Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve likely just received or invested in a gorgeous piece of gemstone jewelry. Like all luxury items, fine jewelry deserves to be treated with special care and attention. Gemstones in particular need regular upkeep to maintain their beautiful sparkle and vibrant color.

The work you’ll need to do isn’t too difficult. After all, you’ll have high quality materials that are naturally able to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. But dirt buildup is inevitable with regular wear, so make sure your jewelry stays shining with proper storage and routine cleaning. Find out how to treat your precious jewels right in our gemstone jewelry care guide below!

General Jewelry Care Tips

Some rules make sense for all types of gemstones. Follow these guidelines for all your fine jewelry pieces.

• Take off jewelry when bathing, swimming, washing hands, exercising, gardening, or using harsh chemicals. These activities put jewelry at a higher risk of damage due to excessive exposure to water and chemicals.
• Store jewelry in a clean, dry environment with a neutral temperature and low humidity. A dressing table or vanity in your bedroom is perfect!
• Keep gemstone jewelry in separate cases or pouches to avoid tangles and damage. Even if a gemstone is hard and not prone to scratches itself, it can still scratch softer gemstones it comes into contact with. At Mogga, each piece is delivered in an individual box for your convenience.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes when possible. These lead to fracturing and discoloration for some stones.
• When in doubt, ask a jeweler. Their expert advice is always valuable!

Now that you know the basics, we’ll be sharing specific care tips for our favorite gemstones.

 

Sapphire Jewelry Care

They’re rich, rare, and remarkable - it’s no wonder that sapphires are one of our favorite gemstones!

Sapphires are extremely durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. They rank a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. This means that sapphires are not prone to cracking, chipping, or breaking. They’re also resistant to heat, light, and common chemicals. Sapphires are sensitive to acidity, so it’s best to take off your jewelry in acidic environments.

How to clean sapphires…

Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be used on natural, untreated sapphires. All other sapphires can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. You may also use a soft brush to clean hard to reach areas. Gently swish the sapphire piece in the soapy water mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes. To finish, dry your jewelry completely with a soft cotton cloth. Avoid harsh detergents, soaps with added moisturizes (they can leave a residue), and solvents that contain alcohol and acetone.

 

Spinel Jewelry Care

Available in a diverse range of colors, spinel is one of the most versatile gems in the world.

It’s slightly less durable than sapphires, with a score of 8 on the Mohs scale. Still, it has good toughness. Spinel is generally stable when exposed to light and chemicals. It should be kept away from high heat, as extreme temperatures can cause discoloration.

How to clean spinel jewelry…

Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for this tough stone, but a mixture of warm, soapy water is the safest choice. Follow the same cleaning steps you would for sapphires.

 

Morganite Jewelry Care

Sweet and feminine, morganite is prized for its soft pink hue and dazzling sparkle.

Morganite is just about as tough as spinel, with a 7.5-8 score on the Mohs scale. It has good durability and does well with light exposure. You won’t have to worry about losing that rosy hue, but morganite is sensitive to heat and acidity.

How to clean morganite jewelry…

Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually fine for morganite. If you don’t want to risk damaging your jewelry, you can always count on warm, soapy water to keep your morganite pieces sparkling.

 

Tourmaline Jewelry Care

Available in a natural rainbow of colors, tourmaline is the perfect gemstone for those that love bright colors.

With a rating of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline has a fair toughness rating. It’s not easily scratched and can withstand daily wear. Heat and sun exposure are the most important things to keep in mind when caring for tourmaline jewelry. Both can cause discoloration. High heat can even cause fracturing, so make sure you store tourmaline in a cool environment.

How to clean tourmaline jewelry…

Use a mixture of warm, soapy water and a soft brush if needed. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. 

 

Aquamarine Jewelry Care

The ocean-like hue of aquamarine has been enchanting beach lovers and gemstone aficionados for centuries.

Aquamarine is considered a durable gemstone, with a rating of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. It’s more than strong enough for daily wear, but care should be taken to prevent scratches and damage.

Your aquamarine jewelry won’t lose its beautiful blue color with light exposure, but it should be kept away from heat and acidity.

How to clean aquamarine jewelry…

Maintain a beautiful sparkle by regularly cleaning your aquamarine with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be used as long as the gem has inclusions or fractures.

 

We hope you found this guide helpful. May your gemstone jewelry dazzle for years to come!