The emerald jewelry They are among the most sophisticated and elegant in the world of jewelry, so it is not surprising that we want to have at least one in our jewelry box. However, despite being very rare and fairly hard gemstones (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), they can be very brittle and chip more easily than other gemstones. So you have to take certain special care to maintain them and that they can last a lifetime.
So if you are lucky to have emerald jewelry in your jewelry box. We invite you to continue reading, because below, we will give you some tips on how to care for and maintain them so that they always remain bright and beautiful.
Before buying emerald jewelry
when buying emerald jewelry, make sure they are bezel set or have a halo. This type of setting keeps the emerald safe from knocks and bumps, creating a cushion for the stone.
Next, examine the type of accent stones used. White diamonds or sapphires greatly enhance the natural beauty of the emerald and will protect the stone from side impact.
Finally, it is important to ask the jeweler if the emeralds have been oiled. Most emeralds have been dipped in colorless oil or resin. Stones that have been treated with colored oils or epoxy resins are not as valuable.
How to clean emerald jewelry at home
Emeralds can appear oily and filmy when there is dirt built up on the surface. Using soap and water is a simple and effective way to clean this at home, if you don’t want to take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning.
Opt for a mild liquid soap and make a soapy solution with warm water. Place your emerald jewelry in this solution and use a soft cloth or toothbrush to gently clean the parts. Try to get into hard-to-reach areas, because that’s where the main buildup of dirt will be.
After this, rinse the emerald jewelry under running water, making sure that no soap residue remains. Dry with a lint-free cloth and store or carry. You can clean your jewelry several times a year or as needed, depending on the appearance of the stone.
Look for professional maintenance
A professional checkup every year or two by a professional jeweler is recommended to make sure all is well with your emerald. If necessary, the stone may need to be re-oiled and the prongs may need to be put back in the setting. These types of services should only be performed by a professional and should not cost too much.
What should we avoid?
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners
Never clean your emeralds in ultrasonic cleaners as the chances of the stone fracturing are high. Emeralds are known for being included, with emerald inclusions even having a fancy name of their own: ‘garden’.
Additionally, most emeralds are fracture-filled, meaning that the natural fractures have been treated with fillers to improve the appearance and stability of the stone. When placed in an ultrasonic cleaner, the intense pressure and vibration can weaken fractures and even cause fillings to dislodge.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Keep your emeralds away from harsh household chemicals and detergents. It is recommended to remove emerald jewelry when swimming, washing dishes, scrubbing, applying perfume, cosmetics, etc. These chemicals can damage the surface of the stone and increase dirt buildup.
Avoid sudden exposure
A strong blow can cause an emerald to break or chip. If you participate in physical activities such as sports, climbing, or gardening, remove your emerald jewelry to keep them safe. However, keep in mind that this precaution applies especially to emerald rings, as earrings and necklaces tend to be safe from knocks anyway.
How to store your emerald jewelry
Don’t save your emerald jewelry with other jewelery as they can be scratched by harder substances. Emeralds range from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which means harder stones and metals like sapphires, moissanite, diamonds, or tungsten, for example, can easily scratch them. Always store emeralds in a separate bag or fabric-lined jewelry box to keep it dust-free and scratch-free.
avoid the heat
Emeralds can be damaged by heat, which can cause the stone’s fillings to alter or weaken. Fractures can also be aggravated by heat. That is why it is also advisable to remove the emerald jewelry before using hot water.
Avoid commercial jewelry cleaners
Most commercial jewelry cleaners are too strong to use safely on emeralds. They can be abrasive and scratch the surface of the stone. They can also affect the oils and fillings in the emerald, causing the stone to weaken. Mild soap is the best way to clean emeralds.