CARE
OF GEMSTONES
In
order to preserve the beauty and durability of a gemstone, it is important
to understand that each gemstone is unique and requires specialized cleaning
based on their reaction to heat, light and chemicals.
Although
most commercially prepared jewellery cleaners are considered safe, unless
you are familiar with how the gemstone or jewellery will react to the
chemicals, it is always wise to have a professional jeweller/ goldsmith
clean your jewellery.
In
most cases, the full brilliance of certain gemstones can be restored simply
by using a mild detergent in warm water with a soft brush. The key area
when cleaning any transparent faceted gemstone is the pavilion (bottom
of stone) since this area invariably collects dirt due to the setting.
Mild
Detergent Cleaning Procedure
Soak the gemstone for a few minutes in the cleaning solution. Gently scrub
the gemstone using a soft brush and ensure that any dirt collecting at
the back of the setting is removed. Dip the gemstone back in the solution.
Rinse under warm water. It is very important that the temperature of the
water be the same as the solution to avoid "Thermal Shock".
Shake or blow on the item (Do not use a hairdryer). Gently polish the
gemstone with a soft lint-free cloth. To avoid liquid stains, some jewellers
immerse the jewellery in a bed of dry maple wood chips.
For
Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies and Gold Jewellery of any Karat or colour,
use a homemade solution consisting of equal parts of all purpose household
cleaner and water. Bring the solution to a boil, remove from heat, add
jewellery and/or gemstones, and let cool. To remove any excess dirt, gently
brush the pieces with a soft brush and rinse under lukewarm water.
Mechanical Cleaning -- Includes "Ultrasonic Cleaning"
and "Steaming"
All
mechanical methods of cleaning are considered dangerous, and great care
should be taken when dealing with gemstones that have prominent inclusions.
To ensure the safety of your gemstones or jewellery, always deal with
a professional and competent jeweller.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Consists of a stainless steel tank with millions of microscopic frequency
waves. These frequency impulses concentrate on the hardest element in
the liquid.
Ultrasonic
cleaners should never be used on treated stones such as Emerald, Ruby
and Sapphire or on stones that are considered fragile such as Opal, Pearl,
Emerald, Tanzanite, Coral, Turquoise, Malachite or Amber.
It
is important to ensure that the gemstone or piece of jewellery is not
in contact with the bottom or sides of the cleaner. Vibration can cause
damage to the stones, scratch the jewellery or loosen settings.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a very effective way of cleaning gemstones. However,
care should be exercised so as not to cause thermal shock.
Tips
Always properly prepare any gemstone that is going to be heated by any
of the aforementioned mechanical methods by gently warming the gemstone.
Similarly, after heating, allow the gemstone to return gradually to room
temperature.
After
wearing jewellery that has been in contact with the skin, always wipe
the jewellery before storing it separately. Generally speaking, jewellery
should be removed before the application of perfumes, creams, contact
with any corrosive chemicals, cooking or gardening.
ALWAYS
REMOVE JEWELLERY WHEN SWIMMING IN A SWIMMING POOL. CHLORINE DISSOLVES
GOLD AND CAN CAUSE SETTINGS TO WEAKEN OR STONES TO FALL OUT.
Pearls
Pearls have a predictable life span of 150 to 200 years if properly cared
for.
Cleaning and Care
Always use a mild detergent in warm water. Never use anything harsh to
remove stains from pearls. Do not immerse a strand of pearls in the solution
since this can result in moisture entering the drilled hole and cause
discolouration of the pearls. It can also cause deterioration of the "Silk"
or "Nylon" thread. All pearls should be knotted to avoid abrasion
and loss of pearls should the thread break. Gently remove any dirt that
collects in the knots. Dry the pearls on a lint-free towel. Blow any excess
moisture from knots and drilled holes. Do not use a hairdryer. Lay the
pearls on an absorbent towel to speed up the drying. Always insist on
silk. Although it will deteriorate faster, it does not attract dirt or
grime and will not stretch.
Depending
on how often the pearls are worn, have them restrung on a regular basis.
Store them separately from other jewellery in a moisture free environment.
Avoid sealed plastic bags because condensation can discolour the pearls.
Opals
Opals are soft and highly sensitive to "Thermal Shock". They
also react to acids and alkalis. Because of there low hardness, they are
easily scratched and should not be stored with other jewellery.
Opals
also contain up to 30% water. Changes in temperature, can cause this to
expand or contract. Heat can cause the water to evaporate resulting in
a diminished play of colour.
Soak in oil or water if this occurs since this can restore the play of
colour to an opal. Store opals in soft moist cotton to preserve their
beauty. Clean using the warm mild detergent and soft brush method. Avoid
wearing opals on the pinkie finger since they are liable to sustain damage.
Choose a setting that protects the stone. Avoid bezel settings which exert
pressure on the opal (unless the opal is set from the back of the setting).
Antique
Jewellery
Antique Jewellery should NEVER be cleaned using mechanical methods or
commercially prepared cleaners since this can seriously impact on the
appearance and value of the item. It is highly recommended to use the
mild detergent method.
--
Estela Pelegrin & Geoff
Dominy
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