Care and cleaning of gemstones at home
Stones lose their shine mainly due to a thin layer of grease, cream and dust that builds up on the surface. The good news: you can safely refresh most of them at home — if you know what each stone can take. Here's the key.
Golden rule: know your stone
Hardness and sensitivity vary greatly between stones. A general "universal" recipe can damage more delicate stones. So always consider the type of stone.
Classification by sensitivity
| Group | Stones | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hard and resistant | Diamond, sapphire, ruby | Lukewarm water + mild soap + soft brush |
| Medium sensitive | Amethyst, topaz, garnet, aquamarine | Lukewarm water, no aggressive products |
| Sensitive | Emerald, opal, turquoise | Only a soft damp cloth, no soaking |
| Very sensitive | Pearl, coral, amber | Only a dry/slightly damp soft cloth |
Universal safe procedure (for hard stones)
1. Pour lukewarm water into a bowl (not hot!)
2. Add a drop of mild dish soap
3. Soak the piece for a few minutes
4. Gently clean with a soft toothbrush (dedicated to it)
5. Rinse with clean water
6. Dry with a lint-free soft cloth
What NEVER to do
- Toothpaste / baking soda: abrasive, they scratch the stone and metal
- Hot water on emerald/opal: can damage (thermal shock, oil loss)
- Ultrasound on delicate stones: emerald, opal, pearl may crack
- Chlorine / bleach: damage the metal and some stones
Special cases
Emerald is often oiled to improve appearance. Soaking or ultrasound can wash the oil out and reveal inclusions. Only wipe with a soft cloth.
Pearls are organic and soft (2.5–4.5 Mohs). Grease, perfume and sweat damage them over time. Wipe them after each wear with a soft cloth and store them separately.
Opal contains water — extreme dryness or heat can cause cracks. Keep it away from heat sources.
How often
- Stones you wear every day: a quick refresh every few weeks
- Professional cleaning at the jeweler: once every 1–2 years (including a setting check)
With us
For our pieces we offer professional cleaning and inspection. If you're unsure what a particular stone can take, write to us — we advise based on the stone type.
What's next?
---
Author: Kraguljevich Jewelry · Buyer's guide