Cars, furniture and clothing will look better and last longer if you take care of them. The same is true of your gems and jewelry. Diamonds are the hardest natural gem. All the others are more vulnerable to cracks, scuffs and chips. Protecting your gems will go a long way in their lasting beauty and enjoyment. Cleaning your jewelry will keep it at it’s most brilliant. If all else fails, it’s a great excuse to pay a visit to your local jeweler.
It’s important to know that colored gemstones are not as durable as diamonds. Some may crack if subject to sudden temperature changes. These include emerald, garnet, kunzite, opal, peridot, quartz, tanzanite, topaz and tourmaline. You should not, for example, lie in the sun, then jump into the swimming pool while wearing any of these gems. A knock on a hard suface isn’t good for any stone, even diamonds. Just treat them as you would a fine silk scarf or any other precious accessory.
Cleaning jewelry can be a snap and the rewards instant. Put a plate or screen in the bottom of the sink to catch a piece if you drop it. Wash in lukewarm water using a mild liquid soap. A soft toothbrush is a handy tool for cleaning around prongs. If the dirt can’t be washed off, try using a toothpick. Be sure to get around the bottom of the gem. Those holes are to let light in around the stone, but they’re also called “clean out” holes.
If hand cleaning doesn’t do the trick, have your pieces professionally cleaned. Jewelers should know how to identify and treat each piece of jewelry you have. Most are very well trained.
Do you remember when you first spotted that piece of jewelry in the store? With a little care, it can look like that again and again. Keep colored stones away from sudden temperature changes and hard surfaces. A little light cleaning can make your pieces sparkle like new. For difficult cleaning and repairs, have a local jewelry you find knowledgeable do it for you. While you’re there, you may again spot the piece you’ve always had in mind.
