What should a Colombian emerald be cleaned?
Emeralds are precious gems that require special care to maintain their brightness and beauty over time. Regular cleaning of emeralds not only helps preserve your natural lustre, but can also prolong your life.
Below is a detailed guide on how to clean emeralds safely and effectively.
When to Clean Emeralds
When it comes to cleaning emeralds, it is important to note that the ideal frequency can vary depending on the use and exposure of the gem. However, it is recommended to clean the emeralds regularly to maintain their brightness and beauty.
In general, it is suggested to clean the emeralds after each use, especially if they have been in contact with products such as creams, lotions or makeup, as these can leave residues that fit their natural brightness. In addition, if emeralds are often used, it is advisable to clean them up every few months to remove any accumulation of dirt and keep them in optimal condition.
With What to Clean Emeralds
It is important to use soft and non-abrasive products to clean the emeralds, as aggressive chemicals can damage the gem and reduce its value. The following elements are safe to clean emeralds:
- - Warm water
- Soft detergent or dish soap
- - Soft bristle
- Soft and clean cloth to dry
How to Clean Esmeralda
Instructions:
- Prepare a gentle cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of soft detergent or dish soap in a bowl. Avoid using strong or abrasive chemicals, as they can damage emerald.
- Brush the emerald gently: Dip a soft bristle brush in the cleaning solution and gently brush the surface of the emerald to remove dirt and waste. Pay special attention to areas where dirt can accumulate, like around the jewel mount.
- Rinse the emerald: After brushing the emerald, rinse it with warm water to remove any residue of soap or detergent. Make sure the water isn't too hot, as extreme temperatures can damage emerald.
- Dry the emerald: Once rinsed, dry the emerald carefully with a soft, clean cloth to prevent the formation of stains or watermarks. Do not use abrasive cloths that can scratch the surface of the gem.
What NOT to do when cleaning emeralds
When cleaning emeralds, it is important to avoid certain actions that could damage the gem. Here are some things you should avoid by cleaning emeralds:
- Do not use strong chemicals: Avoid using aggressive cleaning products such as bleachers, ammonia or abrasive cleaners. These products can damage the structure of the emerald and affect its brightness.
- Do not use hard brushes: Avoid brushes with hard or abrasive bristles, as they can scratch the surface of the emerald. Eat for soft bristle brushes to avoid damage.
- Do not expose the emerald to sudden changes in temperature: Avoid dipping the emerald in extremely hot or cold water, as sudden changes in temperature can cause the gem to crack or damage.
- Don't hit the emerald against hard surfaces: Avoid hitting the emerald against hard surfaces, as this can cause fractures or splinters in the gem. Drive the emerald with care and caution.
- Do not clean emeralds treated with oil at home: If the emerald has been treated with oil to improve its clarity, it is better to avoid cleaning it at home, as cleaning products can remove the oil and affect its appearance. In this case, it is best to consult a professional jeweler to clean the gem safely.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.
