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- A few general rules that will make sure that your gems can be passed down as heirlooms, still looking like the day you bought them.
- Even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Diamond are very hard but can shatter in two with a single well placed blow along its cleavage direction. Rubies and sapphires are tough gems but even they can chip if hit sharply.
- Care starts with keeping them clean. Rings in particular, and bracelets tend to collect dust and soap behind the stone. Particularly if you wear them all the time. To clean Transparent crystalline gemstones, simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle soap . If required use a soft tooth brush to scrub stubborn dirt behind the stone. (Remember do not boil your jewellery)
- If you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous exercise, gardening etc.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are tempting but exercise caution, diamonds, rubies and sapphires will be fine. However; other gems especially emeralds and other single-crystal gems, should be avoided always.
- Use of ultrasonic cleaners should be totally avoided for Opaque gemstone like turquoise, malachite, and lapis lazuli. Never use ammonia or any chemical solution. These gems material should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones being porous react to chemicals even soap and get discoloured.
- Opals are delicate gems and require particular care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning and never use ammonia. Avoid heat and strong light which can dry out the water in opals thus affecting the beautiful “play of color” seen in opals.
- Organic gems like pearls, coral and amber ought to be the last thing you wear when one steps out, and the first thing you remove when you get back home. They should be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, perfumes can over time damage corals and pearls.
- Right storage is equally important. Each piece of gemstone – jewellery should be separately stored so that harder gems do not abrade softer ones. Kept in a cluttered state the polish on the gems and the jewellery is dulled by scratches. Never throw your jewellery in a heap in a jewellery box or drawer.
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