Can Colombian emeralds get wet?
If you own a piece of jewelry with a Colombian emerald, this has probably happened to you at some point: you wash your hands, water splashes on it, and immediately you think, “Did I damage it?” Relax… that concern is far more common than you think.
Emeralds are incredible gemstones, but they do require special care. Today I want to explain—without technical jargon—whether Colombian emeralds can get wet, when it’s okay, when it’s not, and what to do if it already happened.
Colombian emeralds: how they are formed
To understand why they need care, it helps to know where they come from. Colombian emeralds are formed deep within the earth over millions of years, under unique geological conditions found only in Colombia. That’s why their green color is so intense and famous worldwide.
Unlike other gemstones, emeralds grow with natural inclusions. These inclusions are not flaws—on the contrary, they’re like each emerald’s fingerprint and part of its beauty—but they also make the stone more delicate.
Can Colombian emeralds get wet?
The short answer is: yes, they can get wet, but with care. Occasional contact with water—like washing your hands or light rain—won’t damage your Colombian emerald, but you should still be cautious.
Colombian emeralds should be kept away from saltwater, very hot water, and strong pressure. Seawater, jacuzzis, saunas, or high-pressure water jets can affect the stone, especially if the emerald has been oiled (which is completely normal for Colombian emeralds).
Water you should avoid at all costs
While regular water isn’t a problem, certain types of water can damage your emerald:
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Saltwater (the sea)
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Very hot water
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Steam
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High-pressure water jets
Tips if your Colombian emerald got wet
Did your ring, necklace, or earrings get wet? Don’t worry—just follow these simple tips:
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Gently dry it with a clean, dry cloth
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Do not use a hair dryer or direct heat
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Avoid rubbing it hard
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Do not use harsh soap or chemicals
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Do not expose it to the sun for long periods
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Store it in its case after drying it
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Do not clean it with ultrasonic cleaners
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Avoid getting it wet again the same day
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Inspect it visually (if you notice anything unusual, don’t wear it)
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Take it to a specialized jeweler if you have any doubts
Emerald By Love: we save your emerald
At Emerald By Love, we understand that an emerald is not just a piece of jewelry—it’s a story, a gift, a meaningful moment. That’s why we restore, care for, and save emeralds, while also offering the finest Colombian emeralds: 100% natural, hand-selected one by one.
If your emerald got wet, lost its shine, or you simply want to make sure it’s in perfect condition, we’re here to help. And if you’re looking for a special piece of jewelry, trust us… the green we have will make you fall in love.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Colombia. Passionate about constantly learning about precious gemstones and fine jewelry. She currently works for one of the most important jewelry houses in Bogotá, Emerald By Love, which has over 40 years of experience in emeralds and two physical stores located in the city center of Colombia’s capital.
