How well you care for your gemstone jewellery will determine how long it will last. Most gemstones retain their value, while others have a good resale value. Even if the intention is not to sell in the future, if it ever comes to that, you should at least be confident that your gemstone jewellery investment will be worth it. When selecting gemstone jewellery in Singapore, choosing a trusted jeweller like Simone Jewels ensures guidance on long-term care and preservation.
Gemstone preservation will also keep them sparkling years after the purchase and make them a cherished family heirloom. When you buy your gemstone jewellery from a high jewellery brand, they’ll guide you on how to care for each gemstone. Here are some general preservation methods that work for most gemstones.
Clean Gemstones Frequently
How often you clean your gemstone jewellery depends on how often you wear it. If you wear it daily, cleaning it once a week is ideal. You can also wait for them to be visibly dirty or if the gemstone has lost some sparkle.
Key Takeaways:
- Use warm, soapy water or a specified temperature for each gemstone.
- Use a gentle cleaning detergent.
- Don’t soak gemstones unless confirmed safe.
- Avoid soaking soft gemstones, such as turquoise and amber.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe off makeup from gemstones immediately after use.
- Ultrasonic cleaner is not safe on some gemstones, including emeralds and moonstones.
Most gemstones can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a brush with soft bristles. However, some gemstones need to be soaked in water for some time to loosen the dirt. Your high jewellery brand may recommend hot water for gemstones that can withstand it.
Emeralds and tanzanite are some of the gemstones that cannot withstand heat. Steam and ultrasonic vibrations cause the fractures within emeralds to widen and even result in visible damage.
After brushing with soapy water, rinse the gemstone jewellery in cold running water or a bowl of water, and leave it to dry on a paper towel. If using running water, plug the sink so that any loose jewels don’t go down the drain.
If you have a soft, high jewellery brand cloth, you can use it to polish the gemstones before storage. You can also use any soft, lint-free cloth.
If you’re unsure how to clean your gemstones, it is best to take them to a high jewellery brand rather than risk ruining them.
Store Gemstone Jewellery Separately
Since gemstones have different degrees of hardness, you should store them separately. You don’t want to risk your diamonds scratching softer gems like pearls and peridots. A reliable high jewellery brand like Simone Jewels offers storage pouches and guidance on storing each gemstone type to maintain their beauty. Use the pouch the high jewellery brand gave you at the point of sale to store each gemstone. You can also get a jewellery box with different compartments for better organisation. Ensure the jewellery box has a fabric lining.
Keep Gemstones Away From Sunlight and Heat
Some gemstones, like pearls, get discoloured easily when exposed to direct sunlight. Others, like amethysts, fade, while sudden temperature changes can cause gemstones like emeralds to crack. Keep all your gemstone jewellery away from sunlight and heat.
Avoid Exposing Your Gemstones to Chemicals
No matter the metal or gemstone, your jewellery will last longer without exposure to chemicals. They don’t have to be anything significant because products you use every day can destroy your gemstone jewellery in Singapore. They include cosmetics, hairsprays, lotions, and perfumes. The chemicals you use in the pool can also ruin your gemstones.
- Remove your jewellery before you go swimming.
- Wear your jewellery last after applying lotions, perfume, and makeup.
- Remove your gem-studded jewellery first to ensure they don’t come into contact with chemicals as you remove your clothes or makeup.
- When handling household cleaning agents, especially those containing bleach and other oxidisers, remove your jewellery, especially rings and bracelets.
Inspect Jewellery for Loose Gems
It is not unusual for gemstones to come loose from their settings, so you should periodically check your jewellery for loose gems. Checking them regularly means you just may catch the stones before they fall off.
You can also occasionally take your jewellery to a high jewellery brand for a professional examination. They will identify loose stones or damaged prongs. You may also discover mistakes you may be making when cleaning or wearing the jewellery.
How you wear the jewellery, when you wear it, and how you remove and store it matters. Gently remove your jewellery and store it without tossing it on your dresser. These tips will help protect your gemstone jewellery in Singapore and help them hold its sentimental and resale value.