Welcome to Goldsmith Jewelers, where we treasure the beauty and longevity of your precious gemstones. Aquamarine, with its soothing blue hues reminiscent of tranquil sea waters, is a favorite among our clients for its elegance and clarity. Properly maintaining and cleaning your aquamarine jewelry is crucial to preserve its sparkle and structural integrity. This guide offers detailed insights on how to care for your cherished aquamarine pieces, ensuring they remain dazzling for years to come.
Understanding Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, sharing its mineral base with emerald and morganite. It’s cherished for its range of blue tones, from the palest hint of blue to a rich sea blue. Known for its clarity and glass-like luster, aquamarine rates between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively durable yet susceptible to scratching and abrasion if not cared for properly.
Characteristics of Aquamarine
- Hardness: Measures 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale.
- Toughness: Generally good, but can be vulnerable to thermal shock.
- Color: Typically light pastel blue to bluish-green.
Daily Care and Handling
Proper daily care is essential to prevent damage and maintain the aquamarine’s luster.
Tips for Daily Care
- Avoid Chemical Exposure: Contact with harsh chemicals can alter the stone’s appearance. Remove aquamarine jewelry during activities like cleaning, swimming, or applying cosmetics and perfumes.
- Wear and Tear: Protect aquamarine from scratches by storing it in a padded jewelry box, separate from other pieces.
Routine Cleaning at Home
Regular cleaning will keep your aquamarine looking its best by removing buildup of dirt and oils that can cloud its clarity.
Materials Needed
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Mild dish soap
- Lukewarm water
- Soft, lint-free cloth
Cleaning Process
- Prepare Your Solution: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water in a bowl.
- Gentle Soak: Submerge your aquamarine jewelry in the solution for about 10 minutes to loosen any accumulated grime.
- Soft Scrub: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the stone and its setting. Be cautious around delicate areas like prongs and clasps to avoid damage.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the jewelry under lukewarm running water to remove any soap residue. Make sure the sink drain is closed or use a strainer.
- Dry and Polish: Carefully pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth, then use another clean cloth to gently polish the stone and metal, restoring shine.
Professional Cleaning and Maintenance
While home cleaning is effective for regular maintenance, professional cleaning provides a deeper clean and ensures the security of the setting.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning
- Comprehensive Maintenance: A professional jeweler will not only clean your aquamarine but also inspect it for any signs of wear or damage, such as loose settings or chips.
- Expert Handling: Jewelers have specialized tools and techniques to clean and restore aquamarine without risking damage.
When to Opt for Professional Cleaning
- Annually: A yearly professional cleaning is recommended to maintain the gemstone’s condition.
- Visible Dirt and Grime: If home cleaning does not restore the aquamarine’s clarity, seek professional services.
Cleaning Aquamarine Set in Jewelry
Aquamarine stones set in jewelry such as rings, earrings, or pendants require careful cleaning to not only maintain the gemstone’s sparkle but also to protect the integrity of the setting. Whether your aquamarine is held in place by prongs, a bezel, or intricate pavé settings, here’s how to ensure thorough cleaning without damaging the delicate arrangement.
Materials Needed
- Lukewarm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Soft, lint-free cloth
- Small bowl
Steps for Cleaning Aquamarine in Settings
- Prepare a Soapy Solution: Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Stir gently to mix.
- Initial Soak: Place the jewelry with the aquamarine setting into the soapy water and let it soak for approximately 5-10 minutes. This soaking helps to loosen any dirt, oil, or residues that have built up in harder-to-reach areas of the setting.
Gentle Scrubbing
- Prong Settings: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub around the prongs. Take care to brush under the aquamarine stone where dirt can accumulate, reducing the stone’s brilliance.
- Bezel Settings: For a bezel setting, ensure the edges around the stone are cleaned without applying pressure that could bend or snap the metal.
- Pavé Settings: Be particularly gentle around pavé settings to prevent dislodging any small stones. Focus on lightly brushing the surface and edges.
Rinse with Care
Rinse the jewelry under a stream of lukewarm water. For safety, ensure the drain is closed or use a fine mesh strainer to catch the jewelry should it slip. Avoid using high pressure water as it can loosen the setting.
Dry and Polish
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat the aquamarine and setting dry. Continue with gentle buffing using another clean cloth to bring back the shine to both the stone and the metal setting.
Tips for Maintaining Settings
- Regular Checks: While cleaning, take the opportunity to inspect the setting for any loose stones or weakened prongs. If you notice any issues, refrain from wearing the jewelry until it can be examined by a professional jeweler.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners on aquamarine settings, as these can degrade the metal and loosen the settings over time.
Insurance and Protection Plans for Fine Jewelry
Investing in insurance and protection plans for your fine jewelry, such as aquamarine pieces, is essential for safeguarding against potential loss, theft, or damage. These plans offer peace of mind by providing financial security for your valuable investments. It’s important to have your jewelry appraised by a qualified professional to determine its current market value. This appraisal will be crucial when setting up your insurance policy. Additionally, consider reviewing and updating your policy regularly to reflect any changes in the jewelry’s value or your collection. At Goldsmith Jewelers, we can guide you through the process of obtaining accurate appraisals and choosing the right insurance to ensure your treasures are protected for years to come.
Conclusion
Caring for your aquamarine jewelry is a blend of regular at-home care and professional maintenance. At Goldsmith Jewelers, we are committed to helping you preserve the beauty of your aquamarine, ensuring that it continues to bring joy for generations. Visit our store or contact us for personalized advice or to schedule a professional cleaning. Let us take care of your precious stones, so they can always look their best.