In every man’s jewelry collection, you won’t miss some unique stones that are lovely and valuable. But do most people know how to take care of them?
How to clean them? How and where to store these precious gems? Well, if you don’t, that’s why we are here to guide you. There are different variations of these, from semi-precious, soft porous, and treated. So, let’s look at each one of them:
Semi-precious gemstones
These are easier to clean and handle, for they are hard stones. They are not as delicate as other stones. The list of them includes Diamond, Blue Topaz, Amethyst, Peridot, Ruby, Cubic Zirconia, Garnet, Rose Quartz, and Sapphire.
These semi-precious stones are safe when cleaned with warm soapy water but not any harsh detergent. Dishwashing liquid is better than any other soap. Soak your pieces into the solution for a few seconds, and using a soft-bristled brush, scrub gently around the stone.
Then rinse with warm running water, and clean dry cloth. Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also ideal if your stone is untreated. Do not use steam cleaning or hot water because you don’t want to subject the stones to heat.
What you need to know about gold
Many refer to gold with its carat because it is the one that measures its purity. The best gold contains 24ct, which is pure gold. Any other that falls under this is a mix of different alloys. However, the popular one is 18 and 19ct, and being a mix of alloys, they have a much stronger metal. The jewelers find them to be the best for setting stones or any other details.
So, an 18ct gold consists of 750 gold and 350 alloy or other metals. Simultaneously, a 9ct gold consists of 375 parts of gold and 625 alloys and other stones. A 9ct is the most durable stone and suitable for daily wear because it is resistant to scratching. The different colored gold you see is a mix of alloys, and you can’t possibly find a colored 24ct, since it’s natural and pure.
How to care for these gold pieces of jewelry
An ultrasonic cleaner is ideal for cleaning your gold jewelry collection, or you can use a lint-free soft cloth and shine it by polishing it. Doing this will restore the shine of the beautiful jewels.
It is safer to remove your gold piece before you go swimming because of the chlorinated water inside the pool, which can damage your precious stone.
Porous gemstones
These are quite soft, and you should handle them gently. Soaking the most absorbent of these gems in water may cause discoloration. These include pearls, opal, emerald, amber, coral, onyx, agate, dolomite, etc.
Also, avoid the harsh abrasives because they damage them by removing their luster. As emeralds have an oil finish that hides its flaws, the harsh detergents may scrub it off. Since they are so delicate, it is best to avoid soaking them instead of using a damp cloth to clean them. However, if you put them in water, dry them thoroughly before putting them in their storage.
What you need to know about silver
You may have plenty of silvers in your jewelry collection. Right? Some may be standard, while others may be pure. What’s the difference? The standard sterling type comprises 925 alloys, 925 parts of silver, and 75 copper or other metals. Jewelers find this to be easier for creating jewel pieces without losing their beauty. Since pure silver consists of soft metal, it is too delicate to withstand daily wear.
How to clean them
One of the significant effects on silver is tarnishing (darkening of silver metal), which happens due to oxidation. For removing heavy tarnish, you can mix a paste of baking soda in three parts to one amount of water and clean with a soft cloth. Then use a microfiber cloth to dry. Proper storage and regular wear are some of the best ways to prevent this. An ultrasonic is one way of cleaning your silver pieces of jewelry. Other easier ways include:
Warm water with few drops of liquid dishwashing soap, and then soak your silver in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently scrub it using a soft-bristle brush, as you target the crevices to remove any hidden dirt. Rinse them in warm running water as you gently rub off the water.
What is plated jewelry?
These are non-precious base metal, coated in layers of precious metal to create an illusion of the precious metal. These are quite common and used for daily wear.
How to clean them
Since these are exceptionally delicate, carefully wipe the dirt off your plated jewels using a lint-free cloth. Using ultrasonic cleaner or submerging them in water, discolor and remove their coating. The results cannot be pretty, as these will ruin the splendor of your pieces.
It is crucial to remove the plated pieces before you embark on cleaning, showering, swimming, or doing any strenuous work. Water, especially with chlorine, can damage these delicate pieces.
Avoid any alcohol-based products that include perfumes. They should be far away from such products. Please wait for the moisturizer to absorb the skin before wearing them altogether.
Treated gemstones
These are the types of stones enhanced with oil, dye, wax, or heating them to bring them to life. The jewelry collection may include Howlite, Lapis, and more. Please handle them carefully to maintain their beauty.
How to clean them
One of the best ways to protect these treated gems is to avoid using water instead of wiping away the dirt around it using a lint-free cloth. Any cleaning detergents may alter the color and the beauty of the stone. Also, avoid ultrasonic cleaning or getting them in close contact with perfume, moisturizers, makeup, and hair products. These may cause discoloration and dullness.
In conclusion, give a sparkle to your precious jewelry collection with the above guide. Proper storage for your jewels is essential, as you keep them away from the heat. Also, chemical exposure can ruin your precious stones, such as gold, platinum, and silver. Encourage your young ones with this practice so they can protect the family heirlooms they will soon inherit. It’s one of the best ways to give your pieces longevity.
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