How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry
Tips for Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry
Keep your jewelry looking as good as new with our cleaning and care advice.
How do you clean your jewelry? Perhaps you have a silver polishing cloth. Maybe you have a jar of gold cleaning solution. You might even be lucky enough to own a steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. But it’s important to remember that not all cleaning methods are created equal, especially when dealing with gemstone jewelry. Choosing the wrong method can lead to permanent damage to your precious gemstones. Read on to find out the safest way to care for your gemstone jewelry at home. Don’t forget, you can also visit your local DIAMOND BOX to take advantage of our free jewelry cleaning services and purchase professional cleaning products specifically formulated for your fine jewelry pieces.
ALEXANDRITE
AMETHYST
AQUAMARINE
CITRINE
DIAMOND
EMERALD
GARNET
JADE
MORGANITE
ONYX
OPAL
PEARL
PERIDOT
QUARTZ
RUBY
SAPPHIRE
TANZANITE
TOPAZ
TOURMALINE
ALEXANDRITE
Is Alexandrite Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Alexandrite is a relatively hard stone with excellent toughness. Its general resistance to heat, light and everyday chemicals makes it okay for day-to-day activities. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Alexandrite Jewelry
Alexandrite is a stunning gemstone, made popular by the way it appears to change color as you move from daylight to artificial light. To maintain the gem’s beauty, proper cleaning of alexandrite jewelry is important. DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for Alexandrite. Wipe alexandrite jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.
Other Ways to Clean Alexandrite Jewelry
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners may be safe options. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX Jewelry Consultant. And remember, you can always take advantage of our free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Alexandrite Jewelry
The relative hardness of alexandrite makes it mostly safe from scratching and damage in your jewelry box. However, its tough exterior could be a threat to softer gemstones you keep on hand. Make sure to wrap alexandrite jewelry in a soft cloth or keep separated from softer stones.
AMETHYST
Is Amethyst Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Amethyst is a moderately tough gemstone, but all gemstones in the quartz family require proper care to prevent scratching. Sharp temperature changes can harm your amethyst jewelry. Certain household chemicals can also cause damage, so it’s best to remove jewelry before cleaning or using harsh solutions.
How to Clean Amethyst Jewelry
Amethyst is February’s birthstone and typically appears in shades of light purple. DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for amethyst. Wipe amethyst jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.
Other Ways to Clean Amethyst Jewelry
It may be safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner on amethyst jewelry. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX Jewelry Consultant. And remember, you can always take advantage of our free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Amethyst Jewelry
Wrap amethyst jewelry in a soft cloth to avoid scratching and keep separate from harder gemstones, like diamonds.
AQUAMARINE
Is Aquamarine Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Though aquamarine is a relatively tough gemstone, you should still be cautious about scratching, intense impacts, and exposure to heat. As with all gemstones, remove your aquamarine jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Aquamarine Jewelry
DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for aquamarine. Wipe aquamarine jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.
Other Ways to Clean Aquamarine Jewelry
It may be safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner on aquamarine jewelry with caution. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX Jewelry Consultant to take advantage of our free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Aquamarine Jewelry
It’s best to wrap your aquamarine jewelry in a soft cloth or to keep it stored in a jewelry box away from other gemstones.
CITRINE
Is Citrine Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
While citrine has a good toughness, all quartz family gemstones require extra care to prevent scratching. Sharp temperature changes can harm your citrine jewelry. It’s best to remove citrine jewelry before cleaning or using harsh solutions, as certain household chemicals can also cause damage.
How to Clean Citrine Jewelry
DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for citrine. Wipe citrine jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.
Other Ways to Clean Citrine Jewelry
It may be safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner on citrine jewelry. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX Jewelry Consultant. Remember, you can always take advantage of our free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Citrine Jewelry
It’s best to store your citrine jewelry separately from harder gemstones like sapphires and diamonds to avoid any scratching. You can also wrap your citrine jewelry in a soft cloth if you need to store your jewelry in the same jewelry box.
