Better Means of Maintaining the Luster and Brilliance of Your Gemstones
Gemstones are valued for their glory, brilliance, and ageless charm. But after a while, they start losing their lustre and shine due to dust, oils, and environmental factors. If you want your gemstones to retain their sparkle the way they did when you first purchased them, then you need proper maintenance and care. In this article, we will discuss how to preserve the beauty of your gemstones.
1. Regular Cleaning
The simplest method of keeping your gemstones sparkling is by cleaning them regularly. Dirt, sweat, and skin oils can leave a dull coating on the surface of your stones. Follow these steps to clean them safely:
• Mild Soap and Water: Combine a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the gemstone. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
•\tUltrasonic Cleaners: Certain gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, are cleanable in ultrasonic devices. But fragile gemstones such as opals, pearls, and emeralds must not be subjected to ultrasonic vibrations.
•\tAvoid Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and harsh detergents tend to damage some gemstones. Gently use cleaning solutions at all times.
2. Proper Storage
The way in which you keep your gemstones is important for maintaining their sheen. Misstorage can result in scratching, chipping, or dulling. Here are some storage suggestions:
• Use Soft Pouches or Jewelry Boxes: Keep each piece of gemstone or gemstone jewelry in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to avoid scratching.
•\tSegregate Hard and Soft Stones: Sapphires and diamonds are much harder than any other stone and may scratch softer gems such as pearls and opals. Store them in segregation.
\t•\tStore Away from Sunlight: Amethyst and topaz can weaken if left exposed to direct sunlight. Store them in a dark, cool environment.
3. Be Cautious While Wearing Gemstones
Your daily routines can influence the longevity and luster of your gemstones. Take note of the following precautions:
• Avoid Contact with Lotions and Perfumes: Beauty products contain chemicals that can create a film on your gemstone, dulling its sparkle. Use lotions and perfumes first before wearing your gemstone jewelry.
•\tTake Off Jewelry Prior to Physical Activities: Remove gemstone rings and bracelets prior to household chores, exercise, or swimming. Chlorine and salt water can wear away some gemstones.
\t•\tAvoid Heat and Sudden Temperature Shifts: Certain gemstones, such as opals and tanzanite, are heat- and cold-sensitive and will crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes.
4. Professional Maintenance
Despite regular cleaning and proper handling, gemstones can require professional care in the long run. Jewelers are able to:
• Polish gemstones to get them shining like new
• Inspect settings and prongs to avoid losing stones
• Oil-treat or recoat stones such as emeralds that need special care
Professional cleaning of your gemstone jewelry every year or so will ensure its brilliance.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the sparkle and brilliance of your gemstones involves daily care, good storage, and careful wearing. By doing these easy steps, you can make sure that your gemstones stay as brilliant and sparkling as the day you bought them. With a bit of effort, your gemstones will shine for generations to come!
