Gemstone Cleaning and Care Guide

The alluring beauty and mystical powers of Gemstones have fascinated people since time immemorial. What grabs the attention even more are the astrological benefits that they provide to the wearer by influencing the effects of the ruling planet positively. But in order to preserve the benefits that each gemstone holds and to maintain the same beauty, cleaning and care is a must! Every gemstone has healing properties that will work more powerfully when cleaned and taken care of on regular basis.

How to clean natural gemstones jewelry?

Here are some simple steps that you can follow to clean your gemstones and keep them shining bright!

• Get a bowl and fill it with lukewarm water.

• Add mild detergent, mild hair shampoo or liquid hand wash to it and then dip gemstone ring/ pendant into the solution.

• Let it soak for a few minutes.

• Now, use a soft toothbrush and very gently scrub the surface. Look for grime as it can collect behind the stones, especially in rings. In the case of emeralds, opals, use a soft cotton cloth instead of toothbrush.

• Once you are done scrubbing, wash the stone in running water and then pat dry with soft cotton cloth.

In addition to this, learn how to clean the nine most precious gemstones in Vedic Astrology also known as ‘Navratnas’ for ensuring long-lasting appeal.

1. Yellow Sapphire - Pukhraj
   The yellow sapphire is so hard that no special care is really required. Although they are subjected to chipping and fracture if handled roughly. So protect them well from scratches, sharp blows and temperature changes.

2. Blue Sapphire - Neelam
   Blue sapphires can be cleaned with a gemstone cleaning cloth and lukewarm water that contains dish detergent. Soak the piece of sapphire ring or pendant in a mild dish detergent and lukewarm water solution for 10 to 20 minutes, and then scrub gently but firmly with a soft cloth or makeup brush to remove any residues and dirt. Dry carefully with a gemstone cleaning cloth before wearing.

3. Emerald - Panna
   Protect Emerald stone from scratches, sharp blows, sudden temperature changes and any type of chemical solvent. Clean it by using room temperature running water, a soft cotton cloth and a mild soap. After drying, it can be rubbed with a gemstone cleaning cloth.

4. Ruby - Manik
   Don’t use any abrasives, not even toothpaste, as it will scratch the softer gold or platinum settings. Take lukewarm water in a cup, add few drops of hair shampoo and soak the ruby jewelry in it. After 5-10 minutes, rinse it under running water. Use a soft cotton cloth to dry.

5. Garnet - Gomed
   You can clean your garnet with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Always make sure you rinse the stone well after washing it. Ultrasonic treatments may also be used for garnets. Do not steam clean your garnet.

6. Coral - Moonga
   Do not clean coral in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Special care is required for corals. Remove coral rings when washing and moisturizing your hands. Coral is very soft, so you should avoid chemicals. Coral is brittle, scratched easily and can chip off or even break if handled roughly.

7. Cats Eye - Lehsunia
   Place the snake idol in front on a brass plate. Spread red or grey cloth. Now wash the cat’s eye ring by applying sandal and kumkum. Then place it over a cloth.

8. Opal
   Opals are delicate but well worth the care. Clean using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and chemical cleaners. If you do get an opal ring, choose a setting that protects it from coming in contact with other objects.

9. Pearl - Moti
   Pearls require special care because they contain calcareous crystals that are sensitive to chemicals and acids. Avoid using perfume, hairspray, abrasives, solvents, and nail polish removers while wearing them.
   Like your skin, pearls contain water and may dehydrate and crack if exposed continuously to arid conditions.

Hope this gemstone guide for cleaning and care will help to recharge the gemstones and provide you with maximum benefits.

Caution: Do not try them on heat treated or glass-filled treated gemstones, as their appearance might change.

You can also consult Gemkart in case of any queries related to gemstone care and cleaning.

To buy genuine gemstones online, please visit: https://www.gemkart.com/

Gemkart is a one-stop shop to buy natural gemstones online in India. Each gem sold here is certified from well-recognized laboratories of the world.