Emeralds are one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones used in fine jewelry design. Although widely known as May’s birthstone and the traditional gift for 20th wedding anniversaries, they also possess a history rich in symbolism and cultural significance. Their vibrant green color is synonymous with elegance and timeless beauty, and they’re durable enough to retain their stunning appeal for many years to come. However, like most products, the longevity of these stones largely depends on how well they’re taken care of. Here are some best practices for keeping them in good condition.
A Guide to Emerald Jewelry Maintenance
Cleaning
Emerald jewelry should only be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth on an as-needed basis. Most authentic emerald stones include tiny fractures and are usually oil treated, which helps to seal the fissures and reduce the visibility of imperfections. Thus, you never want to soak them, expose them to steam, or place them in an ultrasonic cleaner. Heat and ultrasonic vibrations could cause existing fractures to widen, weakening the stone. Steer clear of solvents and harsh detergents as well, since these can remove or dilute the oils and affect the stone’s appearance. Dry thoroughly when finished.
Storing
Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, meaning they’re fairly tough. Despite this, they can still be easily scratched by other gemstones that are harder, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. To prevent abrasions, it’s recommended that emerald pieces be stored separately from other fine jewelry when they aren’t being worn. They should be kept in a velvet-lined jewelry box or soft pouch, out of direct sunlight, and in an area that doesn’t experience extreme temperatures.
Wearing
Be sure to take off your emerald jewelry before showering, swimming, or going to sleep to protect it from damage. You should also remove pieces if you’ll be participating in any physical activities like sports or gardening. Emerald stones can be brittle, especially if they have many fractures, and even a small impact could result in cracks and breakage. Additionally, it’s important to limit exposure to perfumes and other beauty products that have chemicals to avoid stripping off the oils.
Repairing
If you notice any damage to your emerald jewelry, it’s best to get professional help. An experienced jeweler will know the proper methods for handling these precious stones and the right way to fix problems that arise. Also, oil treatments typically wear off over time. It’s a good idea to have stones expertly re-oiled every few years. This is a complicated process that requires special knowledge and equipment.
Whether you’re looking to purchase an exquisite emerald of your own or have a piece that needs repair, the staff at Anderson’s Fine Jewelry can assist with fulfilling your requests. Our Redding, CA store is a trusted source for high-quality fine jewelry, and we’re proud to carry a large selection of unique items to choose from. We also have an in-store jeweler who works with customers to bring custom design ideas to life. Visit us online to shop our inventory of gemstone pieces, or call (530) 223-3443 to make an appointment.
