Gems and precious metals are gifts of nature, which need special care. Even though a gem may be millions of years old, once mined and worn, it is exposed to conditions and chemicals that can damage it.
The harder the gem, the less vulnerable it is to potential damage. A diamond, for example, is the hardest gem known to man, and that is one reason why it is forever.
Hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs Scale, developed in the early 19th century. The scale is structured so that material rated at each higher number can scratch substances with lower numbers. Diamond is rated the highest, at 10; Rubies and sapphires are Mohs 9; emerald and topaz, 8; and garnet, tourmaline and quartz, 7.
Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs 2-1/2 to 4, which means that they require special care when wearing, storing, or cleaning.
- DON'T wear fine jewelry when doing housework.
- DON'T heap your jewelry into a drawer. Remember a diamond ring can scratch that pearl necklace. Keep them separate and ideally wrapped in velvet, paper or silk.
- DO Check for loose stones frequently by gently tapping the piece with your finger near you ear.
- DO get pearls restrung every two years or annually with frequent use.
- DO have your fine jewelry examined by your jeweler annually or biannually if worn frequently. Ask your jeweler how he/she suggests cleaning each particular piece - remember each piece is different and unique in itself and may require special care. What is good for one may damage another.
