by Shweta Dhanuka

People wear gemstones for personal growth, healing the diseases and even for looking good. In order to experience the positive effects and power, it is necessary to give special attention to these gems. Colored gemstones require a little extra care to keep them valuable and in good condition.

Summary:

Gems are the precious and semi precious stones containing the divine energy that sustains, nourishes and enlivens all the living creatures. There are wide variety of gem stones found, each having it’s own unique characteristic. People wear gemstones for personal growth, healing the diseases and even for looking good. In order to experience the positive effects and power, it is necessary to give special attention to these gems. Colored gemstones require a little extra care to keep them valuable and in good condition. The instructions given by the gemstone seller are often inadequate for maintaining these valuable stones as they are quite delicate.

Diamonds are hard, strong and durable as compared to the gemstones. Therefore, the person wearing gemstones have to be more conscious towards maintaining these precious stones. Gemstones have to be cleaned so as to preserve them for longer time. If stones are worn daily then it becomes crucial to clean. The simplest and easiest ingredient available for cleaning is plain water. It is safe for all the gemstones. In case water seems insufficient to give back the shine of the stone then mild liquid soap can be used. Toothpick should be used to clean any debris from the stone. Detergents and soaps containing ammonia and acetone should be avoided completely.

After cleaning with water, dry with a soft cloth that do not shed threads or fibers. Jewelers use ultrasonic cleanser for cleaning the piece of stone jewelry. Be careful while it gets cleaned as the ultrasonic cleanser might disturb the jewelry setting. Gemstones being fragile are more prone to cracks and splits by this method. And always avoid the ultrasonic cleaning machines. Simple household methods to clean the stones are also quite effective. Boil one cup of water and add 1/2 teaspoon of tea leaves to it. Bring to boil, put off the flame and allow it cool (cool it on the normal room temperature) . Now take a glass bowl, place the stone in it and pour the prepared cooled tea solution over the stone. Keep the stone immersed in the solution for overnight, remove and rinse with clean plain water. Then dry with a wet soft cloth. Another is sand method. Take a glass bowl and pour sand into it. Sprinkle few drops of water on the sand to make it moist. Now, bury the stone in the moist sand without wrapping for 2-3 hours. It will get gems clean but be aware not to bury the gem for more than 3 hours else the polish might be removed.

Other than cleaning the stones, it is important to store the gemstones safely. Jewelry should be stored in soft cloth bags in a jewelry box. This preserves the valuable items and also protects from theft (as the jewelry is not seen directly). Jewelry items should not be piled over one another else it results in scratches and dents. Moreover, the gemstones in the jewelry might get cracked or split. Cotton is used widely for storing the gemstones and the jewelry. Make the cotton layer in the jewelry box and keep the items on the top of it. Then if desired cover the items with another cotton layer. This protects the valuable items from all sort of jerks. Gemstones and gemstone jewelry needs lot of care and precautions. When these items are used in daily life few things are to be remembered and followed like do not to wear the jewelry having stones while gardening, housework, auto repairs or playing sports.

Being very delicate, gemstones have to be worn cautiously. These stones cannot withstand temperature changes at all. Be aware not to wear any jewelry consisting these precious stone during extreme temperature like hot sun, cool pool or hot jacuzzi. Else the temperature changes can cause a crack or shatter in the gem. Stones like emeralds, turquoise, opal, amethyst and kunzite cannot bear heat. Due to heat, the stone might get faded, cracked or turn to be more brittle. Therefore, jewelry item having any of these stones have to be removed while working with hot ovens, washing & cleaning in hot water. Perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, cleansers, nail polish remover etc containing any chemical like alcohol, acetone and chlorine are very harmful to the gemstones. When exposed to these acidic solutions, the stones are more susceptible to loose the natural shine and luster. Emerald are too delicate and should be kept away from all sort of chemicals else it might get dissolved. These are the tips that can keep the gemstone precious and valuable and powerful forever. A little care can give the benefits for the lifetime.