To learn how to clean gemstones, it is important to understand the differences between opals and sapphires, for example. Some gemstones are more resistant to wear than others. Some of them are heat tolerant, while others are not. Last but not least, not every gemstone is resistant to mechanical cleaning. When you take your gemstone jewellery to a jewellery store, the jeweller will usually know how to clean gemstones without destroying them. You should, however, be mindful of the risks. Information is strength, and in this case, it means being able to care about your jewellery.
To keep your precious and semi-precious clean gemstones shining and looking as bright and valuable as the day you bought them, it is critical to follow a few simple rules and learn some unique gem cleaning techniques.
To keep gems looking their best, they should be cleaned on a regular basis. The best method is to soak loose stones (not all gems can be soaked) or jewellery in wet, soapy water before gently cleaning with a soft brush. Air dry or dry with a warm cloth (not under strong or direct sunlight). If necessary, use only a mild soap and avoid using harsh cleaners such as bleach or ammonia.
Pearls, coral, turquoise, howlite, and amber are examples of soft porous clean gemstones that should never be soaked. Wipe them down with a clean, moist towel. Improper cleaning can harm organic gems. When cleaning filled and coloured clean gemstones, such as fracture-filled ruby or dyed turquoise, avoid using acids or chemicals. Even something as gentle as lemon juice will wreak havoc on the colour of filled or dyed gems.
If you have a concern or are uncertain about cleaning gems or jewellery, always consult a skilled jeweller. Most jewellers can have a skilled cleaning service, but select one that has experience with coloured gems, not just white diamonds. When hiring the services of a jeweller, it is also important to notify them of any gemstone treatments or upgrades, as these can have an impact on stability.
Table of Contents
1. Diamonds
Diamonds can be quickly cleaned in a basic solution made from ingredients available in most households, depending on the metal of your diamond jewelry. It is the easiest to work with when set in solid gold and needs only water, soap, and sometimes ammonia. Silver jewelry requires a gentler approach, but for the most part, it should be soaked in a solution of soap and water and then gently cleaned with a toothbrush before being dried with a dry, clean, soft cloth.
Diamonds are the toughest material known to man, which is one of the most well-known facts about them. Although this argument is a little confusing, it contains a lot of facts. This means that caring for and cleaning diamonds is easy. A diamond needs a great deal of force to be damaged. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the majority of clean gemstones. Since certain gemstones are softer and more vulnerable, they must be cleaned with extreme caution.
2. Rubies
Most rubies can be washed in soapy water, whether they are untreated or heat treated. However, if the stone has had cracks or cavities filled, it is best to clean it with a damp cloth. The same holds true with every dyed ruby. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can only be used on untreated, heat-treated, or lattice diffusion-treated stones.
3. Sapphires
Since rubies are the red variant of sapphires, sapphires should be treated as rubies. This involves soaking the gem in warm water with soap and gently cleaning it with a brush or cloth before rinsing and drying it. Stones that have been untreated, heat-treated, or lattice diffusion treated can be cleaned with a steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. A damp cloth should be used to clean fractured, dyed, and cavity-filled blocks.
4. Emeralds
Since the majority of emeralds are fractured, using ultrasonic or steam cleaners is risky. The easiest way to clean your emeralds safely is to use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime, then wash them with soap and water and massage them gently. The emeralds can then be washed in warm water and dried with a clean cloth.
5. Tanzanite
Tanzanite is relatively simple to clean at home with soap and water. The key is to avoid using water that is too hot or cold, as this can cause the stone to crack. Similarly, while regular dishwashing liquid is good, it is better to use soaps that do not contain bleach, as this may damage the stone. A plastic cup is the best type of dish to use because a glass or metal bowl will scratch the stone.
Also Read:- List of Top Rare Gemstones: Complete Guide for You
6. Aquamarine
Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to clean aquamarine. Allow the aquamarine to soak in the solution for a few minutes before gently scrubbing it with a toothbrush to avoid loosening the prongs. Finally, clean the stone with water to remove the soap.
7. Tourmaline
Hot soapy water should be used to clean tourmalines, and a soft toothbrush or cloth should be used to scrub them gently. It is not advisable to use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
8. Rubellite
Since rubellite is simply the dark pink to red variety of tourmaline, similar to how rubies are the dark pink to red variety of sapphires, they should be cleaned in the same manner as tourmalines. This is accomplished with the aid of water, mild detergent, and a brush. Avoid using ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
9. Citrine
The most important thing to understand about a citrine stone before cleaning it is that it is extremely heat sensitive. As a result, using steam cleaners is a no-no. Ultrasonic cleaners, on the other hand, are usually healthy, except in the rare case where the stone has been dyed or fracture filling has been performed. Filling a bowl with water and soap and soaking it for a few minutes is the simplest and most effective way to clean a citrine. After it has thoroughly soaked, gently massage it with a soft toothbrush or cloth before rinsing and drying it. It is important to ensure that all moisture has been removed, as any remaining moisture will trigger spots.
FAQs
What’s the best way to clean gemstones?
The best method is to soak loose stones (not all gems can be soaked) or jewellery in wet, soapy water before gently cleaning with a soft brush. Air dry or dry with a warm cloth (not under strong or direct sunlight). If necessary, use only a mild soap and avoid using harsh cleaners such as bleach or ammonia.
Will vinegar and baking soda damage gemstones?
Every element in this method has the potential to damage your jewelry. Witch hazel and vinegar are both mildly acidic and will react negatively with soft or porous stones or plated jewellery. Baking soda is also mildly abrasive and can scratch softer stones and metals.
Can you use toothpaste to clean jewelry?
Surprisingly, toothpaste can be used to spruce up almost everything in your jewellery box, with the exception of pearl-encrusted parts. Scrub your rusty silver, gold, or gemstone jewels with a bit of paste on an old toothbrush.
