Caring for jewelry and Gemstones including Moissanite and Turquoise

The safest way to clean and care for your precious metal and gemstone jewelry is to see a qualified Jeweler.

 If you are going to clean it at home the safest way to ensure you do not damage your jewelry is to scrub the item with warm mild soap and water using a soft bristle toothbrush. Once you have rinsed the item, it can be dried with a soft jewelry clothe. If a polish is required, use a soft jewelry clothe to bring it to a shine.  

If your jewelry Item is made of something other than metal and gemstones, it is best to seek advice from a professional jeweler before attempting to clean it. Cord style bracelets and rings are made of a material such as cotton or man made material which are dyed and therefore washing may affect their color.  

CARE MUST BE TAKEN WITH THE FOLLOWING:

1) Most commercial grade jewelry cleaning solutions have ammonia in them which can damage some stones, especially ones that have been treated. 

2) Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner because they may shake stones loose from settings and may damage more organic/porous gems like pearls. This is a tool in the jewelry industry that should only be used by a qualified jeweler who understands the limitations.

3) Steam cleaners are a machine that should only be used by a qualified Jeweler. Improper use of a steam cleaner can damage stones and settings. The steam may overheat a stone which may affect its color. Steam cleaners have also been known to damage a setting by loosening a stone from its setting. Lastly, Steam cleaning opens up a stone to damage by Thermal Shock if not done properly. 

4) Your jewelry should not be exposed to household chemicals. Basic household cleaning chemicals can damage stones or metals used in Jewelry. Especially Chlorine bleach which may damage Gold Alloys like 18K gold or 14k gold. 

5) When storing your jewelry, care should be taken to store each piece separated from other pieces. You may place each item in its own pouch or individual section of a jewelry box. Diamonds may scratch other diamonds or less hard gemstones like Moissanite, Rubies and Emeralds. Moissanite may damage other Moissanite and less hard stones like Rubies and Emeralds. Gemstones may even scratch your precious metals used in Jewelry. 

6) All colored stones should be assumed to have either fillers or oil treatments to improve their appearance as this is a very common way that Colored stones are processed in the jewelry industry. For these reasons, the colored stones should not be soaked in any solution that may remove or damage this treatment.

7) Care should be taken to store pearls away from light as some pearls in the market have been bleached to remove a less that desired color. Extended storage in highly illuminated location may allow the color to slowly change over time. These gems are also very porous and as such may be stained by fluids that can leach into the gemstone. 

8) Never use toothpaste to clean your fine jewelry. Chemicals in many toothpaste brands can damage your precious metals and grit may even scratch your gemstones.

Finally:

All of your jewelry has a financial and emotional value. It is best to wear your jewelry with pride but take care not to wear your jewelry in harsh environments. Jewelry should be removed before doing housework or yard work. Never wear your jewelry into a swimming pool as the chlorine may cause severe damage over time. While gloves are designed to protect your hands, they are not designed to protect your jewelry. Because most people live an active lifestyle, that places your jewelry in jeopardy of being damaged. It is best to have your jewelry inspected by a qualified jeweler at least every 6 months if it is being used regularly. This will ensure that your jewelry will last for generations and can be passed on to your children and grandchildren knowing that your jewelry will remain as beautiful as the day you purchased it.