How to care for your precious jewelry

The world of jewelry is so precious and unique. It’s incredible how a piece of jewelry can tie together major life events, remind you of family members, and carry a ton of symbolism and sentimental value. The beauty of heritage jewelry is that it has been around for decades and is still in sacred condition. Your antique or vintage jewelry will last for decades to come, but you need to know how to properly care for your valuable jewelry.

 

In this blog you will learn:

1. How to care for gold and platinum jewelry

2. How to care for diamond jewelry

3. How to care for sapphire and ruby jewelry

4. How to care for emerald and aquamarine jewelry

5. How to care for opal, turquoise and lapis lazuli jewelry

6. How to care for pearl and coral jewelry

 

1. How to care for gold and platinum jewelry

The durability of jewelry depends on the metal in which it is set. Platinum is the most durable precious metal and is perfect for everyday wear. The metal is naturally very white and shiny, making it perfect for setting diamonds. Gold is often loved for its buttery luster and deep yellow color. Color varies from alloy to alloy.

 

To maintain the natural shine of platinum or gold, follow these tips:

(1) Avoid activities such as rock climbing and gardening while wearing platinum.

(2) Avoid contact with bleach and other harsh chemicals.

(3) Store in a soft jewelry box and store jewelry separately to avoid scratches.

(4) Visit your local jeweler every six months for ultrasonic cleaning and polishing (if necessary)

(5) If your jewelry does not have gemstones, you can mix mild soap and warm water and use a soft (baby) toothbrush to gently scrub the surface. Afterwards, rinse well and dry with a cloth. You can also purchase special polishing cloths to restore the shine to your jewelry at home.

 

2. How to maintain diamond jewelry:

Diamonds are forever, this is a famous saying that is absolutely true. Diamond is the hardest mineral in the world. It has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Therefore, you can use standard jewelry cleaning procedures: a mild soap solution, a soft toothbrush, and a dry cloth. A toothbrush will help you clean hard-to-reach areas of your ring setting and ensure your diamond sparkles. You can clean your diamond jewelry regularly. Frequency is up to twice a month. For a deep clean, visit your local jeweler and ask them to use an ultrasonic machine and a steam machine to clean your jewelry.

When you invest in a beautiful and important diamond, you don’t want it to be covered in lotion, natural oils, dirt, or anything else as it will dull the diamond’s brilliance. Let your diamonds shine every minute.

 

3. How to care for sapphire and ruby jewelry

Sapphires and rubies are both derived from the same mineral, corundum. Ruby and sapphire are the second hardest gemstones after diamond. They rank ninth on the Mohs scale of hardness.

The reality is that we move our hands a lot, and it shouldn’t be a problem if you accidentally knock your sapphire or ruby ring onto a marble countertop. Regular cleaning is welcome, please follow the same procedures as for diamond jewelry.

 

4. How to care for emerald and aquamarine jewelry

Emerald, aquamarine, topaz, and spinel all rank at number 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, and this is where you should start being more careful and cautious. With proper care and love, emeralds will last for generations.

Because emerald is naturally porous, it is often treated with oils, resins, and polymers to fill the gaps in the surface. Unusually high temperatures, such as in hot tubs, saunas, or hot weather, may affect an emerald’s appearance or cause it to deteriorate.

Cleaning: With emeralds, you don’t want to use an ultrasonic or steam machine. The best advice is to use soapy warm water and a soft cloth.

 

5. How to care for opal, turquoise and lapis lazuli jewelry

These are softer stones. Opal has a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale, while turquoise and lapis lazuli have a hardness of 5. This is about the same hardness as glass. Therefore, it is important to handle these gemstones with care and avoid damaging them. Remove jewelry containing these stones before gardening, moving furniture, or engaging in strenuous exercise.

If you need to store your opal jewelry temporarily, put it in a plastic bag with some cloth or cotton and a few drops of water. It will help retain moisture in your jewelry and prevent it from drying out, scratching, or cracking.

Turquoise is sensitive to heat and chemicals. It can be discolored or even slowly dissolved by hydrochloric acid (commonly found in cleaning solutions), cosmetics, and even skin oils or sweat.

When it comes to lapis lazuli, handle it with care and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid scratches, strong sunlight, and high temperatures.

Never use a steam machine or ultrasonic cleaner on these stones. Just wipe these stones with a damp soft cloth. They should not be soaked or submerged.

 

6. How to care for pearl and coral jewelry

These are the gentlest materials used in jewelry making, and they are all derived from living organisms. Pearls are produced by oysters and other molluscs from a mixture of aragonite, conchiolin, and water that clogs their bodies around external irritants. Pearls are very sensitive to acids, ammonia, hair spray, makeup and even sweat.

Plus, Pearl loves to breathe. So instead of storing them in plastic bags, store them in jewelry trays, plates or spacious boxes. The lack of air makes them more susceptible to scratching and can lead to dryness and poor texture. Pearls can only be cleaned with a damp cloth, not soap.

Coral, like pearls, is an animal product, not a stone or mineral. Corals in the ocean, also known as polyps, are organisms that form large colonies. Over time, the organism used calcium extracted from the ocean to form a limestone skeleton. Unfortunately, corals are becoming extinct due to recent environmental changes. Store your coral jewelry in a dry, soft jewelry bag to avoid unnecessary exposure and scratching. Coral should only be cleaned with a damp cloth, not soap.

Although jewelry is made from metals, gemstones, and other organic materials and can last for decades, a little extra care and precautions can’t hurt. I hope you find these jewelry care tips helpful.