How to Clean your Gemstones?
Be it on rings, necklaces or bracelets; we love wearing our colourful gemstones! Not only on special occasions but some of them become part of our daily wear jewellery as well. However, due to regular use, they might lose their vibrant shine or get dull. So, to keep those precious and semi-precious gemstones sparkling, they should be cleaned regularly or as often as possible. And for that, it is essential to keep in mind a few basic rules and learn some specific gemstone cleansing methods.
Cleaning your gemstone jewellery might seem easy, but you need to be careful not to harm the stone or the setting while cleaning it. Using the wrong technique or cleansing solution could quickly damage the shine of your jewels, leaving them dull and unflattering to wear. Here are some easy ways to clean various kinds of gemstones embellished on your stone jewellery pieces: 1. Soak, Scrub and Rinse
For this simple method, you need a soft-bristle toothbrush (baby brush might do), a bowl of warm water mixed with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Start with soaking your gemstone jewellery in the lukewarm solution. Then use the soft toothbrush to scrub gently behind the stone where dirt or soap can collect. Lastly, rinse those pieces with water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Be careful not to scrub too hard so that it doesn't affect the fitting. Most of the gems can be cleaned with this technique.
Soft organic gemstones are porous and sensitive. Organic gems like pearls, turquoise, coral, howlite or amber, can be damaged by improper cleaning and thus, should never be soaked. To clean them, simply wipe them down with a soft, clean and moist cloth.
2. Use a Regular Glass Cleaner
Some jewellers use and recommend this simple method which is to simply wipe down your shiny stones with a regular household glass cleaner. The glass cleaner is said to be effective in quickly removing oil and dirt from your gems while leaving behind a vibrant shine on them. It is good to wear rubber gloves while using this method.
Filled or dyed gemstones, like fracture-filled ruby or dyed turquoise, should be kept away from acids or cleaning chemicals. As even mild chemicals can cause damage to the colour of these gems.
3. Use a Window Cleaner to Remove Grime
Grease or grime can settle on the underside of the gems on your jewellery, dulling their sparkle. This method is used to clean the grime away. However, before cleaning with this technique, you need to follow the first method we have mentioned above. After soaking, scrubbing and rinsing, let your jewellery dry. Then for the next step, simply spray a window cleaner onto your jewellery piece and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.
Note: Do not use this method on organic gems and also if your skin is allergic to chemicals.
4. Use Ultrasonic Cleaner
If you want to level it up a bit without getting your hands dirty, then you can use an ultrasonic cleaner device. These devices clean your stone jewellery by creating high-frequency sound waves that cause bubbles to form in the liquid that surrounds your piece. When these bubbles burst with high pressure, they remove dirt and grime from the surfaces, leaving your pieces looking clean and fresh.
It may sound very simple and easy, but if your gems, like emeralds, have been treated in any way, you should avoid this technique. Delicate gems such as opals or pearls should be kept away from this process too.
5. Try Baking Soda
Good old-fashioned baking soda has a remarkable cleansing power, and can also get the dirt off of your stone jewellery. To try this method, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and then use a soft brush to scrub your piece gently. Next, dry and polish the surface with a lint-free cloth to see your jewellery shine like new.
Be extra careful with precious gemstones or valuable jewellery, as using the wrong method or chemicals can damage them permanently. Lastly, if you have any doubt or are unsure about cleaning your gems, then it is best to consult a professional jeweller.