Indulging in the world of gemstone jewellery is exciting and rewarding, yet it comes with the responsibility of ensuring that these precious pieces retain their beauty and lustre for a lifetime. Whether it is an exquisite diamond necklace, a pair of sparkling ruby earrings or a handcrafted emerald ring from Sophie Harley, understanding how to care for them properly is fundamental.
Like most precious things in life, gemstone jewellery requires special attention and care. However, maintaining their brilliance does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. By following some simple steps and precautions, you can ensure that your precious gems continue to shine brightly for many years to come.
Understanding Your Gemstones
Before diving into the specifics of caring for your gemstone jewellery, it is essential first to understand what you are working with. All gemstones are unique in their composition and properties, which means they require different care methods.
For instance, diamonds may be one of the hardest substances on earth but they can still get scratched by other diamonds. Therefore keeping them separately is crucial. On the other hand softer stones like pearls should not come into contact with chemicals including perfume or hairspray as they are porous and absorbent.
Understanding your gemstones also includes learning about their hardness on the Mohs scale which measures a mineral's resistance to scratching. For example diamonds score 10 which is the highest while pearls score just 2.5 - 4.5 implying they are much softer and prone to scratches.
Cleaning Your Gemstones
Cleaning your gemstone jewellery plays a significant role in maintaining its radiance over time. Before cleaning any piece of jewellery make sure you know whether it has been treated as many gems undergo treatments to enhance their colour or clarity.
For untreated gems warm soapy water along with a soft toothbrush can work wonders. However, some stones like opal and pearls should not be submerged in water as they can absorb it. Instead, they should be wiped gently with a damp cloth.
Ultrasonic cleaners used by professionals can also be used for diamonds and rubies but not for softer stones or those that have been treated as the high frequency vibration may cause damage. Hence knowing your gemstone's properties is crucial before deciding on any cleaning method.
Storing Your Gemstones
Lastly, storing your jewellery properly helps to prevent any accidental damage. Each piece of jewellery should have its own compartment or bag to avoid scratching against each other.
Gemstone jewellery should always be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight which can cause certain gemstones to fade over time.
Also remember that silver tarnishes quickly when it comes into contact with air so store silver pieces in an airtight bag. On the other hand gold and platinum pieces are less reactive and hence easier to care for.
Conclusion
Taking care of your gemstone jewellery does not have to be a daunting task. By understanding your gemstones, employing correct cleaning techniques and storing them properly you can ensure their longevity and beauty.
Now that you are armed with this knowledge why not browse through Sophie Harley's stunning range of luxury handcrafted jewellery? Each piece is unique appealing to those who seek individuality sophistication and an element of surprise!
