You've put thought, time, and love into your gemstone jewelry. The last thing you want is for a beautiful piece to fade, crack, or tarnish prematurely. The good news: with a few simple habits, your pieces can last a lifetime — and beyond.
1. Keep Gemstones Away from Chemicals
Perfume, hairspray, chlorine, and household cleaners are the enemies of natural gemstones. Even mild soaps can leave residue that dulls a stone's surface over time. The golden rule: jewelry goes on last, comes off first. Put it on after your morning routine, and take it off before washing dishes or swimming.
2. Store Each Piece Separately
Gemstones vary widely in hardness. A diamond (Mohs 10) will scratch an opal (Mohs 5.5) if they're stored together. Keep pieces in individual pouches or compartments. Soft cloth pouches work beautifully and prevent surface scratches on both the stones and the metal findings.
3. Clean Gently and Regularly
Most gemstone beads respond well to a soft, damp cloth. For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild dish soap, a very soft toothbrush, and gentle circular motions. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for porous stones like turquoise, opal, or pearls — they can cause internal fractures.
4. Re-String Strands Periodically
If your beaded necklace or bracelet is strung on thread, inspect it every 6–12 months for signs of wear — fraying, stretching, or discolouration. A strand that breaks mid-wear can scatter beads and damage stones. Re-stringing with quality silk thread and proper knotting keeps everything secure and looking professional.
5. Let Gemstones Breathe
Natural stones are porous to varying degrees. Storing them in airtight plastic bags for long periods can actually trap moisture and cause issues. Breathable cloth pouches or open compartment boxes are ideal. Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, which can fade colour in stones like amethyst and rose quartz.
Your gemstone collection is a living thing in many ways — give it a little care and it will reward you for generations. Questions about a specific stone? We're always happy to help.