Maintenance of precious stones
How to maintain stones?
All gemstones have defined and different physical, optical and chemical characteristics. Therefore, it is normal for maintenance to vary depending on the stones.
Let's now see how to maintain the different stones:
The Diamond : this stone is the hardest, elle carries the index 10 on the Mohs scale and can only be scratched by another diamond. However, its brilliance can be altered by abrasive products.
Diamonds can easily scratch each other, it is necessary to avoid putting them in contact when wearing them or when storing them.
But it is also necessary to know that diamonds can scratch other precious stones, metal, pearls if they are not stored properly.
Diamonds should be stored separately, preferably in individual soft cloth pouches.
The Emerald : This stone is undoubtedly one of the most fragile and sensitive precious stones. Elle does not appreciate being exposed to too intense heat or certain detergent products that could alter its fluidity.
The emerald is vulnerable to shocks. Its crystallization characteristics, the possible presence of frost make it fragile. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid impacts of any kind, thermal variations (cold water/hot air, for example) and keep it away from intense heat sources.
The Ruby : This stone is not particularly fragile. Ruby is the second hardest stone after diamond. However, contact with diamonds, shocks and friction should still be avoided.
The Sapphire : Just like the ruby, the sapphire is second in the hardness scale (Fun fact: the sapphire and the ruby both belong to the Corundum family).
So the precautions to take to maintain the Sapphire are the same as those of the Ruby.
Pearls: Did you know that pearls are alive and can last more than a hundred years if they are worn? Indeed, pearls naturally hydrate in contact with air and the epidermis, which helps maintain their shine. They resist shocks quite well, but their surface is porous and can deteriorate.
Cultured pearls are soft and require special attention. They are particularly sensitive to chemical deterioration, especially by oils and salts from the skin.
To maintain them, pearls should be wiped with a chamois or flannel cloth after being worn and stored in a chamois designed for this purpose or in a velvet pouch after being cleaned.
Avoid careful contact with skincare creams, foundations, perfume, hair spray, alcohols, highly acidic water (swimming pools). Contact with other jewelry should also be avoided (on oneself and in the case).
