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Guide

Many precious gemstones have their own special needs and requirements that you should be aware of to ensure their longevity. Popular methods of cleaning, such as ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, are not appropriate for all gems. Amethyst, Citrine, and other members of the quartz family shouldn’t be steam cleaned because intense heat (as well as prolonged light) can permanently alter their color. Opals should always be treated with some care. Avoid impacts, chemicals, heat and extremely dry conditions -- all promote cracking. As for your emerald jewelry, avoid heat cleaning and chemicals that can remove the jeweler’s oil. Topaz sometimes cracks when subjected to sudden temperature changes as it would in steam cleaning. Porous gems like turquoise and amber are popular in silver jewelry, but they will become discolored by silver cleaners.

Aside from these cautions, you can clean your own jewelry at home without much fuss. For most types of mounted gemstone pieces, occasional, gentle brushing with a baby toothbrush in warm, mildly soapy water and drying with a soft cloth is all you need to keep your jewelry looking its finest every day. But, do use a bowl to clean your jewelry; don’t do it over the sink! Use this chart to remember which methods are best for different types of gemstones:
 
Mild Soap and Water
Ultrasonic
Cleaner
Steamer

Commercial
Cleaner
   Amber
yes
no
no
no
   Aquamarine
yes
no
no
no
   Citrine
yes
no
no
no
   Coral
wipe with damp cloth
no
no
no
   Diamond
Yes, rinse and dry well
yes
yes
mild
   Emerald
yes
no
no
no
   Garnet
yes
yes
no
no
   Jade
yes
no
no
no
   Opal
dry or damp cloth only
no
no
no
   Pearl
yes
no
no
no
   Peridot
yes
no
no
no
   Ruby
yes
yes
yes
yes
   Sapphire
yes
yes
yes
yes
   Tanzanite
yes
no
no
no
   Topaz
yes
no
no
no
   Turquoise
dry or damp cloth
no
no
no


Many precious gemstones have their own special needs and requirements that you should be aware of to ensure their longevity. Popular methods of cleaning, such as ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, are not appropriate for all gems. Amethyst, Citrine, and other members of the quartz family shouldn’t be steam cleaned because intense heat (as well as prolonged light) can permanently alter their color. Opals should always be treated with some care. Avoid impacts, chemicals, heat and extremely dry conditions -- all promote cracking. As for your emerald jewelry, avoid heat cleaning and chemicals that can remove the jeweler’s oil. Topaz sometimes cracks when subjected to sudden temperature changes as it would in steam cleaning. Porous gems like turquoise and amber are popular in silver jewelry, but they will become discolored by silver cleaners.

 Cleaning diamonds at home isn’t hard to do. Commercial cleaners that are mild and ammonia based are fine for do-it-yourself cleaning. Be sure to use a bowl to put your jewelry in, or –- if you really want to wash them over the sink -- put a strainer or colander over the drain to prevent them from falling down the drain. For particularly quick and sparkling results, try bathing your diamond with vodka –- it really works!

If you have trouble cleaning you’re jewelry come by the store. We’ll do it for you!

 


Edgewater Marketplace (Binghamton)
725 River Road #30
Edgewater, NJ 07020

info@alainjewelers.com
 (201) 941-7400