Gemstones

Not all gemstones are created equally, some are much more fragile than others. The tougher stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can hold up against ultrasonic cleaners and other harsh chemicals. Many of the other stones can only be cleaned with a mild soap and water. There are still others that are so fragile that they can only be cleaned by wiping with a moist cloth. Stones that are opaque, porous or organic in nature usually fall into the last category. For instance a porous stone such as turquoise will not only absorb water but also any chemicals or soaps it comes in contact with. Over time the buildup will cause the stone to become discolored.

Most gemstones that are set into gold or silver should usually stay away from jewelry cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners. Wiping the surface clean with a moist cloth will help restore the shine in most cases. Constant contact with soaps and lotions will cause a film to collect around the setting. If it is not regularly cleaned, the buildup will accumulate into a thick layer of gunk. This layer will block any light that is supposed to be reflected off the gemstone, making it look extremely dull. You can try to dislodge the layer of gunk with a soft bristled brush. If all else fails, take your gemstone jewelry to a jeweler to have it professionally cleaned. Also, check your settings frequently to see if any of them are a little loose. It must be fix immediately by a jeweler to prevent the stones from falling out.