Welcome to Gemstone Foundations: MODULE 5
THIS MODULE INCLUDES:
Why Care Matters
Discover the benefits of regular gemstone maintenance
Cleaning
Learn the easy ways to keep your gemstones pristine
Storage
Find out how to prevent your gemstones from damage
Stone-Specific Tips
Explore how to care for more delicate gemstones
Everyday Dos and Don’ts
Learn the most basic tips for making sure your gemstones last
Why Care Matters
Everything we treasure deserves a little love –and your gemstones are no different.
They may be tough (some even rank among the hardest materials on Earth!), but they’re not invincible. A little care goes a long way in keeping them sparkling, secure, and ready to wear whenever the mood strikes.
Looking after your gemstones helps to:
• Keep them looking bright, clean, and full of life
• Prevent small knocks or scratches that can dull their shine
• Protect them so they can be worn, loved, and eventually passed down
Think of it as giving your jewellery a spa day now and then. Not fussy, not complicated – just thoughtful little habits that make a big difference over time.
Ready to show your gems some love? Let’s dive in.
Cleaning
Most gemstones are surprisingly low maintenance and require nothing but some warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. In fact, it’s the go-to method for most gemstone and jewellery lovers!
Here’s how to do it:
1. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a drop of mild dish soap.
2. Soak the gem or jewellery piece for a few minutes.
3. Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently clean around the stone and setting.
4. Rinse with clean water, then pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
5. Leave to air dry completely before storing or wearing.
This method works beautifully for the majority of gemstones – though some, like Opal and Pearl, need a softer touch (we’ll cover those soon).
Other cleaning methods include ultrasonic cleaning, which uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid bath to create tiny vibrations that lift the dirt away. It’s powerful, but not suitable for all gems! For this, stick to the tougher ones like Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby – more fragile stones can crack.
Steam cleaning, as the name suggests, uses bursts of high-pressure steam to clean jewellery. It’s quick and effective, but again, not ideal for everything. It’s best reserved for hard stones that haven’t been treated.
In short, a little care keeps your sparkle going strong, and when in doubt, keep it simple!
DON’T FORGET THE METALS!
Don’t neglect the settings! Gold loves a gentle polish now and then, and Silver benefits from a regular wipe with a cloth to keep tarnish at bay. Platinum? It shines brightest with a clean, dry finish and regular wear.
A Tip from the Trade: If you have a jewellery piece containing more than one gem, always clean it with the most delicate one in mind. For example, if you have a Pearl pendant surrounded by Diamonds, use a cleaning method suitable for Pearls as they are much softer.
Storage
Gemstones are enduring by nature, but they still need thoughtful storage. Harder stones like Diamonds and Sapphires can scratch softer ones if they’re stored together, which we know thanks to the trusty Mohs scale you’ve already met!
To protect their beauty, it’s best to keep each piece separate, ideally in soft fabric pouches or its own compartment. Avoid letting jewellery jumble together in a box, where even small movements can cause wear. A little care now means your gemstones will stay as radiant for future generations as they are today.
Special Cases
Some gemstones, such as Opal, Amber, and Pearl, are more delicate and need a softer touch.
OPAL
Opal is what we call a ‘porous’ gem, meaning it has natural water content and can therefore be easily scratched or chipped. So, the gem prefers stable temperatures and a gentle clean with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking it, and steer well clear of ultrasonic and steam methods!
PEARL
Pearl is an organic gem that’s exceptionally soft, so it’s extremely vulnerable to chemicals such as perfumes and hairsprays. But, don’t let this put you off wearing your Pearls – they actually thrive on being worn! All you need to do is wipe them with a dry cloth after each wear and store them separately to prevent scratching.
A Pearl rule we like to live by is to make it the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night!
AMBER
Amber, a gemstone formed as fossilised tree resin, is one of the softest gemstones there is – but this means it’s one of the simplest to look after. Keep it away from heat and harsh chemicals, because a quick wipe with a soft cloth is all it needs to stay golden and glowing!
Everyday Dos and Don’ts
You don’t have to be a gemstone expert to be able to keep them pristine! A few simple tips and tricks are all you need, so we’ve provided some below that are quick to adopt and easy to remember:
Do:
• Store each piece separately to avoid scratching
• Clean regularly using the methods your gems can withstand
• Put your jewellery on after makeup, perfume, or hairspray
• Remove your jewellery before cleaning, swimming, or exercising
• Wipe your gems gently after wearing them to remove any residue
Don’t:
• Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on more delicate gems
• Expose delicate gems, like Opal, to extreme temperatures
• Use abrasive cloths or harsh chemicals
• Store gemstones in direct sunlight
• Keep gemstones loose in a box or drawer
We must stress that you should never let these guidelines keep you from wearing your gemstones – because they deserve to be worn, and we want to see you wear them with pride! All we advise is that you give them regular care to keep them looking fabulous and red carpet-ready!
Key Takeaways
Congratulations, you’ve completed the final module! Before you go, here are some key takeaways from this section:
Gemstones are strong, but still require care to keep them sparkling and safe
Most gemstones can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth
Store your gems separately to avoid scratching
Some gemstones (like Amber, Opal, and Pearl), are more delicate and require different methods of care
Gemstones deserve to be worn and shown off, but they also deserve to be properly looked after
Did you know???
Pearls actually benefit from being worn! The natural oils from your skin help keep their porous skin radiant – but ensuring they’re correctly cared for is still essential!
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