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Caring for Gemstone Jewelry
Keep your gemstones sparkly and eye catching for years to come. Here's how:
The biggest secret is how you store your jewelry. The better you store them, the longer they'll look fabulous. Gemstone jewelry prefers clean and dry storage. Abrasion and dust can leave lasting damage. Wrap each stone or necklace individually in soft tissue to avoid direct rubbing against hard surfaces. Some gemstones are harder than other gemstones making it important to keep them seperated becuase they could scratch. Soft stones are especially vulnerable to scratches and other tiny imperfections if handled carelessly. Use tarnish-resistant cloth and cases to store silver. Protect your jewelry by keeping it in a safe or drawer for storage.
When caring for your jewelry, never use anything but 100% cotton as a polishing cloth since paper, polyester, and coarse fabrics often contain wood fibers or synthetics. These materials may impart fine scratches in the metal, especially on sterling silver.
Daily Gemstone Care:
Gemstone jewelry maintenance has much to do with using good habits. Take rings off when washing hands, not just to keep them safe from harsh soap, but away from sinks as drains! Also, remove your gemstone jewelry when working with tools, moving heavy objects, or doing anything else that could potentially cause damage. Chemicals in cosmetics can harm stones and affect the appearance of metals as well. So add gemstone jewelry as a final act in dressing.
Gentle Gemstone Cleaning
Gems, particularly those in rings, will collect dust behind the gem. Clean your gemstones with water, a soft toothbrush, and gentle soap and 100% cotton cloth. This is simple, safe gemstone cleaning that can be done regularly.
This prevents harsh build up that would require professional gelstone cleaing.
Gemstones that require special care
Opals require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use chemicals and avoid heat. Don't put your opal ring on the window sill when washing your hands or the dishes as strong sunlight can dry out the water in opals which could cause hazing or color change.
Pearls. Protect from scratches; perfumes and household chemicals which can wear away the nacre or cause color change.
Soft stones like lapis, malachite, turquoise, amber and opals can easily be scratched by pin stems and the edges of other jewelry. Protect pieces with these gemstones by wrapping them in jeweler's tissue and storing separately.
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