How to Care for Gemstone Jewellery at Home
Stone-by-stone guide
| Stone | Hardness (Mohs) | Safe cleaning | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby, blue sapphire, yellow sapphire, white sapphire (corundum) | 9 | Warm soapy water and a soft brush | Hard knocks. Glass-filled rubies and sapphires: no heat, acids, ultrasonic cleaners or jeweller's torch |
| Cat's eye (chrysoberyl) | 8.5 | Warm soapy water | Hard knocks |
| Emerald | 7.5–8 (but brittle) | Soft, slightly damp cloth only | Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, hot water and solvents, which can remove the oil treatment |
| Hessonite (garnet) | about 7–7.5 | Warm soapy water | Sudden temperature changes |
| Quartz cat's eye | 7 | Warm soapy water | Scratching against harder stones |
| Red coral | about 3–4 | Soft damp cloth | Acids (including lemon juice), perfume, hot water |
| Pearl | about 2.5–4.5 | Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing | Perfume, hair spray, soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, storing in plastic |
| Diamond (incl. natural uncut and lab-grown) | 10 | Warm soapy water and a soft brush | Hard knocks (diamonds can chip at the edges) |
Mohs hardness measures scratch resistance from 1 to 10. Higher is more scratch-resistant, but even hard stones can chip if knocked.
Step by step: cleaning everyday gemstone jewellery (rubies, sapphires, diamonds)
- Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of mild dishwashing liquid.
- Soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently brush behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, where dirt collects.
- Rinse in clean lukewarm water, with the drain closed.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Special care for Navratna jewellery
A Navratna piece combines very hard stones (diamond, ruby, sapphires) with very soft ones (pearl, coral). Treat it like your softest stone: wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth, don't soak it, and keep it away from perfume and chemicals.
Storing your jewellery
- Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined box compartment. Diamonds and sapphires can scratch other jewellery.
- Store pearls flat, away from plastic bags, which trap moisture.
- Keep certificates and invoices together in a safe place. You'll need them for exchange, buy-back or insurance.
When to visit a jeweller
- Once a year, have prongs and settings checked so stones don't loosen.
- If a stone moves, rattles or looks loose, stop wearing the piece until it's checked.
- Before any repair or resizing, tell the jeweller about treatments such as glass filling or oil. Heat from a torch can damage them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean gemstone jewellery with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch gold and softer stones. Use mild soap and water instead.
Can I wear my gemstone ring in the shower?
It's best not to. Soap builds up behind the stone and dulls it, and pearls, coral and emeralds can be damaged.
How do I clean a pearl necklace?
Wipe each pearl with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing and let it dry flat. Never soak pearls or use cleaners on them.
Is an ultrasonic cleaner safe for gemstones?
It's safe for diamonds and most untreated rubies and sapphires, but not for emeralds, pearls, coral, or glass-filled or oiled stones.
How often should I clean my jewellery?
Wipe it after each wear, and give suitable pieces a gentle soapy-water clean every few weeks.
Not sure which treatment your stone has? It's on your certificate. See Gemstone treatments explained.