Gemstone jewelry requires proper care to maintain its beauty, durability, and value. Because gemstones differ widely in hardness, toughness, porosity, and treatment methods, there is no single cleaning method suitable for all gemstones.
Key Factors That Determine How a Gemstone Should Be Cleaned
Factor
Why It Matters
Hardness
Determines scratch resistance, not chemical or impact resistance
Toughness
Indicates resistance to cracking or chipping
Porosity
Porous stones absorb liquids and chemicals
Cleavage
Stones with perfect cleavage can split easily
Treatments
Oil, resin, dye, or heat treatments may be damaged
Setting Type
Prongs, pavé, or antique settings affect cleaning safety
Universal Safe Home Cleaning Method
Step
Recommended Practice
Cleaning solution
Warm water + mild liquid dish soap
Tools
Soft toothbrush or cosmetic brush
Technique
Gentle brushing, especially under the stone
Rinsing
Lukewarm running water
Drying
Lint-free cloth + air drying
Frequency
Every few weeks for regular wear
Cleaning Methods Overview: What’s Safe and What’s Not
Cleaning Method
Effectiveness
Risk Level
Recommended For
Mild soap & water
Moderate
Low
Most gemstones
Soft brushing
Moderate
Low
Routine maintenance
Ultrasonic cleaner
High
High
Only hard, untreated stones
Steam cleaner
Very high
Very high
Diamonds, sapphires (professional only)
Chemical cleaners
High
Extreme
Generally not recommended
Polishing cloth
Low
Low
Metal surfaces only
Gemstones Safe for Ultrasonic Cleaning
⚠ Even for these stones, ultrasonic cleaning can loosen settings.
Gemstone
Ultrasonic Safe?
Conditions
Diamond
Yes
No fractures or inclusions
Ruby
Yes
Untreated only
Sapphire
Yes
Untreated only
Spinel
Yes
Natural, untreated
Chrysoberyl
Yes
No inclusions
Gemstones That Should NOT Be Ultrasonically Cleaned
Gemstone
Reason
Emerald
Oil or resin filled
Opal
High water content, cracking risk
Turquoise
Porous and dyed
Tanzanite
Brittle, cleavage
Moonstone
Cleavage and inclusions
Lapis Lazuli
Porous, dyed
Fluorite
Low hardness, cleavage
Cleaning Recommendations by Gemstone Type
Gemstone
Soap & Water
Ultrasonic
Steam
Notes
Diamond
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Inspect for cracks
Ruby
✔ Yes
⚠ Limited
⚠ Limited
Avoid treated stones
Sapphire
✔ Yes
⚠ Limited
⚠ Limited
Heat-treated stones need care
Emerald
✔ Gentle
❌ No
❌ No
Oil-filled
Opal
❌ No
❌ No
❌ No
Damp cloth only
Pearl
❌ No
❌ No
❌ No
Organic material
Aquamarine
✔ Yes
❌ No
❌ No
Brittle inclusions
Topaz
✔ Yes
❌ No
❌ No
Perfect cleavage
Garnet
✔ Yes
⚠ Limited
❌ No
Heat sensitive
Chemicals and Substances to Always Avoid
Substance
Potential Damage
Bleach
Etches stones and corrodes metals
Chlorine
Weakens prongs
Ammonia
Strips treatments
Acids
Surface erosion
Alkalis
Color fading
Warm water, a mild cleaning agent, and a soft-bristled brush are consistently the safest approach for cleaning most gemstones. Mechanical cleaning methods should only be considered when the gemstone has been accurately identified and its structural stability is clearly understood. If there is any uncertainty, seek advice from a certified gemologist or entrust the piece to a professional jewelry service.
