Unique gemstone rings are purchased and used for a wide range of reasons, some more common than others. Overall, some of the known reasons include for:
- Investment Value
- Unparalleled Beauty
- Symbolism & Personal Meaning
- Distinct Stylishness
- Connection of Nature
- Belief in the Healing & Metaphysical Properties of Certain Gemstones
- Suitability for Celebration
- Cultural Significance & Tradition
As a result of their actual and sentimental value, these rings can be costly. This is especially the case with unique gemstone rings, which is why they need to be well-maintained. This article discusses some essential care tips in the spirit of ensuring this. For those seeking high-quality jewelry pieces, Jewlr offers a wide range of options that deserve the same careful maintenance to preserve their beauty and value.
Keeping Unique Gemstone Rings Well-Maintained
Poor maintenance can damage these rings to the point where they need to be replaced or their beauty & durability adversely affected. In the spirit of avoiding such, below are some care tips and essential ones at that:
1. Avoid Chemicals
Several chemicals are capable of damaging gemstones. You should also know that some of these chemicals are common in households, which is the reason to be careful. Prime examples include bleach, acetone, and ammonia.
As a result, they should be taken off whenever the need to use these chemicals arises. In the spirit of being very cautious, some recommendations when it comes to avoiding chemicals include removal of these rings before:
- Cleaning
- Bathing
- Application of Perfumes and Lotions
- Swimming
Some chemicals related to these activities may lead to the eroding of gemstones. This is especially true when it happens over time.
2. Proper Storage
Unique gemstone rings can get damaged when they are not properly stored. So, it is not just about how they are used but equally about how they are stored.
Bearing this in mind, separate storage is highly recommended. This is especially for the sake of preventing scratches due to contact with other rings and pieces of jewelry, at large.
Furthermore, it is best if you invest in storage with soft pouches, anti-tarnish bags, or even individual compartments. These will go a long way in preventing tangling and generally keeping your ring safe. You can read this article for jewelry storage insight by the Gemological Institute of America.
3. Be Aware of the Gemstone’s Hardness
Some gemstones are more/less scratch-resistant than others. Scratch resistance is essentially determined by the gemstone’s hardness, which is why this is an important piece of information.
In the spirit of properly caring for yours, you are supposed to be aware of the hardness. That informs how you treat yours.
Generally, those with low ratings on the Mohs scale should be particularly handled with care as they cannot be put through a lot. Anything that is lower than 5.5 falls under this category. Pearls and opals are prime examples.
On the other hand, there are options that have as much as 9 – 10 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds and sapphires are prime examples and they can withstand a lot because of their hardness. This of course impacts their durability.
4. Clean Properly
The goal of cleaning unique gemstone rings is clearly to improve their looks. However, improper cleaning can make the gemstone ring turn out bad, especially in the long run.
By the way, the gemstone’s hardness should also inform the cleaning process. For example, extra care is required when cleaning softer stones like opals. As a result, the use of ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided because of how delicate and/or porous they are. Rather, a microfiber or simply a soft cloth should be used for the sake of preventing scratches.
Other kinds can be cleaned with warm water, dish soap (although mild), and a soft toothbrush. Caution is of the essence, especially when using the toothbrush.
5. Regular Inspection
This ensures that any sign of wear or loose setting is quickly detected. Such should not be left unattended as things can get worse if this happens.
Rather, the services of a professional are required to quickly fix the issue and also avoid the possibility of losing stones. However, it starts with paying close attention to your unique gemstone ring.
6. Limit Wear
Some of the points above have established how improper cleaning and storage can lead to issues. However, the fact remains that most of these issues stem from the use of these rings.
As a result, limiting the use of these rings can go a long way in having them in the right state and shape. So, it is something to consider, if possible.
This is especially important for options with soft stones as they are more delicate. For information on the various kinds of gemstones and where they belong in the hardness scale, you can check: https://www.gemsociety.org/.
Wrap Up
Unique gemstones are valuable but their value is seriously tied to their state. This is why proper maintenance is important. To this end, the care tips shared here are essential and should be seen as such.
