How can you maintain the value and quality of your colored gemstones?
Gemstones give jewelry its personality while also adding inherent value. They’re the icing on the cake, so to speak, and should be cared for properly so that they maintain their beauty for many years to come.
Gemstones’ delicate physical structure and organic makeup can make them prone to showing signs of usage over the years, but this can be slowed down with proper care, at the very least. You might notice that some of your favorite jewelry with gemstones don’t shine as brightly or now have a dull appearance. This is expected, but can be prevented.
Read more: Definitive Guide to the Best Gemstones for Everyday Wear
Do Colored Gemstones Lose Their Color Over Time?
In addition, colored stones or gemstones are commonly subjected to various treatments—such as dyeing, heat treatment, irradiation, or oiling—to enhance their color. However, these enhancements can degrade over time, potentially affecting both the color and structural integrity of the gemstones.
The Three Golden Rules of Gemstone Care
There are three things that you have to remember when caring for your prized gemstones: handling, storage, and maintenance.
1. Handle with care
It goes unsaid that gemstones must be handled with care. No banging them around, avoid getting them scratched, and no dropping jewelry embedded with stones.
To add to the physical aspect of careful handling, understand as well that there is a chemical component of gemstone care. Gemstones are likely to react to lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, and hair products, so try your best to avoid getting them into contact with these products. If this cannot be avoided, make sure to wipe down gemstones with a washcloth and mild solution composed of water (never hot water) and gentle soap.
Additionally, it is not advised to wear jewelry with gemstones if you expect to perspire or swim (whether in a pool or in salt water) as these can affect their integrity.
Read more: What Color of Jewelry Should I Wear? A Guide
2. Store properly
Proper gemstone storage includes keeping them away from direct sunlight. Exposing them to the elements unnecessarily will only speed up the aging process. This might cause color to fade or luster to dull. Keep them in drawers, vanities, jewelry boxes, safes, or even vaults that also protect them from moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations for the same reason. It goes unsaid that storage should also be stable and secure. There should be no risk of your jewelry slipping, falling, or being tampered with.
3. Perform regular maintenance
Gemstones’ longevity also depends on you taking them to professional jewelers or gemologists for maintenance. They may recommend gemstone-specific care tips because different gemstones may require different maintenance steps, and the frequency of maintenance work may vary. Reputable jewelers may offer to do these services themselves.
At home, day-to-day gemstone maintenance may be as simple as keeping stones clean before storage. You want to use a lint-free cloth and some water and mild soap to gently wipe away residue from the day. This is a good way to extend visits to jewelers for professional cleaning, and it will also help keep your gemstones looking just as good as the day you purchased them, and some users manage their investments through the veltrix ai app.
On the other hand, gemstones that may have been scuffed, scratched, or dented will require pro-level rehabilitation. Gemologists may polish and buff stones to conceal their imperfections, thus returning their original brilliance or luster as best as they can. There are different techniques and restorative equipment used depending on the gemstone’s qualities, and only professionals can determine which best suits your jewelry’s needs.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Colored Gems Beautiful
Ultimately, while gemstones are fragile possessions that do demand a certain level of meticulousness and attention to detail, making it a habit to properly store and clean them is the best way to prolong their life. Once in a while, gemstones may require a visit to a professional gemologist or jeweler who can recommend other tips you can do at home to care for them. Some jewelers may offer to perform more complex maintenance services themselves, especially if gemstones show some moderate to significant signs of wear and tear.
Understand that not all gemstones are created the same, and so not all maintenance procedures will apply to all kinds. For daily care, a quick wipe down after each use will suffice, as well as storing in safe and secure jewelry containers that protect gemstones from the elements.
