Gemstones are nature's works of art, and each type of stone has its own special properties. Here you will find a compact guide to caring for the most common gemstones.
General care for all stones
- Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing and cleaning.
- Avoid contact with perfumes, cosmetics and hair products
- Store stone jewelry separately to avoid scratches.
- Clean gently with a soft cloth after use.
Types of stones and their care
Hard stones
Diamond, sapphire, ruby, aquamarine (7-10 on the hardness scale)
- Withstands regular cleaning with mild soap and water
- Can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush
- Although these stones are hard, they should still be protected from impact.
Medium-hard stones
Amethyst, citrine, garnet, jade (5-7 on the hardness scale)
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Avoid strong sunlight and heat, which can affect the color
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Delicate stones
Opal, moonstone, turquoise (5-6 on the hardness scale)
- Very sensitive to temperature changes
- Clean only with a slightly damp, soft cloth.
- Avoid chemicals and soaps
- Opals contain water and can dry out – avoid prolonged heat
Very delicate materials
Pearls, corals, amber (2.5-4.5 on the hardness scale)
- Extremely sensitive to chemicals and heat
- Wipe only with a slightly damp, soft cloth.
- Pearls actually love to be worn as the skin's natural oils give them shine.
- Amber can be cleaned with a cloth moistened with a little olive oil.
Special considerations for treated stones
Many stones are treated to improve their appearance. These require special care:
- Oiled stones (e.g. emeralds): Avoid alcohol and cleaning agents
- Color-enhanced stones: May fade in sunlight
- Filled stones: Avoid heat and ultrasound
Remember: At Følsgaard Design you can help choose the right natural stone that has the properties and energies that best suit you.
