Gemstones Care
Cleaning gemstones
This section describes the various stones which you will find from us if you need a gem or diamond replacement for your jewellery, and the appropriate care and cleaning techniques.
If we replace a gems for your jewel, we will explain to you how to clean your gemstones from your jewellery.
Diamond (Hardness 10)
CARE
Diamonds are the hardest known gemstone. However, they are NOT indestructible. Diamonds that rub against each other may scratch. Diamonds can chip if they take a knock at a vulnerable spot. To avoid scratching, diamonds should be separated from all other gemstones in your collection.
CLEANING
Diamonds naturally attract grease. For diamonds to look their best, the grease that builds up from skin oils, soaps and airborne particles must be removed. To do this use either warm soapy water or soak them in vodka for a few minutes, then rub them with a soft toothbrush before rinsing with water.
Rubies and Sapphires (Hardness 9)
CARE
Rubies and sapphires are harder than all other gemstones except diamonds. Most damage to rubies and sapphires occurs from rubbing against diamonds; rough handling or hard knocks directly to the stones which can cause scratches and chips.
CLEANING
Rubies and sapphires are best cleaned with warm soapy water and a toothbrush. They can also be chemically cleaned but this procedure is best carried out by an experienced jeweller.
Topaz (Hardness 8)
CARE
Although topaz is hard, it is not a tough gem. It easily cleaves. It can split from even a light blow. As such it requires gentle handling. It is best to store it separately from other gemstones in your collection. It is said to relieve depression, give courage, strengthen love and banish guilt. Blue colour is mostly as a result of heat treatment using nuclear radioactive technology. All stones are tested and are safe to use and wear.
CLEANING
Topaz stones can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Stubborn areas of dirt can usually be removed with a soft toothbrush.Stones should then be rinsed, wiped dry and then allowed to ‘air dry’ on a towel. Topaz stones should always be handled with care.
Peridot (Hardness 6.5 to 7)
CARE
Peridot is softer than many gemstones including diamond, ruby and sapphire and as such should be stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratching. Peridot can also be damaged by taking hard knocks so care must be taken when wearing Peridot jewellery.
CLEANING
Peridot can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. It should then be rinsed and dried with a clean cloth. Peridot must not come into contact with any acids.
Aquamarine (Hardness 7.5)
CARE
Aquamarine is from the Beryl family of gemstones as is emerald. Aquamarine can be cleaved when it takes hard knocks so care must be taken when wearing aquamarine set jewellery. Aquamarine jewellery should also be stored separately from other gemstones.
CLEANING
Unlike emerald, aquamarine is not oiled and is usually almost free of internal inclusions. As such it can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush before being gently dried with a clean soft cloth.
Garnet (Hardness 6.5 to 7.5)
CARE
Garnets should be stored separately from other gemstones in your collection. Always be careful when wearing garnet jewellery as the stones are brittle and can be damaged if they are knocked against other objects.
CLEANING
Garnets can be cleaned gently with a soft toothbrush and soapy water. After cleaning they should be rinsed with clean water and dried with a clean soft cloth.
Coral (Hardness 3.5)
CARE
Coral is the skeletal remains of a tiny sea creature called the coral polyp. It is quite soft compared with most other gemstones and as such should be stored separately from other gemstones in your collection.
CLEANING
Coral can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Do not expose coral to heat as this could cause it to discolour or crack. Do not dip coral into any jewellery cleaners.
Amber (Hardness 2 to 2.5)
CARE
Amber is in fact a fossilized resin of ancient pine trees. Amber scratches as easily as plastic.
CLEANING
Amber should be cleaned in lukewarm soapy water. It should then be rinsed in clear water and then patted dry with a soft cloth. Amber should not be soaked. Amber should not be cleaned with any commercial cleaners, chemicals or brushes. Contact with perfumed and cosmetics should be avoided.
Turquoise (Hardness 6)
CARE
Turquoise is the oldest known gemstone and has been used in jewellery for thousands of years. It can be scratched by many other gemstones and as such should be stored separately from other gemstones in your collection.
CLEANING
Turquoise should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. The surface of turquoise stones is somewhat porous. This can lead to it becoming discoloured by perspiration and detergents.
Emerald (Hardness 7.5 to 8)
CARE
Although emeralds are hard, they can be brittle. Emeralds often contain many inclusions that make them vulnerable to breaking.Emerald jewellery should always be removed before taking part in active sports or heavy work. Emerald stones are often damaged when they make contact with a hard surface. Do not store emeralds in dry conditions.
CLEANING
Clean emerald stones gently with a soft, damp cloth.Only lukewarm water should be used along with a soft toothbrush. Emerald should not come into contact with any cleaning detergents as these products can ruin the appearance of an emerald stone.
Quartz (Hardness 7) Includes : Amethyst and Citrine
CARE
Generally quartz is a hard, tough material and can withstand considerable use. But it is softer than diamonds, emeralds, sapphire and rubies so store quartz jewellery separately from these gemstones to avoid it being scratched. Amethyst stones may fade over time when exposed directly to the sun and bright lights.
CLEANING
Quartz stones should be cleaned in warm, soapy water. They should then be rinsed with clear water, wiped dry and then allowed to ‘air dry’ on a towel.
Cubic Zirconia (C.Z.) (Hardness usually 8.5)
CARE
Cubic zirconias are laboratory grown stones that are used to imitate diamond. They will scratch easily next to harder stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires. As such they should be stored away from other gemstones.
CLEANING
These stones can be cleaned in a variety of ways: Vodka, running water and soapy water can all be used along with a toothbrush or damp cloth. Regularly cleaning these stones should guarantee years of beauty and satisfaction.
