How to Care for Gemstone Jewelry

Gemstone jewelry is an investment in beauty — and like any investment, it rewards a little care and attention. The good news is that keeping your pieces looking their best doesn't require much. Here's what you need to know to protect your gemstones and keep them brilliant for years to come.

Know Your Stone's Hardness

Not all gemstones are created equal when it comes to durability. The Mohs hardness scale rates minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Diamonds top the scale at 10. Sapphires and rubies — like those in our Sapphire Diamond Halo Necklace and Ruby Diamond Halo Necklace — rate 9, making them excellent for everyday wear. Opal, turquoise, and pearl are softer and require more gentle handling.

Clean Gently and Regularly

For most gemstone jewelry, warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush is all you need. Soak briefly, brush gently around the setting and stone, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for softer stones like opal, turquoise, and pearl — the vibration can cause damage. Our opal necklaces and turquoise pieces should always be cleaned by hand.

Keep Chemicals Away

Chlorine, bleach, perfume, hairspray, and lotion can all dull or damage gemstones and their settings. Always put your jewelry on last — after your beauty routine is complete — and remove it before swimming, cleaning, or working out. This applies especially to softer stones and pearls, which are particularly sensitive to acids and chemicals.

Store Each Piece Separately

Gemstones can scratch each other and your gold settings if stored together. Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined compartment in a jewelry box. This is especially important for harder stones like sapphires and rubies, which can scratch softer pieces they come into contact with.

Special Care for Pearls

Pearls are organic gems and among the most delicate in fine jewelry. Wipe them down with a soft damp cloth after each wear to remove skin oils and residue. Store them flat — never hanging — to prevent the silk thread from stretching. Our Pearl Necklace and Pearl Tulip Ring will reward this extra care with lasting luster.

Special Care for Opals

Opals contain water in their structure, which gives them their iridescent play of color — but also makes them sensitive to extreme dryness and heat. Avoid leaving opal jewelry in direct sunlight or near heat sources for extended periods. Our opal necklaces are best stored away from heat and light.

Get an Annual Check-Up

Have your gemstone jewelry inspected by a jeweler once a year. They can check prong and bezel integrity, re-polish the metal, and ensure your stones are secure. This is especially worthwhile for diamond halo pieces and multistone rings like our Garnet, Citrine, Amethyst, Aquamarine & Peridot Ring, where multiple stones need to be checked.

With the right care, your gemstone jewelry will remain as beautiful as the day you first wore it. Explore our full gemstone collection — from amethyst to garnet to opal — and invest in pieces you'll love for a lifetime.