Caring for Gemstone Jewelry
Taking proper care of your jewelry means you’ll be able to wear it for years to come and pass it down to your loved ones. Whether they’re set in a ring, necklace, or pair of earrings; gemstones bring vibrancy and distinctiveness to fine jewelry. Serving customers in Avon Lake and the Cleveland, Ohio, area as well as online, Peter & Co. Jewelers designs and sells gemstone jewelry to suit any style or special occasion. Learn more about proper gemstone care and cleaning.
What Are Gemstones?
A gemstone is any rock or mineral that has been cut and polished for use in jewelry or other decorative settings. Chosen for their color, sparkle, or rarity, you also may see gemstones referred to as semi-precious stones or jewels. Some of the most popular gemstones used in jewelry are blue sapphires, green emeralds, and red rubies.
Throughout history, different cultures have attached significance to certain gemstones. In Ancient Persia, for example, it was believed that turquoise offered protection. And today, many people enjoy wearing the gemstone associated with the month of their birth. These birthstones are:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal
- November: Citrine
- December: Blue Topaz
How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry
You should never use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents on any kind of jewelry, as these can damage gemstones and precious metals. For most colored gemstone jewelry, you can simply use a soft, damp cloth to clean off dirt. Soaking your jewelry in a small dish of warm water first is a good way to loosen up any accumulated grime.
Maintaining Brilliance
Some pieces of jewelry, such as engagement rings and wedding bands, are worn daily. If they aren’t cleaned regularly, they may look like they’ve lost their sparkle. Lotion, soap, and other personal care products can create a film on the surface of a diamond, reducing its shininess. Remove rings before applying lotion. When you are washing dishes, put your rings in a safe location or use rubber gloves.
In general, you shouldn’t wear your diamond ring while doing any rough work. Refrain from wearing diamond jewelry in pools and hot tubs, as well: the harsh chlorine can give the gemstone a cloudy or discolored appearance. And as much as you might like to admire your engagement band, try to avoid touching diamonds with your fingers. Our fingertips produce natural oils that smudge the diamond’s surface, affecting its luster and fire.
Gemstone Care for Clarity Enhanced Stones
Most gemstones have minor, internal blemishes. These usually aren’t visible to the naked eye, but they can affect the clarity and sparkle of a diamond. Clarity-enhanced stones have gone through a treatment process during which the stone is heated and then filled with a special material that bonds to cracks or blemishes. After treatment, light rays will pass through any inclusions, improving the clarity of the stone.
Because color or clarity-enhanced stones have been heat-treated, it’s best to leave the care to a professional. The team at Peter & Co. Jewelers has extensive experience in cleaning and repairing all kinds of gemstone jewelry. We are happy to answer any questions you have regarding proper cleaning and maintenance methods for any type of precious stone.
Jewelry Education Resources
At Peter & Co. Jewelers, we’ve been in the jewelry business for over 35 years. That means we have a lot of information to share about diamonds, gemstones, and fine jewelry care. To learn more about different gemstones and how to maintain your jewelry, visit our guides:
Visit Peter & Co. Jewelers
Located in Avon Lake, OH, and serving the surrounding Cleveland, Ohio area, Peter & Co. Jewelers offers a wide range of fine jewelry from leading brands like Fana, Tacori, and Hearts on Fire. In addition to jewelry care and repair, we provide:
- Jewelry resizing
- Watch repair
- LINQ permanent jewelry experience
If you’re looking to buy jewelry for yourself or a loved one, our staff is here to guide you. We offer a comfortable and friendly atmosphere without high-pressure sales tactics. Customers also can take advantage of financing subject to approved credit. Whether you’re looking for gemstone jewelry for a birthday gift, Mother’s Day necklace, or another special occasion, Peter & Co. Jewelers can help you find the perfect piece. For more information, you can text or call us at 440-933-4871 or contact us today.