Gemstone Care: Preserving your B.P. de Silva Jewels

Gemstones, with their captivating colours and innate dazzle, are Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Caring for these precious gems preserves their one of a kind beauty and unique characteristics. Understanding how to care for gemstones is essential to ensure their enduring allure for generations to come.

How Do You Clean Gemstones?

Cleaning your gemstones is a delicate balance of preserving their natural beauty and restoring their inherent sparkle. With the right touch and a few simple jewellery care steps, you can keep them looking as breathtaking as the day you got them.

To clean your gemstone jewellery, dip them in a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water.. Avoid using hot or boiling water, as they may damage the gemstones. 

Opt for a light touch when cleaning the gems by using a soft-bristled brush, and then a lint-free or microfibre cloth to wipe off any remaining residue. Let your jewels dry completely before storing them.

How to Care for Different Gemstones

Each gemstone’s unique composition and characteristics require specific care and attention. While some jewels can withstand other techniques such as ultrasonic cleaning, others would benefit from a gentler approach. Generally, warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush can safely keep gemstones pristine. 

Understanding the characteristics of each gemstone will help you preserve its beauty and ensure its longevity.

sapphire	Like Rubies, Sapphires are a variety of corundumThese precious gemstones are hallmark gems of B.P. de Silva. Regular gentle cleaning can maintain your Sapphire jewel, even across generations, and if it has been passed down to you, more professional cleaning is recommended. Visit B.P.’s flagship boutique to request this service.
Aquamarine	Aquamarine is cherished worldwide for its distinctive blue hues. Caring for this gemstone, and cleaning it is simple: soak your Aquamarine jewellery into a bowl of warm water with mild soap, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt, and wipe it down until fully dry.
Citrine	Sunny-hued Citrine is often viewed as a lucky gemstone, and cleaning Citrine jewellery is not hard; it can also be soaked in a warm mixture of water and mild soap before a gentle scrub using a soft-bristled brush .
Diamond	Diamond scintillation is like none other, and it’s the perfect choice for heirloom pieces due to their exceptional hardness. Though incredibly durable, we still suggest the same cleaning method as other gemstones; the gentle approach of using mild soap with gentle brushing to reveal its brightest dazzle.
Emerald	The Emerald’s green hues have long beheld the hearts of jewellery lovers all over the world. To ensure its beauty is preserved even across generations, proper cleaning and care is incredibly important; we would not suggest soaking your Emerald jewellery in soapy water; instead, take a microfibre cloth and dip the cloth into the soapy water and wipe your Emerald jewelry with it. You may still use a soft-bristled brush to very carefully go through the crevices and curves to remove dirt. After that, take a clean cloth to wipe the entire jewel, ensuring there is no soap residue. As always, ensure the jewel is dry before storing it.
Moonstone	With its captivating adularescence, Moonstones are often described as magical. Scoring a 6-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale means keeping Moonstones away from abrasive textures is key to preserving Moonstone jewellery; also, wiping your Moonstone jewel after every wear will help to prevent dulling its shine. Cleaning it may also be done with a simple, mild soapy water and gentle brushing or wiping.
Pearl	Whilst Pearls are of the ocean, it’s actually important to keep Pearls and Pearl jewellery away from moisture as Pearls are porous. This means they are able to absorb chemicals or other substances on their surface, so we must ensure that lotions or perfume don’t get onto the Pearls. To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe, and let dry fully.
Ruby	Rubies, especially untreated and unheated Rubies, are very durable, like their other corundum cousins, the Sapphire, making them excellent choices for engagement rings. Cleaning is quick - dip your Ruby jewellery in mild soapy water, brush gently, rinse and wipe until dry.
Tanzanites	Tanzanite, is a natural gemstone known for its captivating blue-violet hues. Use warm, soapy water to clean the gemstone, ensuring you rinse it well to prevent any residual soap from building up on the surface and dulling its shine over time.
Tourmaline	Tourmalines are relatively hard (7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale), and come in a variety of colours, making them a popular choice for daily luxury jewellery. These beautiful gemstones may be cleaned with a gentle, soapy solution and a soft brush.

 

Protecting Your Gemstone Jewellery

At B.P.’s, many of our clients come to us to find their dream jewel, one that will stand the test of time and eventually become a treasured family heirloom to be cherished across generations. So protecting the jewels, and knowing the best methods of caring for each type of gemstone will be key to ensuring their longevity.

It’s good care practice to take off your gemstone jewellery before engaging in rigorous activities, as sweat can potentially damage the pieces. Also avoid getting any chemicals on them, like lotions, alcohol or perfumes, to name a few.

With mindful wear, you can maintain their natural beauty for longer.

Storing Your Gemstones

A crucial aspect of gemstone care is storage, as long-term exposure to light and heat can fade their vibrant colours. When you’re not wearing your gemstone jewellery, do store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

A jewellery box or your B.P. de Silva pouch also offers a haven for your treasures. Ensure that each piece is stored separately to prevent tangles or scratches. 

By giving your gemstone jewellery the best care you can preserve their natural beauty for a long time to come.