How To Clean Gemstone Jewelry - Easy & Effective Tips

Posted on April 27th, 2023 04:15 PM

In the last decade, only a few industry verticals have managed to rise at a meteoric rate and one of them is gemstone jewelry. The combination of vivacious gemstones and forever elegant jewelry forms dazzle fashionistas like nothing else. Moreover, the craze for gemstone jewelry always remains high because there are umpteen options as well as budget-friendly prevail for customers to choose from.

However, it is easier to buy an elephant than to feed it on a daily basis. If you possess exorbitant and classic gemstone jewelry like ruby rings or blue sapphire rings, you have to be quite meticulous and particular about their maintenance if you wish to maintain glitter and appeal of them for a long time. Unlike other types of jewelry, gemstone jewelry requires special tips and time-tested methods to keep them utterly clean and gleaming all the time.

In this all-inclusive blog post, we have curated all the easy and effective ways that will help you to clean up your gemstone jewelry like a pro. We have included imperative pointers like how to clean gemstone jewelry, what you need to clean gemstone jewelry, and how to elongate the longevity of your favorite gemstone jewelry. Let’s begin!

Tips to Clean Gemstone Jewelry Effectively

Before you kickstart your campaign of cleaning gemstone jewelry, it is essential to know in advance all the physical properties of the gemstone you possess and its reactivity to different chemicals like acid or detergent water, sunlight, heat, or resistance towards damage and scratch.

Read More:-  Gemstone Ring Buying Guide

Step 1: Gather Supplies

The first and perhaps the foremost step in cleaning your gemstone jewelry is to gather all the necessary supplies in one place so that you won’t have to face any obstruction during the entire process. When it comes to essential supplies for gemstone jewelry cleaning, You'll need a soft-bristled toothbrush, lukewarm water, mild soap or detergent, and a soft cloth, probably a cotton cloth for cleaning purposes. You can also use a jewelry cleaning solution, but make sure it's suitable for the type of gemstone you have. That’s why we suggested earlier to you to know the physical properties of your gemstone in advance.


gather supplies

Step 2: Identify the Gemstone

Before you start cleaning your gemstone jewelry with utmost dedication, you need to identify the type of gemstone you possess. This is crucial because each gemstone requires a specific cleaning method. Gemstones with high ratings on the Mohs scale can’t be cleaned with the same way gemstones that are more prone to scratch or damage. For example, emeralds are relatively soft and porous if compared to sapphires and diamonds which are quite hard and can withstand more robust and stringent cleaning methods.

Read More:-  Gemstone Certifications

Step 3: Soak the Jewelry

The cleaning process begins with Soaking your gemstone ring or any other gemstone jewelry form in lukewarm water and adding a small amount of mild soap or detergent to it. Make sure the detergent you use to clean jewelry is neither too acidic nor too basic on the PH scale. A strong detergent can cause a loss of luster as well as color.  Let the jewelry soak for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime that may have accumulated over a certain period of time. Once the dirt is removed completely, take the jewelry out gently.


soak the jewelry

Step 4: Brush Gently or Use a Glass Cleaner

The next vital step is to brush the jewelry in a gentle manner to eradicate any remaining speck of dirt or grime. For that, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush the gemstone as well as the setting of the jewelry to remove any dirt or grime. Be sure to use a soft brush to avoid damaging the gemstone or the setting.

Moreover, nowadays, some prominent jewelers also use regular glass cleaners to wipe down shiny gemstones and suck away all the dirt. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remove oil and dirt from the surface as well intricate corners of gemstone jewelry. Here is a super important pointer that every person who is going to clean gemstone jewelry must know; fracture-filled gemstones should be kept away from acid or other strong chemicals as they can cause severe damage to the natural color of the gemstones as well as the metal color of the ring.


brush gently

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Once you are done brushing gemstone jewelry, Rinse the jewelry thoroughly in warm water to remove any soap residue. Use a soft cotton cloth to pat the jewelry dry, and make sure it's completely dry before storing it. Delicate gems with poor hardness must be patted with utmost attention to make sure no scratch or damage happens to the gemstones.


clean gently

Additional Tips

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: There is no rocket science behind the statement that most Gemstones are sensitive to harsh and acidic chemicals. So, it's quite essential to avoid using any cleaning solutions that contain ammonia, bleach, or acid. Consider only those chemicals that are neither too acidic nor too basic for cleaning purposes. 

Don't Expose to Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to extreme temperatures on a frequent basis can damage your gemstone jewelry to a great extent. It's best to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, high heat, or extreme cold conditions. Moreover, don’t put gemstone jewelry in places where there is too much humid condition.l

Store Properly: When storing your gemstone jewelry, make sure to keep it in a dry and cool place. Avoid storing it with other jewelry pieces that may scratch or damage it. In addition to that, put your gemstone jewelry in a box with a velvet covering or a soft pouch to avoid unnecessary scratches on gemstones.

Consider Professional Cleaning: If you have a valuable or delicate piece of gemstone jewelry, it's ideal as well as wise to have it cleaned by a professional jeweler. They have the tools and expertise to clean and polish your jewelry without damaging it.

If you're looking to clean your stone jewelry but don't want to do it manually, you can opt for an ultrasonic cleaner device and ramp up the level. These gadgets operate by emitting high-frequency sound waves into the surrounding liquid, which causes bubbles to form. The bubbles then implode, generating enough force to remove dirt and grime from the surfaces of your jewelry, leaving them looking clean and refreshed.

While the concept may seem straightforward, it's crucial to exercise caution with certain gemstones. For example, if your gems, such as emeralds, have undergone any form of treatment, it's best to avoid using this method. Similarly, it's advisable to keep delicate gems like opals or pearls away from this process.

Give a Shot to Baking Soda: Baking soda may seem to be an old-school solution but its cleansing abilities are nothing short of remarkable, making it a go-to for cleaning gemstone jewelry. To give this method a proper shot, create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. then delicately scrub your piece using a soft brush. Once done, use a lint-free cloth to dry and polish the surface, and watch your jewelry dazzle like new.

However, you should be aware that valuable jewelry or precious gemstones require extra caution as an inappropriate cleaning method or chemical can cause permanent damage. If you are doubtful about this method, it's best to seek the advice of a professional jeweler before proceeding.

Don't underestimate the cleaning power of baking soda! This classic cleaning solution is an excellent choice for tackling dirty stone jewelry. Just mix baking soda and water to form a paste, then apply it gently to your piece with a soft brush. After that, polish the surface with a lint-free cloth to reveal a sparkling shine. 

Conclusion

Gemstone jewelry is unquestionably a valuable investment and it's essential to keep it clean and well-maintained if you wish to elongate its longevity. With the right care and techniques, you can ensure that your gemstone jewelry stays beautiful and lasts for many years to come. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can clean your gemstone jewelry at home safely and effectively. Remember, it's crucial to identify the type of gemstone you have before cleaning it to avoid damaging it.


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