Gemstone jewellery is not just an accessory, it requires thoughtful care to maintain its beauty and value over time. Whether you have a sparkling sapphire, a radiant ruby, or an enchanting emerald, these precious gemstones deserve special attention. In this guide, we'll explore the top ten essential tips and tricks to help you care for your gemstone jewellery and keep it sparkling without leaving home!
One thing we had better clear up first however is the myth circulating that gin will clean your jewels and make your diamond sparkle. I always find that a bit of gin improves things greatly but that’s to imbibe rather than clean! Clare has done a great blog on how to clean your diamond jewellery at home and certainly backs me up on the gin. Here’s the link to the blog so you can get more tips on how to make your diamond ring shine and sparkle.
What are the top tips on keeping your diamonds and gemstones looking at their best?
1. Ask ‘What are we looking at’? Having a quick assessment can save a lot of future time and hassle. As part of an annual MOT of your jewels ask is your piece of jewellery suitable for home cleaning? For example I have a ring that if water gets in between the stone and the setting it can permanently damage it. Never undertake this process with older or antique pieces, or on gemstones such as emeralds, pearls and corals.
2. Prevention is better than cure: Try to be conscious and aware of how hard you are on your jewellery. Good jewellery maintenance means looking after it, particularly if it’s something worn every day like an engagement ring or favourite bracelet. These can accidentally get quite a few knocks that can build up over time and slowly change the integrity of the setting putting the security of the stones at risk. Ideally jewellery should be the last thing on and the first thing off.
3. Regular cleaning routine: Even if we do minimise the amount of playdough and bits of chocolate cake mixture (thanks children!) that get into our jewellery, the natural oil from our skin, hand cream and even soap can clog up the settings and adhere to the surface of the diamonds and coloured stones. The best way to maintain the brilliance, sparkle and shine of your gemstone jewellery is to establish a regular cleaning routine. Soak your jewellery in a bowl of hot soapy water. I always use fairy liquid but a few drops of laundry liquid is also excellent. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove the build-up of dirt and grime. There is a video on our social media pages that will give you an example of how best to do this. But remember to check if the stones you have are suitable for this type of cleaning first!
4. No Harsh Chemicals: Please no vinegar of bicarbonate of soda, there’s a lot of misinformation out there but this can really eat into some stones and permanently damage them. Don't use other abrasive substances such as chlorines or bleaches. Also toothpaste is a strange one I’ve heard of – best not to use that! I always remember a story from my gemmology course about a peridot left overnight in Cillit Bang that dissolved completely! Note to self – don’t do housework – but perhaps do utilise more of that gin! Gemstones are natural products and chemicals can really damage them.
5. Don’t lose it! There are times when you have to take off your jewellery. My children love to get spectacularly messy with things and products I swore I’d never have, like kinetic sand and facepaint - both nigh on impossible to get out of jewellery settings, so the ring comes off and straight into the box it goes, no matter what. If it comes off the finger, it goes in the jewellery box. Also, when you are cleaning your jewellery most people tend to do it near the sink…definitely put the plug in the sink! When you are finished with it make sure it goes straight back on you or back in that jewellery box.
6. One at a time: When cleaning the jewellery clean the pieces one by one - jewels piled on top of each other can scratch and damage other items. It’s a misconception that diamonds can’t be damaged. Diamond can scratch diamond as well as damage other gemstones they are against.
7. Good Storage: Always clasp your necklaces together, particularly if they are on delicate or long chains, this helps the dreaded knot forming in a chain. Knots can be very time consuming and fiddly to undo. Proper storage is essential to prevent scratches and damage to your precious gemstone jewellery. Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to avoid them rubbing against each other. A good jewellery box with compartments can stop pieces from tangling.
8. Professional inspection: It's a good idea to have your jewellery and all settings checked over annually by us at Clare Blatherwick. Nowadays, particularly for higher value items, many insurers ask for this in writing. A trained eye can spot a clasp that may not be closing properly or a loose setting where a stone may be about to pop out.
9. Be careful during activities. Consider the activities you engage in while wearing your gemstone jewellery. One client of mine was rather to upset to find a large diamond missing from her ring while at the gym, she had unwittingly knocked it out, however it was later recovered from the hoover bag at the gym so thank goodness for honesty! Remove your pieces before engaging in activities that might subject them to impact or stress such as lifting heavy objects. This precaution can prevent chips, cracks, or other damage to your precious stones and the setting.
10. Know when to get professional help…If only we applied this to all areas of our life! If you do notice that a bracelet clasp isn’t closing properly or a claw in a ring has been caught and lifted up slightly or any other damage to your jewellery go and see a professional jeweller. Attempting to fix complex issues on your own may lead to further damage. Trusting experts to handle repairs ensures the longevity of your precious pieces.
In conclusion, caring for your gemstone jewellery involves a combination of regular maintenance, knowledge, and mindfulness. By incorporating these tips and tricks into your routine, you'll not only preserve the beauty of your gemstones but also protect your pieces for years to come. Remember, each piece tells a unique story, and with proper care, your gemstone jewellery will continue to shine bright through the chapters of your life. If you'd like further details or advice regarding checking over your jewellery, arranging restorations or providing a report on the condition of your pieces, please contact us.