Why Proper Care Matters
Gemstone jewelry is an investment — in beauty, in meaning, and often in memory. Whether you're wearing a garnet ring passed down through generations or a brand-new aquamarine pendant, proper care keeps your pieces looking brilliant for years to come. The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way.
General Rules for All Gemstone Jewelry
Before diving into stone-specific tips, here are the golden rules that apply to every piece in your collection:
- Remove before activities. Always take off gemstone jewelry before swimming, exercising, gardening, or cleaning. Chlorine, sweat, and harsh chemicals can dull stones and damage metal settings.
- Put jewelry on last. Apply perfume, hairspray, and lotions before putting on your jewelry. Many chemicals in beauty products can cloud gemstones over time.
- Store pieces separately. Gemstones can scratch each other — and even scratch metals. Store each piece in its own soft pouch or compartment.
- Clean gently and regularly. A soft toothbrush, mild dish soap, and warm water is safe for most gemstones. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Stone-by-Stone Care Tips
Amethyst
Amethyst is a relatively durable stone (Mohs hardness 7), but it can fade with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Store it away from bright windows and avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Warm soapy water works perfectly for cleaning.
Sapphire & Ruby
Both sapphires and rubies are corundum (Mohs 9) — among the hardest gemstones after diamonds. They're quite resilient and can handle mild ultrasonic cleaning, though heat-treated stones should be cleaned with warm soapy water only to be safe.
Emerald
Emeralds are beautiful but require extra care. Most are treated with oils or resins to enhance clarity, and harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines can remove these treatments. Always clean emeralds with a soft damp cloth — never soak them.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine (Mohs 7.5–8) is durable and relatively easy to care for. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which can fade its lovely blue color. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Garnet
Garnets are sturdy stones (Mohs 6.5–7.5) that clean up beautifully with warm soapy water. Avoid steam cleaning and sudden temperature changes, which can cause fractures in some garnet varieties.
Topaz
Despite its hardness (Mohs 8), topaz has perfect cleavage, meaning it can split if struck sharply. Handle topaz jewelry with care, store it padded, and clean with warm soapy water only.
When to See a Jeweler
Even with the best home care, professional maintenance matters. We recommend having your gemstone jewelry professionally inspected once a year. A jeweler can check for loose prongs, worn settings, and any damage that's hard to spot at home — catching small issues before they become costly ones.
Shop Our Gemstone Collections
Looking to add a new piece to your collection? Explore our handcrafted gemstone jewelry, from deep amethyst and vivid sapphire to lush emerald and serene aquamarine. Each piece is crafted to be worn, loved, and passed down.