fine in an ultrasonic cleaner.
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Emerald
As with all gems, protect emerald from scratches and sharp blows, sudden temperature changes and solvents.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Clean your Emerald with a soft, dry cloth. Emerald is often treated with oil to fill fissures and fractures that are characteristic of emerald. Hence, do not clean emerald in hot soapy water or in an ultrasonic cleaner because this oil could be removed or damaged, making the fissures more visible.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Garnet
As with all gems, protect garnet from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car). Garnets react adversely to hard impact or uncontrolled heating. Do not clean garnet in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Clean garnet with a dry soft cloth
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Jade
As with all gems, protect jade from scratches and sharp blows, sudden temperature changes and solvents. Jade may be waxed, so avoid chemical cleaners.
Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
When doing household tasks such as gardening and cleaning, be certain to remove rings.
Put your jewellery on after washing and applying any makeup, cosmetics or hair spray.
Take off your jewellery before cleaning or participating in sports, especially while swimming in a swimming pool. The chlorine can cause damage to various gemstones and gold. Gemstones may become loose in their settings (and possibly fall out).
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
Do not clean jade in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Jasper
As with all gems, protect Jasper from scratches, sharp blows and temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean Jasper in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Onyx
As with all gems, protect onyx from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean onyx in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
Onyx may chip or scratch rather easily, so store onyx carefully and never allow two specimens to touch each other. Wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Malachite
As with all gems, protect malachite from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car). Malachite is a very soft stone, and is sensitive to acids and heat. Do not clean malachite in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Washing malachite in water will remove its finish, as Malachite is always coated with a protective polish, which will wash off.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Moonstone
As with all gems, protect moonstone from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean moonstone in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Moonstone can be easily scratched.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
Store moonstones carefully and never allow two specimens to touch each other.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Opal
As with all gems, protect opal from scratches, sharp blows and light. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean opal in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Opal is a "living" stone, which means it must be protected from heat and detergents that "dry" the gem.
Due to the differing percentage of water, Opals may easily become brittle. They always contain water - usually between 2 and 6 per cent, but sometimes even more (an opal stone may contain up to 30% water). Therefore if they are stored in a too dry atmosphere, or are exposed to heat over a longer period of time, Opals will show fissures and the play of colour will become paler. Therefore, Opal jewellery should be worn as often as possible, to give it the needed humidity from the air and from the skin of its wearer.
Opals develop crazing if they are allowed to dry out. In addition to cracking, loss of water causes loss of iridescence.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Pearl
As with all gems, protect pearl from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean pearl in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Perfumes and household chemicals can wear away nacre (mother of pearl).
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Peridot
As with all gems, protect peridot from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean peridot in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Quartz
As with all gems, protect quartz from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean quartz in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Quartz will chip and crack rather easily.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Rose Quartz
As with all gems, protect quartz from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean quartz in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Rose Quartz will chip and crack rather easily.
Rose Quartz fades in the sun; most Rose Quartz is dyed.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Ruby
As with all gems, protect ruby from scratches, sharp blows and temperature changes, although the ruby is so tough, no special care is really required. However, rubies are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly. Remove jewellery before doing heavy work.
Lightly included stones usually go safely into ultrasonic cleaners. Soaking rubies in alcohol (or vodka) overnight loosens stubborn debris, which then can be rinsed and brushed away. Always use a soft brush but no abrasives, not even toothpaste, as such abrasives will not hurt rubies but will scratch the softer gold or platinum settings.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine.
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Smoky Quartz
As with all gems, protect quartz from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean quartz in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Quartz will chip and crack rather easily.
Smokey Quartz will fade in the sun.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Swarovski Crystal
As with all gems, protect swarovski crystal from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean swarovski crystal in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Topaz
As with all gems, protect topaz from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean topaz in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
Topaz is a very hard gemstone but it can be split with a single blow, a trait it shares with diamond. As a result it should be protected from hard knocks.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Tourmaline
As with all gems, protect tourmaline from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean tourmaline in a home ultrasonic cleaner.
To clean, soak in a plastic bowl with tepid water and a little washing-up liquid, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush or other soft brush. Rinse and pat dry on a nice soft cloth like felt.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Turquoise
As with all gems, protect turquoise from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it by a heater vent or in a hot car).
Do not clean turquoise in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid chemical cleaning.
Tourmaline can change colour with exposure to skin oils, light, cosmetic products, dust or even the ph-value of the skin, which may all trigger off chemical responses.
It is recommended to clean it from time to time after wearing with a soft cloth.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine, remembering that stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can easily scratch other gems and all metals.
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Yellow Sapphire
As with all gems, protect sapphire from scratches, sharp blows and temperature changes, although the sapphire is so tough, no special care is really required. However, sapphires are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly. Remove jewellery before doing heavy work.
Lightly included stones usually go safely into ultrasonic cleaners.
To store, wrap pieces individually to keep them pristine.
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Hand Made Sterling Silver Jewelry