How to Care for Your Gemstone Jewellery: A Complete Guide

Gemstone jewellery is timeless — each stone tells its own story through colour, brilliance, and character. Whether it’s a vibrant sapphire ring, a classic emerald pendant, or a delicate opal bracelet, caring for your gemstones properly ensures they’ll stay radiant for generations.

Here’s how to protect and preserve the beauty of your gemstone jewellery.

 

1. Understand Your Gemstone’s Personality

Not all gemstones are created equal. Each stone has its own level of hardness and sensitivity, which means their care routines differ slightly.

• Hard gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are durable and can handle everyday wear.

• Soft gemstones like opals, pearls, turquoise, and emeralds are more delicate and prone to scratches, chips, or cloudiness.

Knowing which type you own helps determine the right cleaning and storage methods.

 

2. Cleaning Gemstones Safely

A general rule for gemstone jewellery: gentle is best.

Do:

• Use lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap.

• Soak your jewellery for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.

• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Don’t:

• Use harsh chemicals, bleach, or ultrasonic cleaners (especially for softer stones like opals, pearls, and emeralds).

• Expose gemstones to extreme temperature changes — it can cause cracks or discolouration.

• Use toothpaste or abrasive materials to polish gemstones.

For a deeper clean, professional jewellers (like our team at Gold Reserves) can safely clean and polish your pieces using industry-standard equipment.

 

3. Storage Matters

Gemstones can scratch each other if stored together — even diamonds can damage softer stones.

• Store pieces separately in soft pouches or lined jewellery boxes.

• Keep away from direct sunlight — prolonged exposure can fade certain stones, such as amethyst or topaz.

• Avoid humid environments to prevent tarnish or damage to settings.

 

4. Handle with Care

Everyday habits can make a big difference in preserving gemstone beauty.

• Remove jewellery before swimming, cleaning, or applying lotions and perfumes — chemicals can dull gemstone surfaces.

• Take off rings when doing household chores or gardening to prevent scratches.

• Check settings regularly to make sure stones are secure — prongs can loosen over time.

 

5. Professional Check-ups

Even well-cared-for jewellery benefits from a professional inspection once a year.
At Gold Reserves, we offer expert cleaning, polishing, and setting checks to ensure your gemstones are safe, secure, and sparkling.

 

6. Quick Guide to Common Gemstones

With a little extra care, your gemstone jewellery will remain as brilliant and meaningful as the day you received it.

Whether it’s a treasured heirloom or a brand-new piece from our collection, proper gemstone care preserves both its beauty and its story — ensuring it shines for years to come.