Caring for Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstone Jewelry Care: Keeping Colorful Stones Brilliant
Gemstones bring color and character to any jewelry collection, but each one has its own care needs. With a few simple steps, you can keep your gemstone rings, earrings, and pendants looking beautiful for years. For diamond-specific tips, check out our Diamond Cleaning guide.
How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry
- Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl.
- Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and gently clean around the stone and setting.
- Do not soak porous or delicate gems—wipe gently instead (especially opal, turquoise, pearl, amber, coral, or other soft stones).
- Rinse with lukewarm water, taking care not to lose small pieces down the drain.
- Dry with a soft cloth and let your jewelry air dry before storing.
Pro Tip
Pearls, amber, coral, opal, and turquoise need extra care: wipe gently with a damp cloth, never soak, and keep away from cosmetics and sprays. Store flat in a soft pouch to prevent scratches. For gemstone-specific details, visit our Gemstone Guide.
Storage and Everyday Wear
Store gemstone jewelry in fabric pouches or lined boxes, and keep pieces separate to avoid scratches. Remove before household chores, gardening, or applying lotions and sprays. Sunlight can fade some gems—keep them away from heat and strong light.
Gemstone Jewelry Care: Do's
- Store each piece separately in a soft silk or velvet pouch or lined box, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Remove gemstone jewelry before sports, cleaning, gardening, or applying beauty products.
- Clean gently with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush or cloth.
- Ask your jeweler if you’re unsure how to clean a specific stone. Contact us for advice.
Gemstone Jewelry Care: Don'ts
- Don’t soak porous, soft, or treated gems—wipe gently instead.
- Don’t use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on soft, treated, or fragile stones.
- Don’t expose gemstones to harsh chemicals, chlorine, or high heat.
- Don’t leave gemstone jewelry in direct sunlight for long periods.
Caring for Treated & Enhanced Stones
Many colored stones are treated to enhance color or clarity (including heat treatment, irradiation, or fracture filling). Clean these gems only with mild soap and water, never use chemicals, heat, or ultrasonic cleaners. If you’re not sure about treatments, ask before cleaning or bring your jewelry in for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can all gemstones be cleaned the same way?
- No, cleaning methods vary by stone. Always check care instructions for your particular gem, or ask us if you’re unsure.
- Why did my gemstone change color or look dull?
- Exposure to sunlight, heat, chemicals, or buildup from lotions can fade or dull many gems. Gentle cleaning and proper storage help preserve color.
- Is ultrasonic cleaning safe for gemstones?
- Most soft, porous, or treated stones are not safe for ultrasonic cleaning. When in doubt, use only mild soap and water or ask us.
- How should I store my gemstone jewelry?
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined box, away from sunlight and heat. Learn more in our Jewelry Care guide.
- What should I do if my stone becomes loose?
- Stop wearing the piece and bring it in for inspection as soon as possible to avoid loss or damage. Book an appointment.
- Can I wear gemstone jewelry in the pool?
- No, chlorine and other chemicals can damage or discolor many types of gemstones. Remove jewelry before swimming or bathing.
- How do I know if my gemstone has been treated?
- Check your jewelry’s documentation first—reputable jewelers should disclose treatments at the time of purchase. Look for terms like "heated," "irradiated," "fracture-filled," or "enhanced" on certificates or receipts. If you don’t have documentation, schedule an appointment and we can help determine your stone’s treatment status.