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Here are a few basic tips for some of the stones we work with: (Click on
stone to view picture)
Agate can chip and crack somewhat easily; therefore, you should be careful to protect it from
scratches from other objects while wearing it and while storing it. Also avoid sudden
temperature changes and cleaning it with household chemicals.
Amber is soft which means it can be easily scratched. We recommend storing it separately
from other jewelry. Make sure to not put Amber jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner,
which would shatter the gem. Also, to ensure you do not dull the finish do not let it come in
contact with strong solutions, soaps, detergents, commercial jewelry cleaning solutions,
perfume, direct sunlight or hairspray. You may clean Amber with lukewarm water and a soft
flannel cloth. Never use hot water. Please keep in mind that it is normal for the color of amber
to change over time.
Amethyst can lose color if left out in the sun. Keep it away from strong chemicals and avoid
sudden temperature changes. Amethyst can be cleaned in with warm, soapy water and a soft
bristle brush.
Bloodstone should be protected from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme
temperatures. If you get this stone wet, the polish will be removed.
Citrine can scratch easily and permanently changes color if left in the sunlight for several
hours. As such, do not allow it to be exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time and
prevent prolonged exposure to heat.
Garnet may be cleaned with a dry soft cloth. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches,
sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Jade can be wiped gently with a soft damp cloth and then dried with an absorbent soft cloth. It
is good to leave it on a cloth or towel for a little while after cleaning to make sure it is
completely dry before putting it away. Never wipe Jade with very hot water or soak it in water.
Also, do not expose Jade to harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Jade cannot be put in a
steamer or ultrasonic cleaner.
Jasper has a polish that can be washed away in water. As such, clean jasper with a soft dry
cloth.
Malachite is fragile, so be careful to protect it from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large
temperature changes as heat can damage the stone. It is not recommended that malachite be
cleaned in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Also, you will remove its protective polish if you wash
malachite in water.
Opals (Doublet or Triplet): Caring for doublet or triplet opals is a little different then caring for
solid opals. Because doublets and triplets consist of multiple layers glued together, prolonged
exposure to water will eventually cause lifting between the layers thereby allowing water to
infiltrate. Doublets & triplets may be wiped with a damp soft cloth and mild detergent, but
should never be soaked or immersed in water. Do not clean the doublet or triplet in an
ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations may cause water penetration which can dissolve the glue
holding the layers together.
Opals (Solid): These opals are delicate due to their water content and can scratch easily, so
you must be careful. Unlike with the doublet and triplets, water wont damage a solid opal. In
fact, if an opal is allowed to dry out, for instance because its exposed to sun for too long, it will
develop cracks as it dehydrates. If you live in a very dry climate or store them in a dehumidified
room you might want to store the opal in a tight plastic bag, with a damp piece of cotton or
fabric to prevent dehydration. With opals, the temperature itself is not the problem but rather
the rate of change. So avoid going from one extreme temperature to another in a short period
of time such as going suddenly from a warm house to outside cold air. To avoid problems in
this situation wear you opal pendant under your layers of clothing to protect it. Clean your opal
using a soft cloth, a very mild detergent (they must be protected from harsh detergents, bleach
or chemicals that can dry them out) and room temperature water. You may then rinse to
remove residue. Do not clean your opal in an ultrasonic cleaner as the vibrations may cause
cracking in a solid opal.
Topaz can lose its color if left in the sun too long. Avoid large temperature changes and do not
clean it in a home ultrasonic cleaner, warm soapy water is better. Also, Topaz is a hard stone
so its best to keep it separated from other jewelry.
Turquoise’s color and luster can deteriorate with exposure to sunlight, heat, or various weak
acids. Avoid hot water and household chemicals. Turquoise is relatively soft so take care to
avoid scratches and sharp blows.
stone to view picture)
Agate can chip and crack somewhat easily; therefore, you should be careful to protect it from
scratches from other objects while wearing it and while storing it. Also avoid sudden
temperature changes and cleaning it with household chemicals.
Amber is soft which means it can be easily scratched. We recommend storing it separately
from other jewelry. Make sure to not put Amber jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner,
which would shatter the gem. Also, to ensure you do not dull the finish do not let it come in
contact with strong solutions, soaps, detergents, commercial jewelry cleaning solutions,
perfume, direct sunlight or hairspray. You may clean Amber with lukewarm water and a soft
flannel cloth. Never use hot water. Please keep in mind that it is normal for the color of amber
to change over time.
Amethyst can lose color if left out in the sun. Keep it away from strong chemicals and avoid
sudden temperature changes. Amethyst can be cleaned in with warm, soapy water and a soft
bristle brush.
