Gemstones are usually the most expensive part of jewelry. Each kind of stone needs special attention as there isn't a one size fits all for cleaning them. I have covered
how to clean diamonds in a previous post but here are some tips for the most common gemstones.
- General Cleaning Tip - You can rinse all gemstones with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Amber & Amethyst - Amber should only be cleaned with water and a mild detergent. Exposure to high heat or chemicals will damage the stone. Avoid steam cleaning.
- Aquamarine - Water, mild detergent and a soft brush work well to clean aquamarine. This gemstone scratches easily so store separately from other jewelry.
- Chrysoberyl (Cat's Eye) - Water, mild detergent and a soft brush work well to clean Cat's Eye. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners as they can damage it.
- Citrine - Clean with water and a mild detergent. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations as they can cause fractures in the stone.
- Emerald - these are fairly soft stones and should only be cleaned with water, a soft brush and a microfiber cloth. Keep emeralds away from all cleaners. Take of emerald jewelry when cleaning or doing the dishes.
- Garnet - Garnet is a soft stone and should only be cleaned with a soft microfiber cloth and water. Extreme temperature changes can cause fractures, so avoid steam cleaning and cold weather.
- Pearl (cultured and natural) - Clean with a soft dry microfiber cloth. Occasionally clean with water and mild detergent. Keep away from ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Very easy to scratch and makeup can stain them.
- Peridot - Very fragile stone should only be cleaned with water and soft cloth. Chemicals and sudden temperature will damage the stone.
- Opal - Clean with water and mild detergent. Opal scratches easily so store carefully.
- Ruby & Sapphire - both of these gemstones can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner or the same mixture of 1 part ammonia and 6 parts water used to clean diamonds.
- Tanzanite - This very fragile stone should only be cleaned with water and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid extreme temperature changes and hitting the stone on any hard surface.
- Topaz - Clean with water and mild detergent. Fractures can be caused by temperature changes.
- Turquoise - Water, mild detergent and microfiber cloth are safe to use on turquoise. Chemicals, heat and ultrasonic cleaners will damage turquoise. Avoid steam cleaning.
All stones are not created equal. Many stones are treated with coatings to increase their color and brilliance, so be sure to check with you jeweler that these tips won't harm your jewelry. You can clean your gemstones with water and dry with a microfiber cloth if you are unsure.
