Gemstone Care Guide

Gemstone Care

All fine jewellery must be handled and worn with thoughtful consideration. Taking a few extra moments to clean and care for your gemstone jewellery can make a world of difference in its appearance and longevity.

View Zoara's colourful collection of Gemstone Jewellery.

Be Mindful

The first way to care for your gemstones and gemstone jewellery is to wear it mindfully. Your jewellery should be the last thing you put on: always put on your gemstone jewellery after applying hairspray, perfume and cosmetics. Check settings and clasps before you put your jewellery on to make sure that they are strong and secure. Zoara suggests that you avoid wearing your gemstone jewellery in situations where it may be exposed to rough surfaces, extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals or severe impacts.

Store Carefully

After wearing your gemstone jewellery, Zoara recommends that you wipe each item with a clean, soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust or oil. To protect your gemstone jewellery from scratching against other jewellery items, always store it in an individual case, or wrap each item in a soft cloth before stowing it away. Never place diamond jewellery in the same pouch as gemstone jewellery, as diamonds can easily scratch or scuff their surfaces.

Clean Regularly

Cleaning your gemstone jewellery frequently is the most effective way to keep it sparkling like new. However, not all gemstones may be cleaned in the same way. Even simple soap-water soaks can be harmful to certain gemstones. Because there is such a wide variety of gemstones, it is important to be aware of the most effective care and cleaning methods for each stone or mineral. Some stones are sensitive to certain chemicals and conditions; others are vulnerable to heat or cold. When buying a commercial jewellery cleaner, read the label carefully to insure that it is formulated for your specific gemstone. Please refer to the chart below before exposing your gemstones to any cleaning materials.

Zoara also recommends you have your gemstone jewellery professionally cleaned once a year. An experienced jeweller will check your settings, mountings and clasps. Pearl necklaces and bead necklaces should also be restrung every one to two years. Always request that the strand be knotted between each bead or pearl to protect them against slippage or scratching.

Gemstone Soap-Water Soak Ultrasonic Cleaner Steamer
Amber Yes No No
Aquamarine Yes No No
Citrine Yes No No
Coral No. Wipe with damp cloth only. No No
Diamond Yes. Rinse and dry well. Yes Yes
Emerald Yes No No
Garne Yes No No
Lapis Lazuli No. Wipe with dry or damp cloth only. No No
Opal No. Wipe with dry or damp cloth only. No No
Pearl Yes No No
Peridot Yes No No
Pink Tourmaline Yes No No
Ruby Yes Yes Yes
Sapphire Yes Yes Yes
Tanzanite Yes No No
Topaz Yes No No
Turquoise No. Wipe with dry or damp cloth only. No No


Before you start your shopping process, we recommend that you visit our extensive Jewellery Learning Centre to learn more about engagement rings and wedding rings.

Zoara, Inc., Jewelers - Retail, Sioux Falls, SD