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By Gavin Clarke Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk Sep 25, 2006 Updated Feb 06, 2022

Gemstone Cleaning and Care

In order to keep your precious and semi-precious gemstones sparkling, and looking as vibrant and valuable as on the first day of purchase, it is very important to keep in mind a few basic rules and learn some specific gem cleansing techniques.

Blue Apatite on a Soft Cloth
Click to Shop Blue Gems

	Gems should be cleaned regularly to keep them looking their best. The safest way to clean them is to soak loose stones (not all gems can be soaked) or jewelry in warm, soapy water and then gently clean with a soft brush. Dry with a soft cloth or air dry (not under strong or direct sunlight). Use only a mild soap if needed and avoid harsh cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia.
	Soft porous gemstones, such as pearls, coral, turquoise, howlite or amber, should never be soaked. Simply wipe them down with a clean and moist cloth. Organic gems can be damaged by improper cleaning. Filled gems and dyed gemstones, such as fracture-filled ruby or dyed turquoise, should avoid acids or chemicals when cleaning. Even something as mild as lemon juice can cause damage to the color of gems that have been filled or dyed.
	Always consult a professional jeweler when you have a question or are unsure about cleaning gems or jewelry. Most jewelers will offer a professional cleaning service, but be sure to choose one that has experience with colored stones, not just white diamonds. When hiring the services of a jeweler, it is also important to inform them of any gemstone treatments or enhancements as this can affect stability.

Gemstone Type	DO	DO NOT
Agate	Soak, rinse & brush.	Use heat or expose to extreme temperature changes (causes shocking).
Amethyst	Soak, rinse & brush. Ultrasonic clean & boil with care.	Use heat or expose to extreme temperature changes (causes shocking).
Aquamarine	Soak, rinse & brush.Ultrasonic clean with care.	Boil. Use acid.
Beryl	Soak, rinse & brush. Boil & ultrasonic clean by jeweler.	Expose to extreme heat (may change color).
Citrine	Soak, rinse & brush. Boil & ultrasonic clean by jeweler.	Expose to extreme heat (may change color).
Garnet	Soak, rinse & brush.	Boil, ultrasonic clean, acid. Expose to heat or bright light (may change color).
Feldspar	Soak, rinse & brush.	Boil, ultrasonic clean, acid. Expose to heat or bright light (may change color).
Jade	Soak, rinse & brush.	Expose to extreme heat (may change color).
Kunzite	Soak, rinse & brush.	Boil, ultrasonic clean, acid. Expose to heat or bright light (may fade color).
Peridot	Soak, rinse & brush.. Boil with care.	Expose to extreme heat or extreme temperature changes (may crack). Use acid.
Quartz	Soak, rinse & brush. Boil & ultrasonic clean with care.	Expose to strong heat or extreme temperature changes (shocking).
Sapphire, Ruby	Use soapy water & brush. Boil & ultrasonic clean with care.	Glass-filled stones should be cleaned by jewelers only.
Spinel	Boil & ultrasonic clean with care. Soak, rinse & brush.	Expose to extreme temperature changes or extreme heat (may fade).
Topaz, Imperial topaz	Soak, rinse & brush.	Boil or ultrasonic clean. Do not expose to extreme temperature changes (will fracture).
Tourmaline	Soak, rinse & brush.	Heat, boil or steam clean (may change color).
Zircon	Soak, rinse & brush.	Steam, Boil or Ultrasonic Clean.

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Overall Rating -> 10

Exact dimensions of each gem would be helpful, or even better, place the gem on a white paper with 1 mm black grid so that exact dimensions can be see. Otherwise great experience! I hope your business prospers!!

Posted By James in August, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Great service. I understand supply depends on other factors so I don't mind checking back from time to time. I do, however, have a problem with the mobile website trying to sign me up for emails when all I'm doing is a simple search

Posted By Musicalkrystal in July, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Beautiful selection of gems! Surprised and happy that I was able find a gem in my price range.

Posted By Garnet T in January, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

Very pleased with my first purchase and very pleased at the assistance I received immediatly. I have recommended people to view GemSelect website several times.

Posted By WystyE in April, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I think the GemSelect website is exceptional. It gives me comfort and confidence that what I select is what I will receive from them. This is why I buy from them. I've purchased many gems from them online and have never been dissatisfied. I like the paperwork that ships with the orders and the reports that are available.

Posted By Buckrock in September, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Awesome

Posted By Mic in May, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

Love your gems!

Posted By Chris in January, 2023

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Amethyst Info

Amethyst Information - The finest purple colors are found in this gemstone ...