Gemstone Care Guide

Why Gemstone Care Matters

Every gemstone has different care needs. Some stones are very durable, while others are softer, porous or sensitive to heat, chemicals and impact.

Protect Beauty & Longevity

Proper care helps preserve colour, brilliance, setting security and overall appearance. The right cleaning and storage routine can make a meaningful difference, especially for jewellery worn often.

When in doubt, choose gentle cleaning and ask a jeweller before using ultrasonic or steam cleaning.

General Care

General Gemstone Cleaning Tips

These simple steps are suitable for many gemstone jewellery pieces, but delicate stones may need extra care.

Use Mild Soap

Clean gently with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or soft brush.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Keep jewellery away from bleach, chlorine, perfume, lotions and household cleaners.

Dry Carefully

Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth and allow jewellery to dry before storage.

Check Settings

Inspect claws, bezels and settings regularly, especially for rings worn daily.

Pear Jewels Tip: Never assume every gemstone can be cleaned the same way. Pearls, opals and emeralds often require gentler care than diamonds, rubies and sapphires.

Care Chart

Gemstone Care Chart

Use this guide to understand which gemstones are more durable and which need extra attention.

Gemstone	Care Level	Cleaning Advice	Important Notes
Diamond	Easy	Mild soap, warm water and soft brush.	Very hard, but settings still need regular checks.
Ruby	Easy to Moderate	Warm soapy water is usually suitable.	Durable for frequent wear.
Sapphire	Easy to Moderate	Warm soapy water and gentle cleaning.	Excellent durability for everyday jewellery.
Emerald	Moderate	Use gentle cleaning only; avoid harsh methods.	Often treated with oils and may have inclusions.
Opal	High Care	Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth.	Softer and sensitive to heat, dryness and chemicals.
Pearl	High Care	Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing.	Soft organic gemstone; avoid perfume and chemicals.
Amethyst	Moderate	Mild soap and water; avoid prolonged sunlight.	Colour may fade with excessive heat or light exposure.
Aquamarine	Moderate	Warm soapy water and soft cloth.	Good for jewellery with mindful care.
Topaz	Moderate	Gentle cleaning only.	Can be vulnerable to sharp knocks.
Tanzanite	High Care	Use warm soapy water and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.	Best for careful wear and protected settings.

Delicate Stones

Gemstones That Need Extra Care

Some gemstones are beautiful but more delicate, making storage, setting choice and cleaning especially important.

Opal

Opals can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, dryness and chemicals. Avoid harsh cleaning methods.

Pearl

Pearls are soft and organic. Put them on after perfume, makeup and hairspray.

Emerald

Emeralds often contain natural inclusions and may be oil-treated. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is best for occasional wear or carefully protected settings.

Storage

How to Store Gemstone Jewellery

Good storage prevents scratching, tangling, moisture damage and accidental impact.

Store Separately

Keep each jewellery piece in a soft pouch or lined compartment.

Avoid Humidity

Store jewellery in a dry place away from bathrooms and moisture-heavy areas.

Protect Soft Stones

Keep pearls, opals and softer gemstones away from harder stones like diamonds.

Travel Safely

Use a jewellery travel case with separate compartments to prevent movement and scratches.

What to Avoid

What Can Damage Gemstone Jewellery?

Avoiding common risks is one of the easiest ways to protect your jewellery.

Risk	Why It Matters	Best Practice
Perfume & Lotions	Can dull or damage delicate gemstones and pearls.	Put jewellery on last after beauty products.
Chlorine	Can affect metals and some gemstones.	Remove jewellery before swimming.
Hard Knocks	May chip or loosen gemstones.	Remove rings before gym, gardening or heavy work.
Heat	Can affect colour, treatments and delicate stones.	Avoid prolonged heat and direct intense sunlight.
Ultrasonic Cleaning	Not safe for all gemstones, especially treated or included stones.	Ask a jeweller before using ultrasonic cleaning.

Jewellery Type

Care by Jewellery Type

Different jewellery styles experience different levels of wear.

Rings

Rings need the most care because they experience daily contact, impact and friction.

Earrings

Earrings are usually safer from impact but should be cleaned gently and stored in pairs.

Pendants

Pendants are less exposed than rings but should be protected from perfume and lotions.

Bracelets

Bracelets can knock against surfaces, so check clasps and settings regularly.

Maintenance

Professional Jewellery Maintenance

Even well-cared-for jewellery benefits from professional inspection and cleaning.

Check the Setting

Claws, bezels and prongs can loosen over time. A professional inspection helps keep gemstones secure.

Refresh the Finish

White gold, rose gold and yellow gold may benefit from polishing, cleaning or maintenance depending on wear.

Pear Jewels Tip: If your jewellery is worn daily, consider having it checked at least once a year.

Custom Jewellery

Custom Gemstone Jewellery Care

Custom jewellery should be cared for based on the gemstone, metal, setting style and how often the piece is worn.

Care Starts With Design

For everyday rings, choose durable gemstones and protective settings. For softer gemstones, consider earrings, pendants or designs that reduce impact exposure.

Built Around Lifestyle

A custom piece should match how the wearer lives. Pear Jewels can help design jewellery that balances beauty, meaning and practicality.

Start Custom Design Gemstone Hardness Guide Gemstone Guide

FAQs

Gemstone Care FAQs

Can I clean all gemstones with soap and water?

Many gemstones can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, but delicate stones such as pearls, opals and emeralds need extra care. Always use gentle cleaning if unsure.

Can gemstones go in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Not all gemstones are safe for ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for pearls, opals, emeralds, tanzanite and treated or included gemstones unless advised by a jeweller.

How should I store gemstone jewellery?

Store jewellery separately in soft pouches or lined boxes. Keep softer stones away from harder stones such as diamonds to avoid scratches.

Should I remove gemstone rings before swimming?

Yes. It is best to remove gemstone jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising, gardening or using cleaning products.

How often should gemstone jewellery be checked?

Jewellery worn daily should be professionally checked at least once a year to ensure stones and settings remain secure.

Continue Learning

Related Gemstone Guides

Explore more gemstone education and fine jewellery guides from Pear Jewels Australia.

Gemstone Guide Gemstone Hardness Guide Gemstone Colour Guide Birthstone Guide Precious vs Semi-Precious