How to Clean Different Types of Gemstones

Gemstones captivate us with their brilliance, but over time, oils, dirt, and daily wear can dull their sparkle. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain their beauty, but not all gemstones are alike—each requires specific care to avoid damage.

This guide will walk you through the best practices for cleaning common gemstones at home, when to leave it to the experts, and how Stradley & Daughter can help preserve your jewelry’s brilliance for years to come.

1. General Best Practices for Cleaning Jewelry

“Last On, First Off” Rule:

Always put on your jewelry after applying makeup, perfume, or hair products, and remove it before cleaning, swimming, or doing strenuous activities.

Regular Cleaning:

Wipe jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

Bleach, chlorine, and ammonia can damage both gemstones and metals.

Storage Tips:

Store each piece in a soft cloth or pouch to prevent scratches, especially when storing harder gemstones with softer ones.

When Cleaning:

Place a wash cloth over the drain in your sink to prevent expensive mishaps!

2. Cleaning Diamonds

Why Diamonds Get Dirty:

Diamonds, despite being the hardest natural substance, attract oils and dirt that dull their sparkle.

Cleaning Method:

• Mix warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
• Soak your diamond jewelry for 10–15 minutes.
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond and its setting.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

What to Avoid:

Harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine, which can weaken metal settings.

3. Cleaning Sapphires and Rubies

Durability:

As members of the corundum family, sapphires and rubies are very durable and relatively easy to clean.

Cleaning Method:

• Soak in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.
• Gently scrub with a soft brush.
• Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.

Ultrasonic Cleaners:

Generally safe for sapphires and rubies but avoid if the stones have significant inclusions or enhancements.

4. Cleaning Emeralds

Delicacy of Emeralds:

Emeralds are often treated with oils to enhance their color and clarity, making them more fragile than many other gemstones.

Cleaning Method:

• Use a soft cloth or brush with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

What to Avoid:

Ultrasonic or steam cleaners, hot water, and abrasive scrubbing, which can remove treatments or cause cracks.

5. Cleaning Pearls

Why Pearls Need Gentle Care:

As organic, porous gems, pearls are highly susceptible to damage from chemicals, moisture, and rough handling.

Cleaning Method:

• Wipe gently with a damp cloth after each wear.
• For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth.

Storage Tips:

Store pearls separately from other jewelry in a soft pouch to avoid scratches.

What to Avoid:

Ultrasonic cleaners, standard jewelry cleaners and silver polishes (these are far too acidic and harsh for pearls), and exposure to acids or perfumes.

6. Cleaning Opals

Fragility of Opals:

Opals are soft and absorbent, making them prone to cracking and discoloration.

Cleaning Method:

• Wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
• For stubborn dirt, use a very mild soap solution sparingly.

What to Avoid:

Soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, and exposure to heat or dryness.

7. Cleaning Other Common Gemstones

• Amethyst and Quartz: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush; avoid prolonged sunlight exposure.
• Garnet: Clean with mild soap but avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with inclusions.
• Topaz: Use a mild soap solution and avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Turquoise: Wipe with a damp cloth only; soaking or harsh cleaners can discolor it.
  

  Want help choosing the right piece?

  If you’re marking a milestone—or translating a feeling into something you can wear—we’d love to help you design the right piece.

  BOOK A CONSULTATION

8. When to Leave It to the Experts

Old, Valuable, or Fragile Pieces:

Heirlooms and antique jewelry should always be cleaned professionally to avoid accidental damage.

Unknown Treatments:

Gemstones with unknown enhancements may react unpredictably to cleaning methods.

Intricate or Delicate Settings:

A jeweler can safely clean and inspect settings to ensure stones are secure and undamaged.

9. Professional Cleaning Services and Restoration with Stradley & Daughter

What We Offer:

• Expert ultrasonic and steam cleaning for suitable stones.
• Inspection for loose stones, worn settings, or damage.
• Careful, customized cleaning for heirloom and delicate pieces.

When You Need It:

• Stone re-cutting and repair
• Prong repair and re-tipping
• Pearl re-stringing
• Repair, polishing and re-plating for settings 

Why Choose Us:

Our professional cleaning restores your jewelry’s original brilliance while ensuring its safety and longevity.

Preserve Your Gemstone’s Brilliance

Regular cleaning and proper care are essential for maintaining your jewelry’s beauty and longevity. Whether you’re caring for diamonds, emeralds, pearls, or other gemstones, knowing the right methods can make all the difference.

For old, valuable, or fragile pieces—or when in doubt—trust the experts. Send your jewelry to us for repair or restoration today and let us ensure your treasured jewelry continues to shine.