March Teaching Tip: Caring for Your Colored Stone Jewelry
March is a month that celebrates color — from the first signs of spring to aquamarine, the March birthstone. It’s the perfect time to talk about something many people don’t realize:
Not all gemstones should be cleaned the same way.
At Michele & Company Fine Jewelers, we often see customers lovingly cleaning their jewelry at home, only to unknowingly damage a delicate stone. So here’s your March Teaching Tip to help you properly care for your colored stones and keep them beautiful for years to come.
Why Colored Stones Need Special Care
Unlike diamonds, many colored gemstones have:
Natural inclusions
Surface-reaching fractures
Treatments such as heat or oil
Lower hardness ratings
That means what works for your diamond ring may not be safe for your sapphire, emerald, opal, or tanzanite.
Softer and More Delicate Stones
Stones like opal, tanzanite, emerald, and pearl require extra care.
Avoid using:
Ultrasonic cleaners
Steam cleaners
Harsh jewelry dips
Abrasive brushes
These stones can crack, dry out, become cloudy, or lose treatments.
Safe cleaning method:
Use warm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a very soft toothbrush. Gently brush around the stone and setting. Rinse carefully and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Emeralds, in particular, should not be soaked for long periods. Many are oil-treated, and excessive soaking can affect their appearance.
More Durable Colored Stones
Stones such as sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, and garnet are generally more durable. However, they still benefit from gentle care.
Use mild soap and warm water with a soft brush, and avoid sudden temperature changes. Even durable stones can loosen in their settings over time, especially with daily wear.
The Biggest Mistake We See
One of the most common mistakes is using an ultrasonic cleaner at home without knowing whether the stone is treated or fracture-filled.
Ultrasonic machines can:
Worsen existing inclusions
Loosen prongs
Damage softer gems
Strip certain treatments
If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to have your jewelry professionally cleaned.
When in Doubt, Bring It In
Professional cleanings are about more than just sparkle. They allow us to inspect prongs, check for wear, and ensure your piece is secure and protected.
Colored stone jewelry is often chosen because it feels personal — a birthstone, a favorite color, or a meaningful gift. Taking proper care of it ensures it lasts for decades and can be passed down with confidence.
If you have an item you’re unsure about, stop in this March. We are always happy to properly clean and inspect your jewelry so you can enjoy it safely for years to come.
March is a month that celebrates color — from the first signs of spring to aquamarine, the March birthstone. It’s the perfect time to talk about something many people don’t realize:
Not all gemstones should be cleaned the same way.
At Michele & Company Fine Jewelers, we often see customers lovingly cleaning their jewelry at home, only to unknowingly damage a delicate stone. So here’s your March Teaching Tip to help you properly care for your colored stones and keep them beautiful for years to come.
Why Colored Stones Need Special Care
Unlike diamonds, many colored gemstones have:
Natural inclusions
Surface-reaching fractures
Treatments such as heat or oil
Lower hardness ratings
That means what works for your diamond ring may not be safe for your sapphire, emerald, opal, or tanzanite.
Softer and More Delicate Stones
Stones like opal, tanzanite, emerald, and pearl require extra care.
Avoid using:
Ultrasonic cleaners
Steam cleaners
Harsh jewelry dips
Abrasive brushes
These stones can crack, dry out, become cloudy, or lose treatments.
Safe cleaning method:
Use warm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a very soft toothbrush. Gently brush around the stone and setting. Rinse carefully and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Emeralds, in particular, should not be soaked for long periods. Many are oil-treated, and excessive soaking can affect their appearance.
More Durable Colored Stones
Stones such as sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, and garnet are generally more durable. However, they still benefit from gentle care.
Use mild soap and warm water with a soft brush, and avoid sudden temperature changes. Even durable stones can loosen in their settings over time, especially with daily wear.
The Biggest Mistake We See
One of the most common mistakes is using an ultrasonic cleaner at home without knowing whether the stone is treated or fracture-filled.
Ultrasonic machines can:
Worsen existing inclusions
Loosen prongs
Damage softer gems
Strip certain treatments
If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to have your jewelry professionally cleaned.
When in Doubt, Bring It In
Professional cleanings are about more than just sparkle. They allow us to inspect prongs, check for wear, and ensure your piece is secure and protected.
Colored stone jewelry is often chosen because it feels personal — a birthstone, a favorite color, or a meaningful gift. Taking proper care of it ensures it lasts for decades and can be passed down with confidence.
If you have an item you’re unsure about, stop in this March. We are always happy to properly clean and inspect your jewelry so you can enjoy it safely for years to come.