Gems (Jewelry) is one of our most intimate and cherished accessories. Understanding how to care for and protect your treasured gemstones can make a world of difference in maintaining its beauty and keeping your heirlooms sparkling for generations to come.
Below Are 4 Tips On How To Care For Gems (Ornaments)
Keep Your Gems Away From Chemicals
Exposure to chemicals can damage or discolour precious metals – gold, silver and platinum – and may harm some coloured gems. Even everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, perfume or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems . Fine jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated swimming pool or before using household cleaners. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate gems or vintage jewelry. Chlorine bleach, another common household solvent, can pit or damage gold alloys.
Give Treated Gems Special Care
Many coloured gemstones are routinely treated to improve the appearance of colour and clarity. These treatments can be negatively affected by heat, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaners. Knowing whether your gemstones have been treated is the first step to knowing how to care for it.
NB: The GIA report contains important information about your gem and any detectable treatments it may have undergone.
The Safest Cleaning Methods Of Gems Are Also The Easiest
Most coloured gems can be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap (no detergents) and a soft brush. A pulsed-water dental cleaning appliance and a soft, line-free cloth can also be used. Be sure to rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions since you risk losing stones or even an entire piece of jewelry – if you rinse directly in the sink. Soft ornaments, such as pearls, on the other hand, can easily scratch. Use a new, clean makeup brush and warm, soapy water to softly clean them. Lay a strand of pearls on a towel to dry. The wet silk thread can stretch – and attract dirt –so don’t touch your strand until it is completely dry. Pearls worn often should restrung once a year.
Use Ultrasonic Cleaners With Caution
While you can purchase a professional ultrasonic cleaner for $150 or less, you should be aware that not all gems and jewelry can be safely cleaned in it.
Ultrasonic Cleaners Should Not be used to clean:
Gemstones with surface-reaching breaks that have been filled with a substance such as oil,resin or a glass-like material.
Organic gem materials such as pearls, coral, ivory, or amber
Gems that have been coated with a non-permanent substance like plastic or wax
Some heat-treated gemstones.
With more, the vibration generated by the machine can sometimes shake gems loose or chip jewelry that are set with their girdle touching. This type of cleaning is best left to jewelry professionals who know about different gem materials and understand when and how to use the ultrasonic cleaner safely.
