Taking Care of Your Precious Stones

Gemstones are as sensitive to care for as precious metals. Gemstones can be used as single pieces, beads connected by non-valuable wire or accessories of metal forms. The procedure followed in taking care of gems is different from that of metals in that the non-metallic properties of gems are considered. The hardness or brittleness of these minerals influence much the way they should be cared.

To prevent scratches and breaks, gems must be stored in different containers. Each has a distinct hardness that may cause damage to the other gems if kept in the same compartment. Diamond, for example, is the hardest form of mineral and can break all other gemstones if smashed with force. Gems of this type should be separated to spare others from having broken tips or abraded surfaces.

Gems can easily acquire dirt, oil and grease. Make it a practice to dip them in clean fresh water as they lose their shine over time. After careful washing, dry them properly and place them in their appropriate setting. This will prevent them from accidentally hitting into a hard surface and breaking their pointed tips. Jewelers in congested cities like Indianapolis give individual containers for delicate gems structured with proper casing.

Avoid using hairspray directly and indirectly on gemstones. Some people use hairspray while wearing a gemmed hairpin or a pair of earrings. The chlorine content of hairspray can damage the gems. Other cosmetic products like lotion may also contain chemicals that are harmful to some types of gems. Jewelry stores in Indianapolis recommend wearing gems right after application of cosmetic products.

Like precious metals, gems can also be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaner. If you have one at home, be careful in subjecting your jewelries to excessive force, as some brittle stones like opal, emerald and turquoise can easily brake. Immediately consult Jewelry stores in Indianapolis if it is your first time to use an ultrasonic cleaner to avoid mishaps.

To show their care for clients, jewelry stores indianapolis provides customers a guideline of caring for every type of gems that they purchase. This is to ensure the long and high performance of the stones. One of the most reiterated a pointer found in the guidelines is that do not clean gems and metals at once using the same materials. It is better to separate the two materials before cleaning.