Care and Handling: Gemstone

 

Although gemstones are among the most durable of substances, they do need some care. Abrasive surfaces, chemicals, and sharp blows can damage even the toughest gem.  Handle it carefully and it will be enjoyed for generations.

 

A.   How to clean the gemstone jewelry?

 

After removing your gemstone jewelry, wipe it with a soft cloth to remove dirt and other residues will be fine inmost cases.  However, regular cleaning will keep your gemstone jewelry looking great.  The following is some guidelines.

 

1.            Regular cleaning procedures:

 

a)         Soak your gemstone jewelry in a plastic bowl of mild soapy water for a few minutes.  NEVER use a detergent based soap, bleach or household cleaners.

 

b)         Use a very soft brush, e.g. an old toothbrush, to loosen dirt.  Make sure you scrub behind the stones; grime can collect there, especially in rings.  Be careful not to scratch the metal of your setting during cleaning.

 

c)         Rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a lint-free soft cloth.

 

2.         NEVER soak the following gemstones jewelry.  Due to their organic nature, they are both soft and porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap.  They may build up inside the gemstone and discolor it.

 

a)         Amber

b)         Iolite

c)         Opal

d)         Peridot

 

They should be wiped clean with a slightly damp soft cloth gently.  NEVER wash or scrub these gemstones.

 

3.            NOT all the gemstone jewelry can be cleaned by an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner.   Diamonds, ruby and sapphire will be fine but many other gemstones may not be.  When in doubt, leave it out.

 

4.            Scratching and other damage can occur from improper cleaning. Do not over clean. 

 

5.            If your gemstones jewelry has different gemstones on it, please check carefully before cleaning.

 

6.            When you have a specific question about cleaning your jewelry, it is always best to consult a professional jeweler.

 

Remarks:  Please be careful when you clean your jewelry which has a combination of different gemstones and pearls.  Different gemstones and pearls need special care when cleaning.  If in doubt, take it to your jeweler for a professional cleaning.

 

B.  Storing the gemstones jewelry

 

Gemstones come in varying degrees of hardness.  Some gemstones are harder than the metal (gold, silver, or platinum) it is set in and can scratch the surfaces of your other fine jewelry if they are kept together.  Please follow the following guidelines for better storage.

 

1.            Store each piece of gemstone jewelry in a lined case or a soft cloth separately, so they do not touch each other or parts of other jewelry. 

 

2.            Avoid creating a tangle of jewelry especially when you travel.  Make sure your jewelry pieces don¡¦t jostle each other in one bag.

 

3.            NEVER pile jewelry in a tangled heap in a drawer or jewelry box. 

 

4.            Storing necklaces flat to reduce stretching.

 

5.            Dramatic shifts in temperature can crack gemstones.  Avoid storing your jewelry near a heating vent or heater.

 

6.            Always keep your jewelry out of the sun.  Sunlight can cause many colored gemstones to fade or discolor.

 

7.            Please mind your pets.  They may swallow your gemstones jewelry accidentally if you do not store it in a safe place after removing it.

 

C. More guidelines to help keep your gemstone jewelry in top condition

 

1.            Put your gemstone jewelry on AFTER applying makeup, perfume and hair spray.  Chemicals in hair products, fragrances and cosmetics can dull the shine of your gems. 

 

2.            Do not to remove rings by pulling on the gemstone.  You will weaken the grip that the metal has on the gemstone over time and increase the chance it may come loose and be lost.

 

3.            Protect your jewelry from scratches and sharp blows.

 

4.            Remove the gemstone jewelry before:

 

a)         doing household chores, gardening or vigorous exercise

 

b)         swimming: Chlorine or seawater will damage gemstones and will break down the molecules in precious metals.

 

c)         bathing

 

5.            Avoid touching the gemstones on your jewelry with your fingers.

 

6.            Periodically check for loose gems by gently shaking the piece or by tapping it with your finger near your ears.  Prongs may be checked by trying to insert a thin piece of paper between the gemstone and the metal prongs.  When in doubt, have it professionally checked by a jeweler.

 

7.            Restring necklaces regularly, at least annually if use frequently.  If gemstones move easily along the string, it's time to have the piece restrung.

 

8.            Gemstone jewelry should be worn and enjoyed, not kept locked away in a safety deposit box.  If you have gemstone jewelry, perhaps passed down to you and do not suit your style, consider resetting it into a modern piece.  Please visit our special order for more information.

 

Contact Us

 

For any further queries, please feel free to contact us by email, cs@supreme-gems.com.

 

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