How to Clean and Care for Gemstone Jewelry

Gemstone jewelry is cherished for its vibrant color, unique character, and symbolic meaning. From the deep blues of sapphires to the soft shimmer of pearls, each gemstone requires personalized care to preserve its beauty and longevity. In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean gemstone jewelry safely at home, when to seek professional care, and specific care tips based on the type of gemstone.

General Guidelines for Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry

Before exploring individual gemstone types, it's important to understand a few universal care practices. Always use lukewarm water paired with mild dish soap to clean your jewelry. A soft-bristled toothbrush works well for removing dirt and reaching small crevices. Once cleaned, dry the jewelry with a lint-free microfiber cloth to avoid water spots or streaks.

To prolong the life of your gemstone jewelry, take it off before engaging in activities like exercising, swimming, cleaning, or applying lotions. Gemstones should also be stored separately in soft pouches or designated compartments to prevent scratching or impact damage.

How to Clean Sapphire, Ruby, and Spinel Jewelry

Sapphire Jewelry Care

Sapphires are remarkably durable and can be cleaned safely at home using common household items. Begin by filling a bowl with warm water and adding a small amount of mild dish soap. Let the jewelry soak for about five to ten minutes. After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around prongs, under the stone, and in any detailed settings. Rinse thoroughly under clean water, making sure the drain is plugged, and pat dry with a microfiber cloth.

Professional cleaning is advised if your sapphire piece is antique, includes softer gemstones like opals or emeralds, or simply needs a deeper clean. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe for sapphires when the stone is securely set. Regular maintenance includes monthly at-home cleanings for daily-wear pieces and semiannual visits to a jeweler for inspection and deep cleaning.

Ruby Jewelry Cleaning

Rubies share similar properties with sapphires, ranking high on the Mohs scale and offering great durability for daily wear. Clean ruby jewelry using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposing rubies to sudden temperature changes, and check that prongs are secure before using ultrasonic cleaners. Regular care keeps the gemstone vibrant and its setting secure.

Spinel Jewelry Cleaning

Spinel is a stable, hard gemstone that also responds well to gentle cleaning. Use lukewarm water and mild soap, along with a soft toothbrush, to remove dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals or rough clothes, and store spinel jewelry separately to prevent scratching. Spinel can handle occasional ultrasonic cleaning if properly mounted.

How to Clean Emerald, Peridot, and Tanzanite Jewelry

Emerald Jewelry Care

Emeralds are typically treated with oil to enhance clarity, which makes them more sensitive to moisture, heat, and vibration. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning completely. Instead, prepare a bowl of lukewarm water with a small amount of very mild soap. Lightly wipe the emerald with a soft cloth or brush and dry it immediately. Avoid prolonged soaking and never use abrasive tools.

Because of the treatment, emeralds may need to be re-oiled over time by a professional jeweler. It’s also wise to have emerald jewelry inspected annually to ensure the setting remains secure and the gemstone stays in good condition.

Peridot Jewelry Cleaning

Peridot is relatively soft and can be scratched by many common materials. Clean peridot using a gentle soap solution and a soft brush. Avoid any exposure to hot water, acids, or ultrasonic cleaners. Rinse quickly and dry immediately. Peridot jewelry should be stored away from harder gemstones and worn with care.

Tanzanite Jewelry Care

Tanzanite is a striking gemstone with moderate hardness, which makes it more vulnerable to chips and scratches. Clean tanzanite gently with lukewarm water and a soft brush, steering clear of ultrasonic cleaning or any abrupt temperature changes. This gemstone is best worn in low-activity situations and should be stored in a padded container to prevent accidental damage.

How to Clean Opal, Pearl, Turquoise, and Other Delicate or Organic Gemstones

Certain gemstones like opals, pearls, turquoise, malachite, and amber are highly sensitive to moisture, heat, and chemicals. Their porous nature and delicate surfaces require extra care.

Opal Jewelry Care

Opals should never be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam methods, nor should they be soaked in water. Instead, wipe them gently with a damp, soft cloth after each wear. Because opals are vulnerable to dehydration, store them in environments with slight humidity and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or dry air.

Pearl Jewelry Cleaning

Pearls should be wiped down with a slightly damp cloth after each wear to remove oils and sweat. Avoid soaking or scrubbing, as this can damage the nacre. Use only cleaning cloths or solutions specifically designed for pearls. Store pearls flat in a silk-lined box and never hang them, which could stretch the silk thread.

Turquoise, Malachite, Amber, and Lapis Lazuli

These stones are extremely sensitive to acids, solvents, and heat. Clean them with a dry or lightly damp cloth—never soak them or use any commercial cleaner. Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, sunscreens, or chlorinated water. When storing, keep them in cool, dark places, away from other jewelry pieces.

For all these delicate gems, the best approach is prevention. Put them on last when dressing and take them off first when undressing. Avoid even mild soaps unless the product is specifically safe for organic stones.

Tips for Storing and Wearing Gemstone Jewelry Safely

To protect your gemstone jewelry, store each piece in a separate soft-lined compartment or pouch. Avoid stacking harder stones like diamonds or sapphires with softer ones to prevent scratches. After each wear, gently wipe the jewelry to remove oils, perspiration, and other residues that can accumulate throughout the day.

When traveling, use padded jewelry cases that minimize movement and prevent contact between items. This protects not only the stones but also the metal settings from potential bending or loosening.

When to Get Your Gemstone Jewelry Professionally Cleaned

Professional cleaning is recommended when your jewelry has complex settings, includes mixed gemstone types, or is particularly old or delicate. It’s also useful when at-home methods fail to remove residue or restore brilliance.

As a general rule, take your gemstone jewelry to a trusted jeweler every six to twelve months for a thorough inspection and cleaning. This helps identify loose prongs, worn mountings, or hidden buildup that could compromise the piece over time.

Conclusion

Gemstone jewelry can last a lifetime—and beyond—with the right care. By understanding the needs of each type of gemstone, you can clean and protect your jewelry safely and effectively. Whether it’s a sapphire ring you wear every day or a delicate opal necklace reserved for special occasions, a consistent care routine will preserve its sparkle and significance for years to come.