EMERALDS ARE A hard gemstone (a member of the beryl gem family), but they require a delicate touch when it comes to cleaning them. When cleaning emeralds, traditional cleaning products, most with harsh ammonia are NOT recommended. The majority of emeralds sold on the open market are “oiled” meaning, they have been treated to protect the many natural inclusions or imperfections that give emeralds their natural beauty. Cleaning an emerald incorrectly, could compromise it’s visual appearance and value.
Follow these simple steps for optimal cleaning:
1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of typical supermarket liquid dish soap with 16 oz. of luke-warm tap water in a dish. Emeralds should NEVER be cleaned with boiling water. Even hot tap water could cause damage.
2. Put your loose emeralds (or emerald jewelry) in the solution and let them soak for no more than about 5 minutes.
3. You may gently use a SOFT toothbrush to help remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the gem.
4. Lastly, remove the emerald from the solution, rinse and gently pat dry with a clean cloth.
(Get a FREE gem cleaning cloth with any purchase from GOLDCROWNJEWELRY by adding coupon code: FREECLOTH1 during check out).
It’s important to remember to NEVER let your emeralds be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner or with commercial jewelry cleaner (which often contains harsh ammonia). And hot water could leave you in…well, “hot water” if your end up damaging your priceless treasure.
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