DIAMOND
Is Diamond Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
There’s a reason diamonds are the favorite stone for engagement rings. Because diamonds are the hardest of the gemstones and resistant to the type of heat, light, and chemical exposure typical in daily life, diamond jewelry is perfect for everyday wear. However, it is important to be cautious about the prongs and settings of your diamond jewelry. Harsh chemicals might not harm your diamond, but can cause damage to the metal around the stone. To protect your diamond jewelry investment, make sure you are adhering to a regular checkup schedule at your local DIAMOND BOX.
How to Clean Diamond Jewelry
For regular cleaning, simply wiping down diamond jewelry with a polishing cloth. Diamonds are prone to picking up grease, muting their brilliance. A little soak in DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner is an effective regular cleaning method. A soft bristled brush can be used to gently remove dirt, especially around the setting.
Other Ways to Clean Diamond Jewelry
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners won’t harm a diamond, but using them can loosen the diamond’s setting, increasing the chances you will lose your precious gemstones. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX associate if you are unsure and take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Diamond Jewelry
Because of the hardness and durability of diamonds, it’s recommended to store your diamond jewelry separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching softer gemstones. You can also wrap diamond jewelry in a soft cloth to prevent any potential damage.
EMERALD
Is Emerald Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
The toughness of an emerald is typically fair to good. However, this gemstone often has inclusions and surface fractures. Fillers are used to maximize the beauty of the stone, but exposure to light and chemicals can cause these fillers to deteriorate over time. Consider this before choosing natural emeralds for jewelry you intend to wear daily. Do not wear while cleaning or using any household chemicals.
How to Clean Emerald Jewelry
Natural emeralds may be treated with oil, wax or resin. Because of this treatment, a good cleaner for emeralds would be DIAMOND BOX’s gentle jewelry cleaner or cleaning wipes. Let your emerald jewelry air dry on a soft cloth. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning should never be used. Emerald jewelry also needs occasional oiling to keep its vibrant luster and shine. Ask a DIAMOND BOX jewelry consultant for details.
How to Store Emerald Jewelry
Emerald jewelry can be easily damaged by other gemstones, so it’s best to store it separately from other jewelry or wrap it in a soft cloth.
GARNET
Is Garnet Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
There are many varieties of garnet , which will result in variations in the toughness of the gemstone. Generally, garnets rank fair to good in toughness, meaning they can be worn in all types of jewelry, but you should exhibit caution. Rough wear can cause scratching and damage. As with all gemstones, remove your garnet jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Garnet Jewelry
DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for garnet. Wipe garnet jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.
Other Ways to Clean Garnet Jewelry
It’s usually safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner on garnet jewelry. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX associate. Remember, you can always take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Garnet Jewelry
Store garnet jewelry away from other jewelry to avoid scratching or wrap in a soft cloth.
JADE
Is Jade Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
A unique stone, jade jewelry is prized for its extraordinary green color. Jade can be fragile, so caution should be used to avoid scratching your jade jewelry. Generally, though, it is hard enough to enjoy in all types of jewelry when careful. As with all gemstones, remove your jade jewelry before using any household cleaners that may contain harmful chemicals.
How to Clean Jade Jewelry
Wipe your jade jewelry with a soft cloth dipped in warm soapy water. Gently rinse your jade jewelry and pat dry. You can also use DIAMOND BOX’s gentle jewelry cleaner or cleaning wipes. Avoid soaking or vigorous scrubbing.
Other Ways to Clean Jade Jewelry
Ultrasonic or steam cleaning for jade jewelry is not recommended. Remember, you can always take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Jade Jewelry
Because of its fragile nature, store your jade jewelry separately from your other jewelry or wrap in a soft cloth.
MORGANITE
Is Morganite Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
A relatively hard gemstone, morganite is great for normal wear, with some precautions. Heat and intense impacts can damage morganite jewelry. Morganite gemstones make an excellent choice for styles you love to wear regularly. As with all gemstones, remove your morganite jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Morganite Jewelry
DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for morganite. Wipe morganite jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.
Other Ways to Clean Morganite Jewelry
Morganite jewelry can usually be cleaned using a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX associate if you are unsure and take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Morganite Jewelry
Store your morganite jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box away from other jewelry to avoid scratching. You can also wrap your morganite jewelry in a soft cloth to prevent potential damage.
