Planning and Design
Just as the sun's harmful rays can damage our skin, light and heat can affect the durability and color of a colored gemstone.
Over time, and in excess, they can also discolor or damage certain gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz and shell cameos.
Pearls and other delicate materials, such as ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light.
Other gems, notably amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light.
Excessive heat and sudden temperature changes can also break some gems.
Heat can easily remove the natural moisture these gems need to retain their beauty. Pearls, for example, can dry out, crack and discolor.
Opals can turn white or brown, develop tiny cracks and lose their color play.
KEEP YOUR JEWELRY AWAY FROM CHEMICALS
Exposure to chemicals can damage or discolor precious metals - gold, silver and platinum - and damage certain colored gemstones.
Even everyday substances such as hairspray, lotion, perfume or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems (such as turquoise).
Fine jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated pool, or before using household cleaners. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too aggressive for delicate gemstones or vintage jewelry.
Bleach, another common household solvent, can sting or damage gold alloys.
TAKE PARTICULAR CARE WITH TREATED GEMSTONES
Many colored gemstones are regularly treated to improve the appearance of color and clarity.
These treatments can be adversely affected by heat, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
Knowing whether your gemstone has been treated is the first step in knowing how to care for it.
This is where a GIA report comes in: it contains important information about your gemstone and any detectable treatment it may have undergone.
USE ULTRASONIC CLEANERS WITH CAUTION
Although you can buy a professional ultrasonic cleaner for $150 or less, you should be aware that not all gems and jewelry can be safely cleaned in them.
Ultrasonic cleaners should not be used to clean :
What's more, the vibrations generated by the machine can sometimes shake gemstones or chip stones set with their belts in contact.
This type of cleaning is best left to jewelry professionals who are familiar with different gem materials and understand when and how to use the ultrasonic cleaner safely.
THE SAFEST CLEANING METHODS ARE ALSO THE SIMPLEST
Most colored gemstones can be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild dish soap (no detergent) and a soft brush.
A pulsating water dental cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth can also be used.
Be sure to rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions, as you risk losing loose stones - or even an entire piece of jewelry - if you rinse directly in the sink.
On the other hand, soft gemstones, such as pearls, can be easily scratched.
Use a new, clean make-up brush and warm, soapy water to clean them gently. Lay a strand of pearls on a towel to dry.
Wet silk thread can stretch - and attract dirt - so don't touch your strand until it's completely dry. Beads worn frequently should be rethreaded once a year.
STORE YOUR JEWELRY SAFELY
Proper jewelry storage is often overlooked. Jewelry should never be thrown in a drawer or on a chest of drawers - this means scratches and damaged gems.
Most jewelry comes in a box or pouch from the store, which is an ideal place to store it. Sterling silver, for example, should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth.
Jewelry boxes with individually padded slots for rings and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets are also ideal.
Pearls and opals absorb moisture from the air, so storing your opal or pearl jewelry in a dry place, such as a safe, can sometimes do more harm than good.
When traveling, protect your jewelry from scratches or other shock damage by placing it in a separate box or case.
