Colored gemstones are among the most popular and expressive forms of jewelry. The bright colors and folklore associated with these stones give each jewel a unique personality.

To keep your colored gemstones at their best, follow a few simple steps:

• Put on your jewelry after using makeup, perfume or cologne, and hair products.
• Before storage, wipe gemstones with a clean, soft, damp cloth and gently pat dry.
• Avoid exposure to hairspray, perfume, chlorine and perspiration, which can dull gemstones.
• Use mild soap and warm water to clean most stones.
• Do not use toothpaste or any other abrasive cleaner on stones or mounting.
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub your jewelry.
• Never use boiling or hot water to clean gems.
• Do not wear jewelry while doing household chores.
• Wrap each piece in soft tissue or cloth to prevent damage during storage.

These are machines that clean jewelry by bombarding it with sound waves. This vibration shakes off dirt, but the vibrations can also cause damage to the gemstone, especially brittle stones like emeralds. Any stone inclusions can be greatly enlarged by the shaking, making the gem less attractive and valuable. Because of the risk, we recommend caution when using the ultrasonic cleaners.