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Cleaning and Care of Gemstones |
The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of Gemstone is certainly no exception. It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Gemstone. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas. Cleaning and Care of Gemstone Jewelry After removing your gemstone jewelry, wipe it with a soft cloth to remove dirt and other residues. In general, all you need to clean your gemstones is warm, soapy water and a very soft brush-a soft toothbrush and mile dishwashing liquid does a good job. Remove your jewelry, let it soak in the soapy water for about 20 minutes, and then gently brush it and rinse thoroughly. Be careful not to scratch the metal in your setting. Home ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for all of your colored gemstones. Rubies and sapphires are typically safe to clean in an ultrasonic cleaner but other gemstones are not. Similarly, emeralds should always be cleaned by hand. Do Not clean your gemstones with toothpaste!! It is an abrasive and may scratch or damage your fine jewelry. Something you may not know…plain alcohol or vodka is good for a final dip for clear gemstones. Yes, it completely removes all soaps and oils left after cleaning. Just dip the stone in a capful and wipe to a clear, reflective shine!!! Cleaning of Turquoise and Coral Keep turquoise away from high heat and chemicals such as oils, perfumes, and household cleaners. Even stabilized turquoise (an epoxy resin or other substance is infused into the pores of the turquoise. No longer porous, its color remains the same over time.) can be affected by a constant bombardment of chemicals. Clean your turquoise in warm, sudsy water and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid commercial jewelry cleansers. Like turquoise, some corals can be porous-these gems will get damaged if immersed in water for too long. Take care not to use too much water while wearing coral bracelets or rings. The water may also dull the polish of the coral making it lackluster and unattractive. If you plan to go swimming, remove your jewelry before diving in. The chlorine present in the water can cause corals to spoil. Storing Gemstones Store your gemstone jewelry in a lined case or a soft cloth, so the gems do not touch each other or other parts of the jewelry. Gemstones are harder than gold, silver, or platinum and can scratch the surfaces of your other fine jewelry if they are not kept separate. Wearing Gemstone Jewelry While it is true that gemstones such as rubies and sapphires are second only to a diamond on the hardness scale, it is not a measurement of their indestructibility. It means that these gemstones are able to resist scratching almost as well as a diamond. Your gemstone jewelry should be the last thing you put on when getting dressed and the first thing you take off at the end of the night. Store it carefully and it will be enjoyed for generations. And Finally… Examine your jewelry on a regular basis for damage. Check any gemstone settings periodically for possible damage to prongs or bezels. If you see a loose prong, or if the setting looks out of line, immediately bring it to a professional for repair. Be certain that stones mounted in rings are not loose or rattle. The prongs of a ring can and do wear down. If the prongs wear down too much or break, you've lost the stone. Prongs are easily "retipped" by most jewelers to keep the stone secure. Check your jewelry for scratches or other damage, and bring it to your jeweler if there is any; he or she may be able to repair it
Buzz Reed
www.lucky7sales.com
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