Finely handcrafted gemstone jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed.  However, it’s also an investment, one that is deserving of protection and special care. 
  
According to the Jewelry Information Center in New York City, even though a gem may be millions of years old, once it’s mined and worn, it is has now been exposed to conditions and chemicals that can cause damage.  The harder the gem, the less vulnerable it is. 
     
The Jewelry Center says that hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs scale.  The scale is structured so that material rated at each higher number can scratch substances with lower numbers. Diamonds are rated the highest, at 10; rubies and sapphires are Mohs 9; emeralds and topaz, 8; and garnets, tourmalines and quartz, 7. Anything softer than a 7 can be scratched, including opal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, and pearl.
   
Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs 2-1/2 to 4, which means that they require special care when wearing, storing, or cleaning.
  
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow when caring for your gemstone jewelry.

1. Don’t wear your fine jewelry while doing housework or gardening.  You don’t want your precious gems to be exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals or lost in the dirt.  Dirt and other substances can wedge into the prongs which is tough to clean out and invites abrasive cleanings.

2. Clean your jewelry often to maintain its sparkle and beauty.  Don’t use toothpaste as a cleanser because it can damage softer gems and metals.

3. All fine jewelry can be safely cleaned by soaking for 10 minutes in warm, soapy water (using a non-detergent soap).  Use a soft brush on harder gems to loosen any dirt around the prongs. 

4. A common mistake:  Don’t toss your jewelry all together in your jewelry box.  Remember a diamond ring can scratch that pearl necklace. Keep them separate and ideally wrapped in velvet, paper, or silk.

5. Check for loose stones frequently by gently tapping the piece with your finger near your ear. 

6. Get pearls restrung every two years or annual with frequent use. 

By Julie