Gemstone Care Guide

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.

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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.