When it comes to cleaning jewelry, especially loose diamonds and gemstones, most individuals do not properly clean their jewelry thus resulting in either a damaged or totally destroyed piece of jewelry. Because of this we have came up with a guide on how to successfully clean your precious stones to avoid damage. Remember diamonds are extremely tough stones but they are not intended to be dipped in acid and scrubbed hard with abrasives.
Using Ultrasonic Cleaners for your General Care for all jewelry
DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING TO YOUR JEWELRY
- Do not wear jewelry to bed
- Do not wear jewelry while working in the yard
- Do not wear jewelry while spraying hair spray
- Do not wear your jewelry in the shower or while doing the dishes
- Always store your jewelry in a clean, dry box
- Do not use any household ammonia base cleaners on your jewelry, use an Ultrasonic
- Do not use any rubbing compounds on your jewelry
DO
- Enjoy and take care of your jewelry. Remember it is called Fine jewelry for a reason
- Do have your stones checked at least one a year
- Do clean all of your rings and gold using warm soapy water. Simply soak it in water for 5 minutes then wash with warm water.
- You can use a very, very soft brush on jewelry that will help loose any material built up on the jewelry. Always use a professional ultrasonic cleaner machine.
Individual Stone Care for Ultrasonic Cleaners
Choose the gem that you wish to clean from the below list. If you have any questions or concerns about cleaning a particular gem or you do not see the gem you wish you clean below please contact us and we will be happy to assist you. We carry a wide variety of these stones on our website. See our Colored Stone section for details.
Alexandrite: Clean with soapy water or alcohol. Mechanical cleaners are also acceptable.
Aquamarine: Never ever use chemical cleaners. Avoid heat and overtly frequent cleaning at all costs. Best solution would be cool soapy water.
Diamond: While mechanical and chemical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is fracture filled or has fractures. Always rinse and dry well when using soapy water. It is best if you can use an ultrasonic and follow up the cleaning with a steam bath. You can use a nice good quality ultrasonic cleaner when cleaning your diamonds.
Emerald: Never use chemical or mechanical cleaners as these methods dissolve the oils used during processing to fill inclusions. Clean with soapy water and have your jeweler re-oil your emeralds annually. Emeralds need extra special care and but can be done very cost effectively.
Garnet: The safest method is to simply use a soapy water solution.
Jade: Mild soapy water solution is the best but mechanical cleaners are also safe. Avoid chemical cleaners at all costs as it will damage the stone.
Opal: Wipe with slightly damp cool cloth. Never use any types of cleaners and never scrub or brush your opal.
Pearl: Wipe with damp cloth after wear. Use a soapy water solution is also acceptable. You should have your peals professionally cleaned every few years.
Peridot: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. The best solution is a warm soapy water solution
Ruby: Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents. While mechanical cleaners are generally safe it is best left up to a professional to examine the stone prior to cleaning, especially if the stone is very included.
Sapphire: Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents (very mild). While mechanical cleaners are safe we recommend water.
Tanzanite: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners, it will damage the tanzanite. Simply use a soapy water solution
Topaz: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners, it will damage the tanzanite. Simply use a soapy water solution.
Tourmaline: Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners, it will damage the tanzanite. Simply use a soapy water solution. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on tourmaline.
