Care of your gemstones .....
General
In general, it is best to treat all gems with care. Although the marketplace is flooded with various cleaners, these are NOT safe for all stones. What is suitable for one stone may damage another. A mild soap with a soft toothbrush will clean your jewelry efficiently. For softer stones, the toothbrush may be replaced with a soft make-up brush. Always be sure to place a rubber mat in the sink prior to cleaning and plug the drain! Although ultra-sonic cleaners are safe for some stones, they WILL damage others. In addition, they may loosen gems in their settings. If gems have been treated in some manner, ultra-sonic cleaners may affect the treatment.
Emerald
NEVER use an ultra-sonic or steam cleaner to cleanse your emerald pieces. Many emeralds have been treated. While emerald itself is a very stable gem, the treatments may not be. Therefore, do not leave them in the sunlight, subject them to intense heat and avoid chemicals. Avoid vigorous scrubbing. Warm water, mild soap and a make-up brush are recommended.
Garnet
To clean, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. An ultrasonic cleaner is safe for most garnets, except andradite (demantoid). Do not steam clean garnet. It is important to buy gemstones from a reputable retailer who will provide, in writing, all pertinent information regarding the gems including enhancements and special care notes.
Pearls
Pearls are less durable than most gems and therefore need more care. Always store your pearl items flat and separately from other jewelry as they are easily scratched. This also means that you should ensure that the pearls themselves do not scratch each other. There are pouches available which store pearls flat and securely to avoid scratching. Store pearls in a dry environment. However, pearls are one of the gems which absorb moisture from the air. If they are locked in an extremely dry environment, such as a safety deposit box, over and extended length of time, this could also be harmful. Avoid wrapping in plastic. They are sensitive to acids and chemicals. If you wear cosmetics and/or perfume, put these on before wearing your pearl jewelry, avoiding contact with the pearls. When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean your pearls with warm soapy water being very careful to not get water into the drill hole as the pearl may discolor. Dry your pearls by patting them flat on an absorbant soft (preferably lint-free) towel. Do not touch them until completely dry. Do NOT use commercial cleaners unless specifically designed for pearls. Pearls infrequently need cleaning. However, they should be cleaned and restrung once every several years.
