Cleaning Gemstones

How to Keep Your Gemstones Sparkling

If you create wire sculpture jewelry using real gemstones, you need to know how to care for them. Precious and semi-precious stones have different hardnesses and different compositions. You want your work to sparkle when you set it out to sell.

Amber

Amber is one of the softest of stones. In fact it is nothing more than hardened resin (tree sap). Soap or solvents will dull the shine. Wipe with a water-moistened cloth.

Amethysts, peridots, rubies, sapphires and tanzanites

Amethysts, peridots, rubies, sapphires and tanzanites are harder gemstones. Still, wash them separately to avoid having them scratch each other. They can be immersed in warm soapy water. Mild dishwasher soap is best. Scrub gently, rinse and dry.

Aquamarines

Aquamarines are often heat-treated to intensify the rich blue color. Clean in warm soapy water with a soft brush. Store separately since aquamarines scratch easily.

Citrine

Citrine is also often heat treated to intensify its color; but can lose the enhanced color if subsequently exposed to high heat. It can also fracture if exposed to extreme temperature changes. Wash in warm soapy water.

Diamonds

Diamonds are the hardest known natural mineral substance, so store them separately to prevent them from scratching other stones. Soak in ammonia and use a brush or water-pik to get into crevices around the setting. If you want to have a diamond professionally cleaned, be sure to let the jeweler know if it is fracture-filled. Steam cleaning can remove the filling.

Emeralds

Emeralds require very special care because, in their natural state, they have many fine cracks running throughout. These are filled with oil or resin in the finishing process. Use room temperature water and simply dip the gemstones; do not soak. Brush and dry gently.

Garnets

Garnets can be washed in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. Sudden, extreme temperature changes can cause garnets to fracture. Do not steam clean.

Jade

Jade is often treated by dyeing, waxing, or bleaching to improve its color and appearance. Jade is very tough and durable but can damage other jewelry if not stored separately. Cleans nicely with warm soapy water or with an ultrasonic cleaner.

Opals

Opals are prone to chipping; so handle with care. Do not store in airtight containers as this will cause them to dry out and chip more easily. To clean, use a soft soapy cloth and then rinse under running water.

Pearls

Pearls - whether natural, cultured or man made - easily lose their luster. Keep them away from solvents which will eat the delicate layers of nacre. This is why women are advised to put on their pearls after they have applied hair spray and/or perfume. Be sure to warn your customers. To clean pearls, wipe with a moist cloth or rinse in warm soapy water.

Quartz and tourmaline

Quartz and tourmaline can be cleaned in warm soapy water and should not be steam cleaned. High heat can change the stone's color. In fact, smoky quartz and tourmaline are often heated to lighten their natural color. Prolonged exposure to bright light or high temperature can cause quartz or tourmaline to fracture as well.

Topaz

Topaz is commonly treated with heat and/or irradiation to enhance or change its natural color. Exposing topaz to high heat or sudden temperature changes can cause fracture or loss of color. Clean with warm soapy water.

Turquoise

Turquoise has a porous surface and needs to be cleaned frequently to maintain its distinctive color. Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Do not use cleaning agents as they can settle into the pores and discolor the stone.

Zircon

Zircon can be soaked in ammonia to clean; then brushed or sprayed with a water-pik. Zircons are easily scratched. Prolonged exposure to high heat or bright light can cause color change.