ONYX
Is Onyx Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Onyx jewelry is a popular choice for those who love its dark color. It is relatively durable and easy to care for. As with all gemstones, remove your onyx jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Onyx Jewelry
You can use DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner with its soft-bristled brush to clean your onyx jewelry. Dry with a soft cloth or DIAMOND BOX’s polishing cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaning chemicals, steam cleaning or ultrasonic cleaners.
How to Store Onyx Jewelry
Store your onyx jewelry away from harder stones like diamonds to avoid scratches. Keep your onyx jewelry in a dry area and wrap it in a soft cloth.
OPAL
Is Opal Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Opal is a very popular and gorgeous gemstone known for its flecks of color and play of light. Opal jewelry does, however, require extra care due to the very poor to fair toughness of the gemstone. Opals can be very prone to breaking or scratching. Remove opal jewelry before handling household chemicals, and avoid intense light or drastic temperature changes.
How to Clean Opal Jewelry
Mild soap and warm water is a safe way to clean opal jewelry, but avoid soaking. Do not clean by steam, in an ultrasonic cleaner, or with any harsh cleaning agents. DIAMOND BOX has a gentle cleaner or cleaning wipes that are gentle enough to use on opal jewelry. Natural opal jewelry often is treated in ways that are not compatible with other jewelry cleaning methods. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX associate if you are unsure and take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Clean Ethiopian Opal Jewelry
Ethiopian Opals should not be cleaned with warm soapy water because of its hydrophane nature. It could cause contamination if any of the residue remains in the opal after drying. Trapped residue could change the gemstone’s color, negatively affect transparency, or cause internal cracking. If your Ethiopian Opal gets wet, the color and transparency will change temporarily but revert to its original color as it dries over a few days.
How to Store Opal Jewelry
Wrap your opal jewelry in a soft cloth and keep away from jewelry with harder gemstones, like sapphires and diamonds, to avoid scratches. If you live in a desert climate, it is advisable to store your Ethiopian Opal jewelry in a small zip lock bag with a damp cotton ball to provide a little moisture and avoid it drying out.
PEARL
Is Cultured Pearl Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Pearls are extremely soft, making them vulnerable to scratches and breaking. Take extra care of your cultured pearl jewelry to keep it long-lasting and beautiful. Be extra careful with cultured pearl rings, which will take more regular impact. Avoid exposure to household chemicals, including hairspray, perfume and cosmetics. Pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
How to Clean Cultured Pearl Jewelry
Cultured pearls are a very delicate stone. To clean, wipe your pearls with a soft, dry (or slightly damp) cloth. DIAMOND BOX’s cleaning wipes are a good, gentle option for pearls. Do not soak your pearls in the water and soap solution. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Pearl strands that are worn often should be restrung every two years. Ask your DIAMOND BOX jewelry consultant for details.
How to Store Cultured Pearl Jewelry
Storing your jewelry properly is essential for keeping your cultured pearls in good condition. Store any cultured pearls you have in a soft jewelry pouch away from other accessories.
PERIDOT
Is Peridot Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Intense impacts and rough conditions can cause scratching to your peridot jewelry. While a relatively durable stone, peridot jewelry is not ideal for everyday wear. Avoid household cleaners.
How to Clean Peridot Jewelry
Clean with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap. DIAMOND BOX’s gentle jewelry cleaner or cleaning wipes are other safe options for peridot jewelry. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX associate if you are unsure and take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Peridot Jewelry
Store your peridot jewelry away from harder stones like diamonds or wrap it in a soft cloth to prevent any scratches.
QUARTZ
Is Quartz Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Quartz is a category that covers many gemstones, such as amethyst and citrine. Quartz has a good toughness, but it also comprises many particles in the air, including dust and sand. As such, quartz makes an excellent focal point to your jewelry, but you should take precautions to make sure it doesn’t get scratched. Avoid exposure to household chemicals.
