CARE

Guide: How to Take Care of Handmade Silver Jewellery with Natural Gemstones

Handmade silver jewellery with natural gemstones combines ancient techniques and nature’s raw beauty. Each piece is unique and delicate, requiring thoughtful care. Follow this guide to preserve the integrity and allure of your jewellery — but please note, care is ultimately your responsibility.

1. Materials Overview: Silver & Gemstones

  • Sterling Silver (925):

    • Naturally tarnishes from exposure to air, moisture, and skin oils. Tarnish is normal and can be cleaned with care.

  • Natural Gemstones & Mohs Scale:

    • Soft Stones (Mohs 3-6):

      • Apatite, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Opal, Moonstone, Kyanite (4–7).

      • Sensitive to scratches, chemicals, water, and heat.

    • Medium-Hard Stones (Mohs 6-7.5):

      • Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Tourmaline, harder Kyanite.

      • Durable but still need gentle handling.

    • Hard Stones (Mohs 8-10):

      • Topaz, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond.

      • Tougher, but care is still essential.

2. Essential Daily Care

  • Avoid Contact With:

    • Water (especially chlorinated or salty), perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning agents.

  • Remove Jewellery When:

    • Bathing, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.

  • Handle with Care:

    • Particularly with delicate stones like Apatite, Moonstone, and Kyanite.

3. Cleaning Guide

  • Sterling Silver:

    • Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each use.

    • Use mild soap and water for tarnish; rinse and dry immediately.

    • Never use abrasive cleaners.

  • Gemstones:

    • Soft stones: (Apatite, Moonstone, Turquoise, Kyanite) – wipe gently, avoid soaking, heat, or harsh cleaners.

    • Medium-hard stones: (Tourmaline, Amethyst) – mild soap solution, soft brush, no ultrasonic.

    • Hard stones: (Topaz, Ruby) – can withstand more, but still avoid chemicals.

4. Storage Tips

  • Store separately in soft-lined boxes or pouches.

  • Use silica gel or anti-tarnish strips to prevent moisture.

  • Protect from sunlight, especially for stones like Amethyst and Apatite.

5. Summary Table – Gemstone Hardness & Care

Mohs Hardness Examples Care Notes
3-4 Apatite, Turquoise, Malachite, soft Kyanite Extremely delicate, avoid water, heat, chemicals
5-6 Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Opal Gentle wiping, no soaking, avoid pressure or knocks
6-7 Amethyst, Garnet, Peridot, Tourmaline, harder Kyanite Mild soap solution, soft cloth, avoid abrasive handling
8-9 Topaz, Sapphire, Ruby More resilient, still avoid harsh cleaners
10 Diamond Very hard, but can scratch softer stones

Disclaimer:

While this guide provides general advice based on industry standards, each gemstone and piece of jewellery is unique. I do not take responsibility for any damage resulting from improper care, cleaning, or handling.