Taking Care of Your Gemstone Jewelry
Caring for your precious gems is achievable and easy. It is not a must for you to have expensive products or high-tech equipment to keep the jewelry pieces safe. This basic knowledge on gemstone jewelry care will save you a lot of trouble.
Contrary to what we know, gems can’t last forever, especially when you don’t take care of them. One thing you must know is the specs and characteristics of the stone. Are the earrings made of porous gem? How hard is the gem according to the hardness scale? Do you need a special chemical to clean them or water can suffice? If you ask these questions and get the right answers, you will find it easy to maintain your gemstone jewelry.
Unlike other gems, you have to be cautious when cleaning porous stones. These stones are also called delicate gems meaning they can be discolored, chipped or scratched easily. Examples of such stones include onyx, amber, coral, pearl, turquoise and emerald. If exposed to heat, the quality of these gems immediately reduces, not to mention discoloration. Exposing then to other harder gemstones could cause chipping and scratching. All the earrings made of porous gems must be cleaned and stored well, ensure they get they get the appropriate care for their type.
Storage is an important factor when it comes to taking care of gemstone jewelry. Its the best way to preserve their quality after you clean them. Store gems separately depending on their hardness level. You can keep the hard ones in a separate box. Also, ensure that all your stones don’t get exposed to moisture since it can diminish the gem quality. The metals on your earrings must be secured well so that they don’t scratch the stones.
Gemstones, especially the porous ones can react to chemicals. Products with bleach or chlorine can cause discoloration. If exposed to petroleum jelly, some stones can get long term defects. If you have to swim, ensure that your jewelry is sealed in a box.
Any gemstone fan knows the importance of maintaining the beauty of gemstone earrings, including other jewelry. Proper care will enable you to prolong their lifespan.