CLEANING YOUR EMERALD: TIPS AND TRICKS

Introducing The Emerald Cleaning Journal

Emeralds require special care to maintain themselves over time. Unlike diamonds, emeralds are sensitive to heat and require a gentle touch in cleaning. In this journal, we'll explore a simple method to clean your emerald jewelry at home, using everyday items you likely already have. Follow these steps to safely keep your emeralds looking their best:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by ensuring your sink's drain is secured to prevent any accidental loss of small jewelry pieces down the drain.

  1. Gather Your Supplies: Collect room temperature water, a mug, tissue paper or paper towel, and a soft toothbrush. Remember, cooler or room temperature water is ideal.

  1. Create the Cleaning Solution: Fill the mug with lukewarm water, enough to fully submerge your jewelry. Then, a little safety trick of mine is to place a piece of tissue paper into the base of the mug, creating a cushion for your fragile emerald while it soaks.

  1. Soak Your Jewelry: Carefully immerse your emerald jewelry in the mug. Allow it to soak for 20-30 minutes to loosen dirt and residue.

  1. Gently Scrub: With the jewelry still wet, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub around the emerald, focusing on areas where dirt tends to accumulate. Focus especially on the bottom table of the stone where dirt, oils, lotions, and everyday debris tend to live. 

  1. Final Rinse: Rinse the jewelry under room temperature water to remove any remaining residue.

  1. Optional Cool Air Dry: Use a blow dryer on the cool setting to remove water droplets and ensure a thorough dry. Do not use the heat setting of the blow dryer. Alternatively, pat dry with a paper towel.

  2. Oil Your Emerald: After you've completed steps 1 - 7, you can apply a clear baby oil to the emerald. I recommend using your finger or a Q-tip that is saturated in baby oil and gently patting or massaging in the baby oil to the top of the emerald. Ideally you'd leave the oil on overnight before dabbing it off. The baby oil will re-hydrate your emerald and also keep it from becoming brittle. It is very rare that an emerald has no oil - if your emerald has no oil, this would be disclosed at the time of purchase and generally also noted on a certification. Only about 10% of emeralds have "no oil." If your emerald is in fact "no oil" then do not oil the emerald.

Remember, while regular cleaning at home helps maintain your emerald's sparkle, nothing beats a professional cleaning by a jeweler. Consider visiting a local jewelry shop, or if you're in Southern California, stop by to see us for a professional cleaning at least once a year.

Enjoy the timeless beauty of your emerald jewelry!

X. Octavia

Want to watch a video tutorial? Follow the link here to our Instagram Reel on: How to Clean Your Emerald.