Caring for Your Precious Stones: Expert Tips

Fine jewelry is more than an accessory—it's an investment meant to be treasured for generations. Whether you've recently acquired a new piece or are caring for family heirlooms, proper maintenance is essential to preserve their beauty and value. As a master goldsmith at Riavv Jewelry, I've spent 15 years working with precious stones and metals. In this guide, I'll share professional insights to help you care for your jewelry like an expert.

Understanding Your Gemstones

Before diving into care techniques, it's important to understand that different gemstones have varying levels of hardness and durability. The Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), is used to measure a stone's resistance to scratching.

Understanding your gemstone's properties will help you determine the appropriate care routine. Even if your piece features multiple types of stones, you should always care for it according to the most delicate component.

Daily Wear Considerations

Proper care begins with how you wear your jewelry. Here are essential practices to protect your pieces during daily wear:

The "Last On, First Off" Rule

Make jewelry the last thing you put on when getting ready and the first thing you take off when returning home. This minimizes exposure to cosmetics, perfumes, and other chemicals that can damage gemstones and metals.

When to Remove Your Jewelry

Always remove your jewelry before:

• Swimming (chlorine can damage metals and some gemstones)
• Showering (soaps can create residue)
• Applying lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics
• Household cleaning (chemicals can erode settings and damage stones)
• Exercise or sports activities
• Gardening (soil can scratch gemstones)
• Cooking (especially kneading dough, which can lodge in settings)

Avoiding Exposure to Extreme Conditions

Protect your jewelry from:

• Direct sunlight for extended periods (can fade certain gemstones)
• Extreme temperature changes (can cause stones to crack)
• High humidity environments (can accelerate tarnishing of metals)

Proper Cleaning Techniques

Regular cleaning keeps your jewelry looking its best. Here are safe methods for different types of pieces:

Basic Cleaning for Most Jewelry

For most diamond, sapphire, ruby, and other durable gemstone jewelry:

1. Prepare a solution of warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak the piece for 10-20 minutes.
3. Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on areas where dirt accumulates, like under settings and around prongs.
4. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water (place a strainer in the sink drain to prevent loss).
5. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, then allow to air dry completely before storing.

Special Care for Delicate Gemstones

For pearls, opals, emeralds, coral, turquoise, and other porous or soft stones:

1. Wipe gently with a slightly damp, soft cloth after each wear.
2. For deeper cleaning, use a clean cloth barely dampened with water (no soap).
3. Allow to dry completely before storing.
4. Never soak these stones, as water can damage them.

For pearl strands, lay flat to dry to prevent stretching of the stringing material.

Metal-Specific Care

Gold

Clean using the basic method above. For heavily tarnished pieces, professional cleaning may be needed. Be aware that frequent cleaning can gradually wear down gold, especially lower karat pieces (like 9k or 14k).

Platinum

Extremely durable and resistant to tarnish. Clean using the basic method. Platinum develops a patina over time that many consider desirable, but it can be professionally polished if you prefer a brighter finish.

Silver

Prone to tarnishing when exposed to air. Clean using the basic method, and dry thoroughly. For tarnish, use a professional silver polish or cloth. Store with anti-tarnish strips or in anti-tarnish bags.

What to Avoid

Never use these cleaning methods on fine jewelry:

• Ultrasonic cleaners (unless you're certain your gemstones can withstand them)
• Abrasive cleaners or toothpaste
• Bleach, chlorine, or other harsh chemicals
• Steam cleaners (unsuitable for many gemstones)
• Alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover

Proper Storage Solutions

How you store your jewelry when it's not being worn is crucial for preventing damage and tangling.

Individual Storage

Store each piece separately to prevent scratches. Options include:

• Individual soft pouches or cloth bags
• Jewelry boxes with separate compartments
• Anti-tarnish strips in closed containers for silver pieces

Specific Tips by Jewelry Type

• Necklaces and bracelets: Hang on individual hooks or lay flat with chains fastened to prevent tangling.
• Rings: Use ring slots or individual compartments.
• Earrings: Keep pairs together in small pouches or dedicated earring holders.
• Pearls: Store separately in soft cloth bags, away from other jewelry. Pearls need moisture, so avoid extremely dry environments.

Environmental Factors

Store jewelry in a location that is:

• Cool and dry (to prevent metal tarnishing)
• Away from direct sunlight (to prevent gemstone fading)
• Safe from extreme temperature fluctuations

Professional Maintenance

Even with excellent home care, professional servicing is essential for preserving your fine jewelry.

Regular Check-ups

We recommend having your jewelry professionally inspected once or twice a year to:

• Check for loose stones or weakened settings
• Examine prongs and clasps for wear
• Identify potential issues before they lead to loss or damage

Professional Cleaning and Polishing

Professional cleaning can restore your jewelry's brilliance in ways that home cleaning can't. Jewelers have access to:

• Steam cleaners (for appropriate pieces)
• Ultrasonic cleaners (for suitable gemstones)
• Professional polishing equipment
• Specialized solutions for different metals and gemstones

Restringing and Repairing

Certain types of jewelry require periodic maintenance:

• Pearl strands should be restrung every 1-2 years if worn regularly
• White gold pieces may need rhodium plating refreshed every 1-2 years
• Retipping of prongs after years of wear
• Chain repair and clasp replacement

Caring for Specific Gemstones

Diamonds

While diamonds are extremely hard, they can still chip if struck at the right angle. Clean with mild soap and water solution. Diamonds attract grease and can look dull if not cleaned regularly.

Sapphires and Rubies

Highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid exposing treated stones to high heat, which can affect their color.

Emeralds

Most emeralds contain natural inclusions that can make them vulnerable to cracking. Many are also treated with oils to improve their appearance. Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or chemicals.

Pearls

Extremely delicate and porous. Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear, as pearls can absorb acids from skin oils and perspiration. Never use detergents or ultrasonic cleaners. Restring regularly if worn often.

Opals

Contains water, making them susceptible to cracking if they dry out. Avoid prolonged exposure to dry conditions. Clean only with a damp cloth, never soap or chemicals. Solid opals are more durable than doublets or triplets.

Tanzanite

Relatively soft compared to diamonds or sapphires. Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes.

Insurance and Documentation

Protecting your investment goes beyond physical care:

• Appraisals: Have valuable pieces appraised every 3-5 years as jewelry values fluctuate
• Insurance: Consider specialized jewelry insurance that covers loss, theft, and damage
• Documentation: Keep receipts, certificates, and photographs of your pieces

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact a professional jeweler immediately if you notice:

• Loose stones or settings
• Damaged prongs
• Worn or thinning bands
• Broken clasps or closures
• Chipped or cracked gemstones

Conclusion: A Lifetime of Beauty

Fine jewelry is created to last for generations, but achieving this longevity requires mindful care. By understanding your gemstones' properties, establishing good wearing habits, cleaning appropriately, and seeking professional maintenance, you're ensuring your precious pieces will retain their beauty and value for years to come.

At Riavv Jewelry, we believe that jewelry care is a natural extension of the craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece. We're always available to answer questions or provide services to help maintain your treasured jewelry. Remember, the care you invest today preserves these precious items for tomorrow's generations.