While gemstones are durable, they require varying levels of care. For example, some gemstones are especially vulnerable to household chemicals and temperature changes. Cleaning gemstones presents special challenges. While many gemstones should be cared for by following our basic care guidelines below, please refer to our Gemstone Care. Overview to understand the care requirements for your specific stone.

Cleaning

After removing your gemstone jewelry, clean it by following the directions on a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner. Make sure that the jewelry cleaner specifies that it is safe to use with your gemstone. Use a soft cloth to remove any remaining dirt or other residue.

Storing

Store your gemstone jewelry in a lined case or a soft cloth, so the gems do not touch each other or parts of other jewelry. Gemstones are harder than gold, silver, or platinum and can scratch the surfaces of your other fine jewelry if they are not kept separate.

Wear

While it's true that gemstones such as ruby and sapphire are second only to diamond on the hardness scale, it is not a measurement of their indestructibility. It means that these gemstones are able to resist scratching almost as well as a diamond. Abrasive surfaces, harsh chemicals, and sharp blows can damage even the hardest gem. Your gemstone jewelry should be the last thing you put on when getting dressed and the first thing you take off at the end of the night. Store your gemstones carefully and they will be enjoyed for generations.

 

 

 

Gem Stone	Hardness	Accepted Enhancement	Care & Handling
Amethyst	7	Heated to improve color	Normal Care
Ametrin	7	Heating	Normal Care
Aquamarine (beryl)	7.5 - 8	Heated to improve color and clarity	Normal Care
Blue Topaz - Sky, Swiss, London, Super	8	Heated and/or irradiated to alter color. Thermal coated to alter color	Avoid re polishing, scratching or abrading - color coating may be chipped or scratched off
Citrine (all types) Lemon quartz, Lemon citrine, Verde quartz	7	Heated or irradiated	Avoid jewelers torches
Diamond	10	No Treatment	Normal Care
Emerald	7.5 - 8	Infused to improve clarity and/or color	Avoid extreme heat, steaming, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners
Garnet	7 – 7.5	No treatment	Normal Care
Green Golden Quartz	7	Heated or irradiated	Avoid jewelers torches
Honey Quartz	7	Heated or irradiated	Avoid jewelers torches
Iolite	7 – 7.5	No treatment	Normal Care
Moonstone	6 – 6.5	No treatment	Normal Care
Period	6.5	No treatment	Avoid sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners
Ruby	9	Heated and/or infused to improve color and clarity	Normal Care
Sapphire	9	Heated and/or infused to improve color and clarity	Normal Care
Spinal	8	No treatment	Normal Care
Smokey Quartz	7	No treatment	Normal Care
Tourmaline	7 – 7.5	Irradiated to improve color	Avoid steaming, harsh chemicals, ultrasonic, and temperature changes
White Quartz	7	No treatment	Normal Care
White Topaz	8	No treatment	Normal Care
Zircon	7.5	Heated	Normal Care