Whether it’s a deep green emerald from
Columbia or a stunning bluish-green stone from
Zambia, emeralds are an investment in beauty that are meant to last. Keeping that investment looking beautiful for years to come, however, does require proper care and handling. As breathtakingly beautiful as they are, emeralds are a little more finicky to care for than other precious gemstones like diamonds or rubies.
Why Proper Handling Matters
The reason behind the need for more careful handling of emeralds is quite simple. Although considered a rather durable stone, they are technically softer than other gems commonly used in jewelry. Rating a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, emeralds are just behind rubies and sapphires at 9 and diamonds at 10.
Since emeralds are somewhat less durable than their counterparts and are not immune from chipping or scratching, they are commonly treated by jewelers to enhance their durability while bringing out the richness of their colors. While jewelers do their part to lend lasting stability to these stones, their owners must also be good stewards.
These handling measures can help preserve emeralds for years to come:
- Taking care to avoid banging stones on hard surfaces – Emeralds can be damaged when they are knocked or hit against surfaces. The biggest danger here tends to center around emeralds used in ring settings, but any piece of emerald jewelry is at risk. With this in mind, it is important to refrain from wearing these stones when rigorous activity is planned. Be aware that most fine jewelry stores do not cover chips or cracks caused by knocks in their warranties. Insurance companies also do not typically cover this type of accidental damage.
- Refraining from wearing 24/7 – It’s quite common to wear some fine jewelry all the time, but this is simply not recommended for emeralds. It’s best to take emerald jewelry off when sleeping and bathing in addition to removing for more physical activities.
Tips for Keeping Emeralds Clean
Keeping emeralds clean is a relatively simple undertaking. Since these stones should be kept away from heat, it’s best to avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Instead a soft cloth, mild soap and water perform well. Be sure to buff the stone dry with a clean, soft cloth after thoroughly rinsing off soap. Do not use toothbrushes or other abrasive devices to clean stones.
At Israel-Diamonds.com, we are delighted to offer our clients the highest-quality emeralds meant to stand the test of time. When these precious stones are handled with an appropriate measure of care they can delight for generations.
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