How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry

Clean Your Gemstone Jewelry


Ah, gemstones. They are not all created equal, but most of them can be cleaned the same way. Sapphires, rubies, garnets, peridot, and aquamarine are only a few of the many gemstones that can withstand the following cleaning ritual. This cleaning process is similar to the diamond cleaning one, but it's a little bit more conservative because gemstones are not quite as durable as diamonds, and I think it's really important to take special care not to be overly aggressive with your jewelry.

 
You will pay for it in the long run with extended trips to your jeweler to get your lost stone replaced, your loose stone tightened, or you'll be really unhappy with a scratched-up stone.

 
What You'll Need:

• Club Soda
• Soft Bristled Toothbrush
• Soft cloth/old cotton tee shirt/microfiber cloth

What to Do:

 

Fill a plastic cup or bowl with club soda. Drop in your gemstone jewelry, swish it around gently, and let sit for one hour. Remove the jewelry and brush the backs of the stones with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any built-up grime. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

 
Jewelry Cleaning Disclaimer: All fine jewelry is different and therefore should be handled differently. This guide will walk you through some at-home ways to clean different types of jewelry. However, if your jewelry is very valuable, very old, or you just aren't sure if it fits within any of the criteria mentioned in this article, seek the advice of a professional on the exact cleaning techniques you should use. The best action you can take in cleaning your jewelry is prevention!
Don't wear your jewelry while gardening, washing dishes, putting on lotion, or doing anything that might involve dirt, grime, and chemicals.