Gem Care Guide

Expert advice on cleaning and storing your gemstones

Universal Rules

Last on, first off — put jewelry on after cosmetics and perfume

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight for colored stones

Remove before swimming — chlorine damages many gems

Store each piece separately to prevent scratching

By Gemstone

Diamond

Cleaning: Warm water with mild dish soap. Soak 10–15 min, gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are safe for untreated diamonds.

Storage: Store separately — diamond can scratch other gems and even other diamonds. Individual pouches or a lined jewelry box.

Caution: Avoid contact with chlorine bleach. Fracture-filled diamonds should not be ultrasonically cleaned.

Sapphire & Ruby (Corundum)

Cleaning: Warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is safe for untreated or heat-treated stones. Avoid for heavily included or fracture-filled stones.

Storage: Store separately from softer gems. They can scratch most other stones (Mohs 9).

Caution: Avoid harsh chemicals. Lead-glass filled rubies require extra care — no ultrasonic, no heat.

Emerald

Cleaning: Warm soapy water only — never ultrasonic or steam. Most emeralds are oil-filled; heat and vibrations can remove the oil and open fractures.

Storage: Store in a soft pouch. Avoid sudden temperature changes which can worsen existing fractures.

Caution: Re-oiling by a professional every few years is normal maintenance. Avoid all chemical cleaners.

Moissanite & Cubic Zirconia

Cleaning: Warm soapy water and soft brush. CZ can lose its polish over time — avoid abrasive cleaners. Moissanite is very durable and can handle ultrasonic cleaning.

Storage: Store separately to avoid scratching softer gems. CZ can scratch other CZ.

Caution: CZ can cloud with oil from skin — clean regularly. Moissanite is nearly as hard as diamond and very low maintenance.

Tanzanite, Aquamarine & Topaz

Cleaning: Warm soapy water, soft brush. No ultrasonic or steam for tanzanite (heat sensitive). Topaz can be heat sensitive too.

Storage: Avoid prolonged sun exposure — some topaz and tanzanite colors can fade. Store in a dark, cool place.

Caution: Tanzanite is relatively soft (Mohs 6.5–7) — avoid knocks. Topaz has perfect cleavage and can split with a sharp blow.

Opal & Pearl (Organic)

Cleaning: Wipe with a soft damp cloth only. Never soak, ultrasonic, or steam. Pearls: wipe after each wear to remove skin oils.

Storage: Opals need some humidity — store with a damp cotton ball nearby to prevent crazing. Pearls: store in a soft cloth, away from other gems.

Caution: Opals can crack if dehydrated. Pearls can be damaged by perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics — put them on last.

Metal Care

Gold (14K/18K)

Warm soapy water, soft brush. Avoid chlorine. Gold is soft — store separately to prevent scratching. 18K is softer than 14K.

Platinum

Warm soapy water. Very durable but develops a patina over time — a jeweler can re-polish. No special chemicals to avoid.

Silver

Polish with a silver cloth to prevent tarnish. Store in anti-tarnish bags. Avoid contact with rubber and sulfur compounds.

White Gold (Rhodium-plated)

Clean gently. The rhodium plating wears off every 1–2 years — re-plating restores the white shine. Avoid abrasive polishes.