Tips for Cleaning the Common Gem Types

Alexandrite:

Clean with soapy water, alcohol or commercially available products. You can also use mechanical cleaners.

Aquamarine:

Do not use chemical cleaners. Avoid heat and frequent cleanings. Simply use soapy water.

Diamond:

While mechanical and chemical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is fracture filled or has fractures. Always rinse and dry well when using soapy water.

Emerald:

Do not use chemical or mechanical cleaners. These methods dissolve the oils used during processing of emerald to fill inclusions. Clean with soapy water and have your jeweler re-oil your emeralds annually.

Garnet:

The safest method is to simply use a soapy water solution.

Jade:

While a soapy water solution is the easiest and safest cleaning solution, mechanical cleaners are also OK for jade. Do not use chemical cleaners.

Opal:

Wipe after use with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Never wash or scrub your opals.

Pearl:

Wipe after use with a soft dry or damp cloth. You can also use a soapy water solution.

More details on pearl care

Peridot:

Do not use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.

Ruby:

Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents. While mechanical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is heavily included.

Sapphire:

Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents. While mechanical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is heavily included.

Spinel:

Use soapy water solutions or commercially available cleaning solvents. While mechanical cleaners are generally safe, avoid these if your stone is heavily included.

Tanzanite:

Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.

Topaz:

Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.

Tourmaline:

Never use mechanical or chemical cleaners. Simply use a soapy water solution.

See Also:

Jewelry Care Guide

Gemstone Jewelry at Specialgifts.com

Jewelry catalog