How to Clean Quartz Jewelry
Quartz jewelry is easily scratched, so gently wash your quartz jewelry with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, but do not soak the jewelry. Rinse your quartz jewelry completely before patting dry with a soft cloth. DIAMOND BOX’s gentle jewelry cleaner or cleaning wipes are also safe options for quartz jewelry
Other Ways to Clean Quartz Jewelry
Cleaning methods can vary depending on the type of quartz. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX associate if you are unsure and take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Quartz Jewelry
Wrap your quartz jewelry in a soft cloth or keep separated from harder stones like diamonds to avoid potential scratching.
RUBY
Is Ruby Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Ruby has excellent toughness and is durable when struck, making ruby jewelry great for regular wear. However, it is important to be aware of any possible treatments that have been applied to your ruby jewelry. Many natural rubies have fillers used to repair fractures and cavities. As with all gemstones, remove your ruby jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Ruby Jewelry
DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for ruby. Wipe ruby jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.
Other Ways to Clean Ruby Jewelry
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended due to the harmful effect on certain fillers. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX jewelry consultant. Remember, you can always take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Ruby Jewelry
Ruby jewelry can easily scratch softer stones, so keep it stored separately. You can also wrap your ruby jewelry in a soft cloth.
SAPPHIRE
Is Sapphire Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Sapphire jewelry is perfect to wear every day because of its toughness. Sapphires can also take on normal impact without breaking and little scratching. However, it is important to be aware of any possible treatments that have been applied to your sapphire jewelry. As with all gemstones, remove your sapphire jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Sapphire Jewelry
A durable gemstone, sapphire is easy to clean. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to remove any dirt from your sapphire jewelry. Rinse your sapphire jewelry, pat dry and let it air-dry before storing. DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner or care system is perfect for cleaning sapphire jewelry.
Other Ways to Clean Sapphire Jewelry
Sapphire jewelry can usually be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Steam cleaners should be avoided. Remember, you can always take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Sapphire Jewelry
Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones, so it could easily scratch other softer gemstones. It’s best to wrap sapphire jewelry in a cloth or store separately from your other jewelry.
TANZANITE
Is Tanzanite Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Tanzanite jewelry has become quite popular for its vibrant purple and blue tones. With some care, tanzanite can be worn in all jewelry styles. However, its fair to poor toughness makes it vulnerable to breaks and scratching. As with all gemstones, remove your tanzanite jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Tanzanite Jewelry
Mild soap and warm water is the safest cleaning method for tanzanite jewelry. Make sure to rinse your tanzanite jewelry thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Let air dry before storing. DIAMOND BOX’s cleaning wipes are another safe option for tanzanite jewelry. Speak to a DIAMOND BOX associate and take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Tanzanite Jewelry
Wrap your tanzanite jewelry in a soft cloth or store separately to prevent any scratches from harder gemstones, like diamonds.
TOPAZ
Is Topaz Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Its excellent hardness makes topaz a good stone for everyday wear. Popular especially in blue varieties, topaz jewelry, like all gemstones, should never be exposed to household chemicals.
How to Clean Topaz Jewelry
Blue topaz and other topaz jewelry can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. You can scrub the dirt off your topaz jewelry with a cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush, but avoid harsh scrubbing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any soapy residue build-up. You can safely use DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner and polishing cloth on your topaz jewelry. Let your topaz jewelry dry before storing. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners. Remember, you can always take advantage of DIAMOND BOX’s free jewelry cleaning services.
How to Store Topaz Jewelry
Keep your topaz jewelry away from harder gemstones like diamonds by wrapping in a soft cloth or storing separately.
TOURMALINE
Is Tourmaline Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Tourmaline is resistant to scratching, chipping and cracking, making it an excellent choice for regular wear. As with all gemstones, remove your tourmaline jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Tourmaline Jewelry
Warm, soapy water is a recommended cleaning method. Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. DIAMOND BOX’s fine jewelry cleaner and polishing cloth are perfect for taking care of your tourmaline jewelry. Rinse your tourmaline thoroughly before patting dry. Steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended for tourmaline jewelry. Avoid household chemicals like ammonia or bleach when wearing your tourmaline jewelry.
How to Store Tourmaline Jewelry
Wrap your tourmaline jewelry in a soft cloth to prevent scratches.