Gemstone Care & Maintenance: How to Keep Your Jewelry Radiant for a Lifetime
Preserve the brilliance. Protect the meaning.
Gemstones are among the most captivating elements in fine jewelry—rich with color, history, and symbolic weight. Whether you're wearing a sapphire-studded wedding band, a black spinel accent ring, or a birthstone pendant, proper care and maintenance is essential to protect the beauty and value of each stone.
In this guide, you'll learn how to clean, store, and care for different types of gemstones so they stay as luminous and meaningful as the day you received them.
💎 1. Know Your Gemstone: Hardness & Sensitivity
Every gemstone is different. Understanding where your stone falls on the Mohs hardness scale helps determine how to handle it.
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness | Care Level |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | Very durable |
| Sapphire | 9 | Very durable |
| Spinel | 8 | Durable |
| Emerald | 7.5–8 | Delicate (can crack) |
| Amethyst | 7 | Moderate |
| Opal, Pearl | 5–6.5 | Very delicate |
Pro Tip: Softer stones (like emeralds or opals) require gentler cleaning and careful storage.
🧼 2. How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry Safely
✅ General Cleaning (Safe for Most Gemstones):
✔ Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and mild dish soap
✔ Use a soft toothbrush or lint-free cloth to gently scrub around the stone and setting
✔ Rinse with clean lukewarm water
✔ Dry with a microfiber or jewelry cloth
🧴 Only clean one piece at a time to avoid scratching.
❌ Avoid These with Most Gemstones:
✖ Ultrasonic or steam cleaners (unless professionally approved)
✖ Abrasive cleaners or baking soda
✖ Hot water or sudden temperature changes
✖ Household chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acetone
Especially avoid these methods with:
• Emeralds (natural fractures can widen)
• Opals and pearls (porous and moisture-sensitive)
• Vintage or foil-backed jewelry
📦 3. How to Store Gemstone Jewelry Properly
✔ Store each gemstone piece individually in a soft pouch or felt-lined jewelry box
✔ Keep hard stones (like diamonds) away from softer ones—they can cause scratching
✔ Use anti-tarnish cloths for silver settings, and silica gel to absorb moisture
✔ Avoid storing in humid places (like bathrooms)
💡 Label your pieces by gemstone if you own many—each requires different care.
🛡 4. Protect Your Jewelry During Daily Wear
✔ Remove rings before:
• Washing dishes
• Cleaning
• Working with tools
• Applying lotions or perfumes
✔ Avoid wearing gemstone jewelry while:
• Swimming (chlorine can damage porous stones)
• Exercising (sweat, shock, or pressure can loosen settings)
• Gardening or cooking (abrasion and dirt buildup)
🧴 Apply perfumes and creams before putting on your jewelry to avoid residue buildup on stones.
🔍 5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Every 6–12 months, have a professional jeweler:
✔ Check prongs and settings for looseness
✔ Clean your gemstone with safe ultrasonic tools (if applicable)
✔ Inspect for chips, scratches, or wear on softer stones
✔ Polish the band and restore shine
Pro Tip: Alain Raphael offers professional cleaning and re-polishing services for all custom rings.
💍 6. Special Care for Popular Gemstones
Sapphire & Spinel (Hard Stones)
• Clean regularly with mild soap and soft brush
• Avoid deep scratches or pressure
• Safe for most occasional ultrasonic cleaning
Emerald
• Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaning
• Use damp cloths only
• Re-oiling (by a professional) may be needed every few years
Opal & Pearl
• Never soak
• Clean with a slightly damp, soft cloth only
• Store flat, away from heat, light, and dry air to prevent cracking
Black Gemstones (Onyx, Jet, Black Spinel)
• Avoid abrasive brushes
• Clean gently and polish with a soft cloth
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat
✨ Final Thoughts: Caring is Part of the Love Story
Gemstone jewelry doesn’t just shine on its own—it needs your care to remain radiant and resilient. With a little routine maintenance and thoughtful handling, your gemstone pieces will carry your memories and meaning for a lifetime—and beyond.
💎 Discover heirloom-quality gemstone rings and custom care support at AlainRaphael.com—where beauty meets longevity.