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Originally published: July 5, 2024
Last updated: April 13, 2026

Originally published: October 5, 2022
Last updated: February 26, 2026

This gemstone care guide outlines general cleaning and handling precautions for common gemstones including jadeite, nephrite, diamond, pearl, quartz, tourmaline, spinel, and peridot.

Please note: The following information is a general guide only. Each individual stone should be checked for any problems unique to that stone.

General Gemstone Care Guidelines

All gemstones should be handled with care. The following precautions apply to most stones:

• Avoid abrasion from other jewellery items.
• Avoid wearing jewellery while doing housework, gardening, or activities where damage may occur.
• Clean using a soft damp cloth or mild soapy warm water and a soft brush in a plastic container (not an open sink).
• Materials with poor toughness or stability should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Extra care is required for stones with numerous inclusions.
• Treated stones may have reduced durability depending on treatment type.

Diamond Care

• Avoid applying hand creams or soaps, as diamonds attract grease.
• Avoid sharp knocks; diamonds can cleave or fracture.
• Do not burn or clean with ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Jadeite Care

• Some treatments may weaken the structure of jadeite.
• Avoid heat, chemicals, acids/solvents, ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Nephrite Care

• Avoid heat, chemicals, acids, ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Pearl Care

• Avoid abrasion; pearl nacre scratches easily.
• Clean using water and cotton wool; dry with a soft cloth.
• Avoid contact with perfumes, hairspray, and makeup.
• Avoid dry and hot storage conditions.
• Do not soak in jewelry cleaner.
• Keep away from acids, ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Quartz (Including Amethyst & Rose Quartz)

• Avoid strong light exposure, as color may fade.
• Avoid steam cleaners; use caution with ultrasonic cleaners.
• Avoid thermal shock.
• Use caution with strong acids.

Tourmaline Care

• Needs frequent cleaning; attracts dust easily.
• Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
• Use caution with heat; color may alter and fractures may worsen.

Spinel Care

• Use caution with ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

FAQ

Can jade be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner?

No. Jadeite and nephrite should not be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

How should pearls be cleaned?

Pearls should be cleaned with water and cotton wool, then dried with a soft cloth.

Can gemstones be cleaned with hot water?

Mild soapy warm water is generally recommended unless otherwise specified.

Should treated gemstones be cleaned differently?

Yes. Treatments can affect stability and durability. Extra care is required.

Documentation courtesy of Gem-A, The Gemological Association of Great Britain.

This thin round, unlike the thickness of the regular bracelets, is very light, and can be worn alone or directly stacked. Because it makes a clanging sound when stacked together, it is also called the "jingle bracelet." The crisp "jingle" sound adds a touch of playfulness.

In ancient times, women wearing two bracelets are two together. There is a pair of pairs of rich and auspicious meaning, and the delicate two small branches are definitely more elegant and charming than one wide branch.

When i was a child, I watched The Dream of the Red Chamber. Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochao were both worn together! At the time, I thought it was very strange, but now that I wear it myself, I know that it is actually really beautiful.
Three bracelets worn together means three lives and three lifetimes! Three lives are generations of lovers and generations of relatives. Therefore, giving a relative or lover three bracelets has a significant meaning.

While commonly used in Buddhism, wearing Guanyin is no longer limited in Buddhists. Guanyin represents a belief in Peace, Love, Wisdom, and Harmony. 

Jade Guanyin is an amulet that many people love to give out as gifts to family members and friends, wishing them a lifetime of joy and happiness. 

Should men or women wear Guanyin?

In the old times, men were in charge of working to provide for their families. Elders believed Guanyin would bring more power, calmness, energy and wisdom to men and as such, were a popular thing for men to wear.  

Nowadays, things are much different -- women are more independent and play their role in providing for the family, so Guanyin is favourable for women as well. 

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