Heirloom Jewelry: How to Care for and Restore a Colombian Emerald
Heirloom jewelry holds not only economic value but also stories, memories, and emotional connections that make them true family treasures. When a piece contains a Colombian emerald, its meaning is doubled—you are receiving not only a gemstone of great beauty and rarity but also a natural fragment of Colombia.
Preserving and restoring these pieces requires care, knowledge, and expert hands. Emeralds have unique characteristics that demand special treatments, especially when they’ve been passed down through generations. In this article, we’ll explain what an heirloom Colombian emerald piece is, how to care for it, and how to restore it so it can keep shining in your family.
What Is an Heirloom Piece with a Colombian Emerald?
An heirloom piece with a Colombian emerald is a piece of jewelry that has been passed down from generation to generation and contains an emerald originating from the mines of Colombia. These jewels often feature vintage designs, with classic settings or styles no longer in production, which makes them even more special and unique.
Often, these emerald pieces are gifts from grandmothers, mothers, or aunts, and keeping them in good condition is a tribute to those who entrusted them to us. Restoring them doesn’t mean erasing their history—it means preserving their beauty so they can continue to tell their stories.
10 Tips to Care for an Heirloom with Colombian Emeralds
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Avoid direct sunlight for long periods: Constant exposure to sunlight can cause emeralds to lose color intensity.
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Keep chemicals away from the jewelry: Perfumes, creams, cleaning products, and even chlorine can damage both the emerald and its metal setting.
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Clean it with a soft cloth: Avoid hard brushes. Use a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and maintain shine.
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Store it in a padded box: Keep it in an individual case, away from other jewelry to prevent scratches or impacts.
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Don’t wear it during household chores or sports: Physical activity can lead to impacts or pressure that may damage the setting or the stone.
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Take it for regular maintenance with an expert jeweler: A professional can check the setting, polish the metal, and examine the emerald without compromising its integrity.
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Avoid sudden temperature changes: Emeralds can crack or lose their luster due to extreme temperature shifts.
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Inspect the setting regularly: Over time, settings can loosen. Make sure the stone is securely held.
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Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning: These methods can cause microfractures in the gemstone. Manual, gentle methods are best.
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Document its history: Accompany the piece with a certificate or note telling its family origin. This preserves its story and adds emotional and market value.
How Is an Antique Piece Restored?
Restoring jewelry is a process aimed at bringing back its splendor without altering its essence. The first step is a detailed assessment of the piece’s condition: the setting is inspected, stones are examined, the mounting is analyzed, and any signs of wear or damage are identified.
Restoration may involve professional cleaning, metal polishing, resetting stones, replacing damaged parts, or even subtle redesigns. The goal is to preserve the piece, enhancing its value without changing its identity.
Restoring Emerald Jewelry at Emerald by Love
At Emerald by Love, we understand that an heirloom Colombian emerald piece is not just any jewel. That’s why we offer specialized restoration services with expert hands that treat each piece with respect, care, and precision.
In addition, each restoration includes a free evaluation of the emerald’s current value and personalized care recommendations so it continues to be a symbol of love and family legacy.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gemstones and high-end national jewelry. She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelers, Emerald by Love. This jeweler has over 40 years of experience and two physical locations in Colombia’s capital, located in the city center.
