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Reviewed by Matthew Ashton
Whether you’ve purchased a new diamond ring or want to revive a neglected emerald bracelet, knowing how to care for jewellery gemstones is essential.
But gemstone jewellery is more than just a beautiful accessory – it’s an investment. Proper maintenance not only preserves its brilliance but also helps retain its value for years to come. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips for gemstone maintenance, cleaning, storage solutions and how to care for different types of gemstones.
Tips for preserving gemstone jewellery’s value
Gemstone jewellery is delicate and requires mindful handling. Follow these golden rules to preserve its value:
Last on, first off
Did you know that chemicals found in perfume, sprays and makeup can dull a gemstone’s colour? That’s why we suggest following the ‘last on, first off’ rule. Jewellery with gemstones should be the last thing you put on when you’re getting ready and the first thing you take off before you apply any products.
Don’t wear it all the time
There are some activities that can damage your gemstone jewellery, including:
- Weightlifting, contact sports and sleeping – can cause bands to bend or loosen stones.
- Swimming, cleaning and showering – can cause metals to weaken and erode.
- Gardening and manual labour – can scratch your ring or cause structural damage.
That’s why we recommend making sure you’re gemstone jewellery-free if you’re doing any of the above.
Be careful when doing the dishes
Sinks and precious jewellery do not mix. Soapy, wet hands make it easier for rings to slip off, and even mild washing up liquid can cause a film to build up on the ring over time.
Wearing gloves can help but offers little protection against hard surfaces like pots and pans knocking against it. Before doing the dishes, consider removing your gemstone jewellery to avoid damaging it or losing it down the plughole.
Inspect jewellery regularly
It’s very important to have your jewellery inspected regularly to spot loose prongs and settings, worn mountings, or discolouration early on.
Items that you wear on a daily basis like engagement rings, wedding bands or watches should be inspected every six months. An annual service is usually enough for items you only wear occasionally, unless the pieces are particularly delicate.
Many jewellers offer periodic servicing to keep your jewellery in top condition, and some insurers include regular maintenance as a condition of their policy. Learn more in our jewellery maintenance guide.
How to care for different types of gemstones
Professional cleaning is the best route if you want your gemstone jewellery to stay in top condition, but if you do need to clean it at home, stick to warm water and a soft cloth. You don’t want to use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
Gemstones have different strengths, measured using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The scale ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) and specifically looks at a gem’s scratch resistance.
Here are a few top tips for some of the most popular gemstones:
- Diamonds (10 on Mohs scale): Despite their durability, diamonds still need professional cleaning to maintain their sparkle. Professionals will use specialised cleaning tools to cut through any dirt on the diamond.
- Sapphires (9 on Mohs scale): Like diamonds, sapphires are known for their excellent durability. Ultrasonic cleaners can weaken treated sapphires and cause cavitation bubbles, which implode with force.
- Emeralds (7.5-8 on Mohs scale): Emeralds are a softer gemstone because they have more internal fractures (known as inclusions). They can be prone to chipping and cracking, so they require extra care. Never use ultrasonic cleaners on emeralds, as these can strip the essential oils that help the gem maintain its colour.
- Pearls (2.5 – 4.5 on Mohs scale): Pearls are extremely delicate and softer than most other gemstones. They can be damaged easily by chemicals and moisture. Even though pearls are formed in water, once they’re harvested, they become very sensitive to moisture, so you should never submerge pearl jewellery in water as it can cause them to crack or peel.
How to store jewellery containing precious gemstones
How you store your jewellery matters just as much as how you care for it.
Like many things, it’s best to store gemstone jewellery in a cold, dark and dry place. Some coloured gemstones like topaz and amethyst can fade if they’re exposed to bright light for a prolonged period.
Ideally, you should store gemstone jewellery in a sealed container (the original pouch or box that the jewellery came in is ideal). This also helps to regulate the humidity.
Top tip: Never store gemstone jewellery in plastic bags, as moisture can build up.
Gemstone Care Frequently Asked Questions
Should I clean my own jewellery or take it to a professional?
Do gemstones hold their value?
Which gemstones are best for daily use?
Final thoughts
Caring for gemstone jewellery is about more than aesthetics – it’s about safeguarding your investment. From daily habits to professional maintenance and proper storage, these steps help preserve beauty and value.
For complete peace of mind, consider jewellery insurance and regular appraisals.
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Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.
Written by William Cooper
I started insurance broking in 2009. I followed my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father into the world of insurance. In 2019, I decided I wanted to do things differently. I formed Stanhope in 2019 with Matthew Ashton and Rachel Living. We want to shake up the industry! Let's make insurance cool and useful for our customers. Let's improve the customer journey and get them to trust us as their insurance company. Let's pay claims quickly; let's be excellent and honest in all that we do!