All stones, including diamonds and sapphires, can chip and are easily scratched. Harsh chemicals can damage both stones and metals. You should always take jewelry off when:
- doing hard work or working out hard. If you lose a stone, you'll never find it.
- cleaning the house. Chemicals can damage your jewelry beyond repair. Plus you're running the risk of catching it or knocking it on something
- bathing, swimming or soaking in a hot tub. Chlorine is a big no-no. The salt at the beach is also a bad idea for your gems.
Most people don't like to take off their jewelry for fear they'll lose it. But if you leave jewelry on during these activities you risk losing it for good. Place a special container where you normally would take off your rings. You won't have to fear the drain, plus you'll always know where you put them.
All your pieces of jewelry will need an occasional cleaning to remove grunge. Most pieces can be cleaned by soaking for a few minutes in a bowl of lukewarm water with a lil' bit of hand dish washing soap, scrubbing gently with a toothbrush.
NEVER use toothpaste, however, it's too abrasive.
Ultrasonic cleaners should only be used for all-metal jewelry or diamonds.- If you use silver polish, make sure you don't get it on the stones. Polish with a soft all-cotton cloth, because paper can scratch silver.
- Let gold or silver chains soak in soapy water. If they get tangled or knotted, apply a drop of baby oil and unravel with a needle. Cornstarch and a toothpick also work.
- A little ammonia dissolved in water will remove any oily film on diamonds.
- Soak your crystals for just a few minutes in a warm solution of dish soap and water. Scrub gently with a toothbrush. Polish dry with a clean cotton cloth.
- Turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis, etc. are rocks, not crystals, and they are absorbent. Do not soak or expose them to any chemicals. Simply wipe with a damp cloth and polish with a soft dry cloth.
- Opals are fragile stones. Clean with soapy water and quickly wipe dry. Absolutely no ultrasonic cleaner or exposure to chemicals.
- Unlike other jewels, pearls get better and more lustrous with exposure to the skin's natural oils. They are absorbent so do not wear while showering or cooking. Store lying flat because the string will stretch over time.
- Emeralds are soft stones. Clean using just a lint-free cotton cloth.
Note: Resist the urge to toss your jewelry together in a pile when storing. Chains get tangled, gemstones damaged and metals scratched. Best to store individually in fabric bags. Light causes silver to tarnish. Don't store any of it in plastic bags. Cool, and dark storage for opals because they will dry out if exposed to light.
