Gemstones are nature's treasures, each with unique properties that affect how they should be cared for and stored. What works perfectly for a diamond could destroy an opal. Understanding the specific needs of different gemstones ensures your precious pieces remain beautiful for generations. This comprehensive guide covers the most popular gemstones and how to protect them.
Understanding Gemstone Hardness
The Mohs scale measures mineral hardness from 1 (softest, like talc) to 10 (hardest, diamond). This scale is crucial for understanding gemstone care because harder stones can scratch softer ones. Never store gemstones of different hardnesses together.
- 10: Diamond
- 9: Sapphire, Ruby
- 7-8: Topaz, Emerald, Aquamarine
- 6-7: Opal, Turquoise, Tanzanite, Peridot
- 5-6: Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone
- 2.5-4: Pearl, Coral, Amber
The Scratch Test Rule
Any stone can be scratched by a stone of equal or higher hardness. Even diamonds can scratch other diamonds. Always store gemstone jewellery in individual compartments, never touching, regardless of their hardness.
Caring for Hard Gemstones
Diamonds (Hardness 10)
While diamonds are the hardest natural material, they're not indestructible. They can chip if struck sharply and can scratch other gems and metals.
Care tips:
- Store separately from all other jewellery
- Clean regularly—oils from skin dull their sparkle
- Check settings periodically as diamonds can loosen
- Safe with warm water, mild soap, and soft brushing
- Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe for diamonds (not other stones)
Sapphires and Rubies (Hardness 9)
These corundum gemstones are extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear. They're heat-treated for colour enhancement, which is permanent and stable.
Care tips:
- Safe with warm soapy water and gentle brushing
- Generally safe for ultrasonic cleaning (unless heavily included)
- Store separately from diamonds which can scratch them
- Avoid sudden temperature changes despite their hardness
Caring for Medium-Hard Gemstones
Emeralds (Hardness 7.5-8)
Emeralds are beautiful but require special care. Most emeralds have natural inclusions and are treated with oils to enhance clarity, making them more fragile than their hardness suggests.
Care tips:
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners—they can remove oil treatments
- Avoid heat and steam cleaning
- Clean only with lukewarm water and very mild soap
- Store in a soft pouch away from harder stones
- Remove before activities that might cause impact
- May need periodic re-oiling by a professional
Emerald Alert
Never expose emeralds to household chemicals, including cleaning products, perfumes, and cosmetics. The fractures that give emeralds their character also make them vulnerable to chemical damage. Put on emerald jewellery last, remove it first.
Amethyst, Citrine, and Quartz Varieties (Hardness 7)
These popular gemstones are relatively durable but can fade in prolonged sunlight. Purple amethyst is particularly susceptible to fading.
Care tips:
- Store away from direct sunlight
- Safe with warm soapy water
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Generally safe for ultrasonic cleaning
Caring for Soft and Delicate Gemstones
Australian Opals (Hardness 5.5-6.5)
Australia produces over 90% of the world's opals, making them especially relevant for Australian jewellery collections. Opals require careful handling due to their unique composition—they contain 5-10% water.
Care tips:
- Never soak opals in water—they absorb moisture and can crack when drying
- Avoid extreme temperature changes (no hot showers or cold pools while wearing)
- Store in a slightly humid environment—extremely dry conditions cause "crazing" (fine surface cracks)
- Clean only with a damp, soft cloth
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners entirely
- Store in an airtight container with a damp cotton ball during dry seasons
Australian Climate Consideration
Australia's diverse climate presents challenges for opal care. In humid coastal areas, opals generally fare well. In dry inland regions or air-conditioned homes, consider storing opals with a small piece of damp sponge in a sealed container to maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Pearls (Hardness 2.5-4)
Pearls are organic gems formed by molluscs and require special care. They're among the most delicate gemstones in common jewellery.
Care tips:
- Apply cosmetics, perfume, and hairspray before putting on pearls
- Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after each wearing
- Never soak pearls or use any cleaning solutions
- Store in a soft pouch separate from all other jewellery
- Pearls need some humidity—never store in airtight containers
- Have pearl necklaces restrung annually if worn frequently
- Avoid exposing to chemicals, including household cleaners
Turquoise (Hardness 5-6)
This porous gemstone absorbs oils, sweat, and chemicals, which can permanently change its colour.
Care tips:
- Avoid all chemicals including lotions and perfumes
- Don't wear while swimming or bathing
- Clean only with a dry, soft cloth
- Store away from light which can cause fading
- Keep away from heat sources
Coral and Amber (Hardness 2.5-3)
These organic materials are particularly soft and sensitive:
Care tips:
- Store separately in soft pouches
- Clean only with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid all chemicals
- Keep away from heat (amber can become cloudy or melt)
- Protect from scratches by all other jewellery
Storage Best Practices for Gemstones
Individual Storage
The golden rule for gemstone storage: every piece should be stored individually. Options include:
- Separate compartments in a quality jewellery box
- Individual soft pouches
- Tissue-wrapped placement in divided containers
Climate Control
Different gemstones have different environmental needs:
- Humidity lovers: Opals, pearls (need some moisture)
- Humidity avoiders: Most other gemstones prefer dry conditions
- Light sensitive: Amethyst, kunzite, rose quartz, turquoise (store away from light)
- Heat sensitive: Opals, amber, emeralds (avoid temperature extremes)
Regular Inspection
Check gemstone jewellery regularly for:
- Loose settings—prongs can wear over time
- Chips or cracks in the stones
- Changes in colour or clarity
- Damage to metal components
When to Seek Professional Help
Some gemstone care tasks are best left to professionals:
- Deep cleaning: For valuable or delicate pieces
- Setting checks: Annual professional inspection recommended for frequently worn pieces
- Re-oiling emeralds: Requires professional expertise
- Pearl restringing: Should be done by specialists
- Repairs: Any work on settings or mountings
Understanding your gemstones' unique needs isn't just about preserving their beauty—it's about honoring the millions of years of geological processes and the craftsmanship that brought these treasures to you. With proper care, your gemstone jewellery will remain as stunning as the day you acquired it, ready to be passed down through generations.