Original ® Jewellery and Gemstone Care Tips

Although gemstones, diamonds and jewellery are quite durable, they do need care and regular cleaning. Following are a few general rules to make sure your precious items last for generations - so as to always look beautiful, bright and clean ...and to be admired!

Why do my diamonds get dirty so fast?
Diamond has an unusual property for a mineral, it repels water. This is due to a Diamond's strong bonding and carbon composition which cause its surface to repel water and to readily accept wax and grease. These two properties provide an effective means of separating diamonds from other minerals in the mining process, but never the less also cause diamonds to need regular cleaning to show their brilliance and luster. "Original ® Diamond and Precious jewellery cleaner is fantastic, it breaks down grease and puts the 'wow factor' back into your diamonds."

Why do my Gems look lifeless and tired?
Most Gems require light to reflect and refract through the stone. This acts with wave lengths of light to produce colours, beauty, and refraction. If your gem is caked with dirt and grime, even on the back of the stone and under the setting, your gems' beauty and transparency is greatly inhibited. "Original ® Diamond and Precious Jewellery cleaner brings out your Gems true beauty".

Why does my gold, platinum or silver appear dull?
Most Gold jewellery is alloyed with copper, zinc, nickel or silver. Salt in skin acids, and other chemicals picked up in daily life create an oxidising or tarnishing effect. The less pure the gold, the more noticeable the tarnish or dullness. Platinum usually shows the least oxidization or tarnish because of its purity and composition but still gets dull due to similar factors above. Silver is tarnished by sulphur-containing materials, particularly hydrogen sulphide. The most common tarnish-causing elements are salt in skin acids, chlorine from swimming pools, wool, felt, foods like eggs and onions, plus fossil fuel materials like rubber bands, latex gloves, textiles etc. "Original ® Silver and Gold Polish removes the tarnish, and makes a real difference."

How can I keep my jewellery looking bright and sparkling?
First of all: keep them clean! Rings in particular tend to collect dust, soap, grit dirt, perspiration, food etc behind the stone and settings - particularly if you wear them all the time. If you let oxidisation, dirt and grime build up behind your stones, this can significantly add to the possibly of weakening the setting and even losing a stone, as the dirt gets between the stone and the setting and grinds away with movement. To clean most precious gemstones and diamonds - simply soak them in Original ® Diamond & Precious jewellery cleaner and then gently scrub clean with the Original ® Jewellery cleaning brush. If necessary, gently scrub behind the stone also, this will brighten your stone beautifully. Directions for cleaning are also noted on each bottle of Original.

How can I care for my jewellery without cleaners?
Even the hardest gemstone varieties can be vulnerable to breakage, cleavage or fracturing. This is because most gem stones form as crystals with directional hardness. If the gem is heavily included* it may slightly weaken. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a soft gem variety or included* stone, take it off before household duties or exercise, be careful not knock or hit your gem or jewellery on a solid object. Diamonds are very hard but can cleave in two with a single well-placed blow. Rubies and sapphires have strong tenacity but can chip or crack if hit sharply. Most gemstones are much harder than the metal they are set in. Gems can scratch each other and damage the finish on your jewellery. So it is preferable not to mix them together or let them rub. *Definition: 'inclusion' or 'included': A mark or fracture line that could weaken the stone. Common in Emeralds, and many low quality and large diamonds that may have fractures filled with plastic with the same RI (refractive index) as a Diamond so its hard to see. Filled fractures would not be effected by cleaning with Original ® Jewellery cleaning products. However, an ultrasonic machine is dangerous for such stones. The stone vibrates to sound waves, and the effect could be compared to a small windscreen crack that gradually spreads with vibration.

Is ultrasonic cleaning suitable for gem stones?
Most Diamonds and sapphires will be fine in an ultrasonic cleaner but many other gems may not: when in doubt, leave them out - especially leave out: Emeralds, Tanzanite, heavily included Rubies, and Opals. Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise and malachite require special care. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner and never use any chemical solution. These gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap. Note: Ultrasonic cleaners are very good for rope and chain jewellery. When Original ® Diamond and Precious Jewellery Cleaner is the liquid cleaner used in the ultrasonic device, it produces excellent results.

What about caring for Pearls, Amber & other Amorphous or Organic Gems?
Clean regularly and avoid excessive contact with perfume, dirt and skin oil. Remember to always put your pearls on last, after you have applied makeup and perfume. Original ® Diamond and Precious jewellery cleaner is pearl safe - just follow directions and remember do not soak pearls in any liquid for more than a few seconds, even when rinsing. Never store in airtight containers or plastic bags, this can cause organic gems to deteriorate. Some plastics may even emit chemicals that can harm pearls. Protect from temperature extremes and chemicals, such as alcohol and hairspray. These can erode the surface. Wear your pearls often as they thrive on your skin. Restring annually with a knot between each pearl. Storing them for long periods can dry them out and fracture the surface. Store your pearls flat, as opposed to hanging them - thus avoiding stretching the thread prematurely.

What means should I avoid cleaning Metals, Gems or Jewellery?
Toothpaste should NEVER be used as a silver or gold polish. Some toothpastes contain baking soda or other ingredients which are much too abrasive; even trace amounts may cause serious damage to soft Gems and metals.

Are strong chemical dips safe to use?
Chemical dips work by dissolving the tarnish off an object at an accelerated rate. Dips used and produced by some jewellery cleaner manufacturers, in our experience, are too tough on precious jewellery, as they contain harsh chemicals. These dips are made up of acids and complex dissolving agents. Acid cleaners are corrosive and can damage some metals and destroy certain organic Gemstones. They are immediately effective but at great detriment, as the surface of the jewellery or item is microscopically pitted or cratered like the moons surface. Your jewellery will then act like a sponge - more readily absorbing tarnish-producing chemicals and moisture. The item may then require professional polishing to restore the original finish or may be permanently ruined.