Bloodstone should be protected from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme
temperatures. If you get this stone wet, the polish will be removed.
Citrine can scratch easily and permanently changes color if left in the sunlight for several
hours. As such, do not allow it to be exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time and
prevent prolonged exposure to heat.
Garnet may be cleaned with a dry soft cloth. Care should be taken to protect it from scratches,
sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Jade can be wiped gently with a soft damp cloth and then dried with an absorbent soft cloth. It
is good to leave it on a cloth or towel for a little while after cleaning to make sure it is
completely dry before putting it away. Never wipe Jade with very hot water or soak it in water.
Also, do not expose Jade to harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Jade cannot be put in a
steamer or ultrasonic cleaner.
Jasper has a polish that can be washed away in water. As such, clean jasper with a soft dry
cloth.
Malachite is fragile, so be careful to protect it from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large
temperature changes as heat can damage the stone. It is not recommended that malachite be
cleaned in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Also, you will remove its protective polish if you wash
malachite in water.
Opals (Doublet or Triplet): Caring for doublet or triplet opals is a little different then caring for
solid opals. Because doublets and triplets consist of multiple layers glued together, prolonged
exposure to water will eventually cause lifting between the layers thereby allowing water to
infiltrate. Doublets & triplets may be wiped with a damp soft cloth and mild detergent, but
should never be soaked or immersed in water. Do not clean the doublet or triplet in an
ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations may cause water penetration which can dissolve the glue
holding the layers together.
Opals (Solid): These opals are delicate due to their water content and can scratch easily, so
you must be careful. Unlike with the doublet and triplets, water wont damage a solid opal. In
fact, if an opal is allowed to dry out, for instance because its exposed to sun for too long, it will
develop cracks as it dehydrates. If you live in a very dry climate or store them in a dehumidified
room you might want to store the opal in a tight plastic bag, with a damp piece of cotton or
fabric to prevent dehydration. With opals, the temperature itself is not the problem but rather
the rate of change. So avoid going from one extreme temperature to another in a short period
of time such as going suddenly from a warm house to outside cold air. To avoid problems in
this situation wear you opal pendant under your layers of clothing to protect it. Clean your opal
using a soft cloth, a very mild detergent (they must be protected from harsh detergents, bleach
or chemicals that can dry them out) and room temperature water. You may then rinse to
remove residue. Do not clean your opal in an ultrasonic cleaner as the vibrations may cause
cracking in a solid opal.
Topaz can lose its color if left in the sun too long. Avoid large temperature changes and do not
clean it in a home ultrasonic cleaner, warm soapy water is better. Also, Topaz is a hard stone
so its best to keep it separated from other jewelry.
Turquoise’s color and luster can deteriorate with exposure to sunlight, heat, or various weak
acids. Avoid hot water and household chemicals. Turquoise is relatively soft so take care to
avoid scratches and sharp blows.
General Care/CleaningTips
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Quick Guide: Can I steam or
ultraosonically clean my cabochon?
ultraosonically clean my cabochon?
Gemstone Toughness Steam Ultrasonic
Amber Poor Never Never
Amethyst Good Risky Usually
Aquamarine Good Usually Usually
Citrine Good Risky Usually
Coral Fair Risky Risky
Garnet Fair Never Usually
Iolite Fair Risky Risky
Lapis Lazuli Fair Never Risky
Opal Fair Never Never
Peridot Fair Never Risky
Ruby Excellent Usually Usually
Sapphire Excellent Usually Usually
Topaz Poor Never Never
Tourmaline Fair Risky Risky
Turquoise Fair Never Never
Amber Poor Never Never
Amethyst Good Risky Usually
Aquamarine Good Usually Usually
Citrine Good Risky Usually
Coral Fair Risky Risky
Garnet Fair Never Usually
Iolite Fair Risky Risky
Lapis Lazuli Fair Never Risky
Opal Fair Never Never
Peridot Fair Never Risky
Ruby Excellent Usually Usually
Sapphire Excellent Usually Usually
Topaz Poor Never Never
Tourmaline Fair Risky Risky
Turquoise Fair Never Never
Pendant Creations
*Pendant Creations (Paul's Pendant Creations and Canine Pendant Creations) does not endorses any products, services or advice found on or originating from third party websites. We offer these links and articles for
informational purposes only and in no event shall Pendant Creations or any Partner be liable for any event directly or indirectly resulting from any act or omission of any Advertiser, Partner, or third parties.
informational purposes only and in no event shall Pendant Creations or any Partner be liable for any event directly or indirectly resulting from any act or omission of any Advertiser, Partner, or third parties.
For more information on Jade please follow the link below*:
Jade Pendant: Jade pendant buying guide
Jade Pendant: Jade pendant buying guide