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How to care for your gemstones
Opals are beautiful, but delicate stones that need to be worn with care. They are ranked between 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means they are about as hard as glass – not as tough as diamonds, but not quite as soft as pearls.
Avoid wearing opal rings if you’re doing any work that is going to be hard on your hands, and, in general, apply ‘the pearl rule’: your opal jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
We would recommend you remove your opal ring while using soap, in the shower or washing dishes and avoid exposing your opal pieces to alcohol sanitisers, detergents, cosmetic products or oils.
The safest way to clean opals is using warm, soapy water, gently removing any clouding or deposits with soft tools like a baby’s toothbrush or very soft microfibre cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Do not soak or submerge your opal jewellery in water. Rather, rinse it briefly under a running tap and make sure to dry your opal thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth immediately after cleaning. We recommend limiting cleaning your opal to 3-4 times a year.
We would not recommend ever cleaning an opal using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Store your opal jewellery wrapped in a soft cloth or in a soft-lined container, pouch, or jewellery box, separate from other jewellery to avoid scratches. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
Emeralds are ranked 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which means they are durable enough for everyday wear if proper care is taken.
Avoid wearing emerald rings if you’re doing any work that is going to be hard on your hands. We would recommend you remove your emerald ring while using soap, in the shower or washing dishes and avoid exposing your emerald pieces to alcohol sanitisers, detergents, cosmetic products or oils.
The safest way to clean emerald rings is using warm, soapy water, gently removing any clouding or deposits with soft tools like a baby’s toothbrush or very soft microfibre cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Do not soak or submerge your emerald jewellery in water. Rather, rinse it briefly under a running tap and make sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth immediately after cleaning. We recommend limiting cleaning your emerald to 3-4 times a year, as any more risks damaging the oil treatment that protects the surface of the stone.
We would not recommend ever cleaning emeralds using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Freshwater pearls are delicate and fragile, and require special care. They are ranked 2.5 on the Mohs scale, which means they are soft and can be easily scratched or damaged by many chemicals and all acids. This includes perfume, cosmetics, hairspray and even perspiration. Therefore, your freshwater pearl jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off and you should avoid exposing your pearl jewellery to alcohol sanitisers, detergents, cosmetic products or oils.
With care, pearls can be worn daily, but it’s important to avoid wearing them when exercising, showering, at the pool or on the beach.
The safest way to clean pearls is using warm, soapy water, gently removing any clouding or deposits with soft tools like a baby’s toothbrush or very soft microfibre cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Do not soak or submerge your pearl jewellery in water. Rather, rinse it briefly under a running tap and make sure to dry your pearl thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth immediately after cleaning.
We don't recommend ever cleaning pearls using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Rubies and sapphires are both made of the mineral corundum, which is the hardest known natural substance after diamond, making them great gemstones for everyday wear. They are ranked 9 on the Mohs scale and have good stability, meaning they are resistant to heat, light and household chemicals.
Like any gemstones, rubies and sapphires are prone to an accumulation of dust and matter on their surface, which may over time cause them to look faded or cloudy. To combat this, keep your rubies and sapphires as clean as possible and avoid applying lotions, perfumes and sprays after putting on your jewellery. Rubies and sapphires may chip or crack if they receive a blunt impact, so try to avoid wearing them if you’re doing any work that is going to be hard on your hands.
To eliminate dullness, clean rubies and sapphires at home by applying a mixture of mild liquid soap and warm water. Gently scrub your rubies and the jewellery mounting using a soft toothbrush. Rinse immediately with clean warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth for sparkling results. Avoid using harsh detergents, and never clean your jewellery with solvents such as alcohol, acetone or paint thinner.
You can also use ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which are usually safe for both stones.
