Because the stories you wear deserve to last.
Jewelry isn’t just beauty — it’s memory made tangible. A milestone you carry on your finger. A whisper of love at your neck. And like all things meaningful, it deserves presence and care. Just a few soft habits can help your pieces last a lifetime — or longer.
Gentle Rules for Everyday Gemstone Care
1. Clean sparingly, but regularly
Use mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush or cloth. Skip the soaking and skip the steam — most stones prefer a gentler touch.
2. Store your pieces apart. Always.
Gemstones vary in hardness. Diamonds and sapphires are among the hardest — they can scratch nearly any other stone, including each other. Yes, even a diamond can scratch a sapphire. To protect softer gems, give each piece its own pouch, box, or compartment.
3. Avoid heat, chemicals, and sudden temperature changes
No perfumes, no household cleaners, no long exposure to sunlight or saunas. If it might irritate your skin, it’ll probably irritate your gem.
4. Take it off when you rest or move
Remove your jewelry before sleeping, showering, exercising, or gardening. Friction, water, and impact can wear down even strong settings — and hurt delicate stones.
Don’t Forget the Gold
The setting that holds your gemstone matters just as much as the stone itself.
Gold is strong, but not indestructible — especially in purer forms like 18k, which are softer due to higher gold content. Over time, gold can scratch, bend, or thin out with daily wear. But with intention and care, gold can last far beyond a single lifetime.
Caring for your gold:
- Avoid harsh surfaces — gold can scratch easily against stone, metal, or ceramics.
- Don’t expose it to chlorine — pools, hot tubs, and bleach-based cleaners can cause gold to become brittle or discolored.
- Polish with intention — use a soft jewelry cloth to restore shine, but don’t overdo it. Polishing too often can wear away fine details or engraving.
- Check your settings — if prongs feel loose or thin, have them inspected. Gold wears slowly, but it does wear.
With proper care, your solid gold piece can last for decades in form, and centuries in structure. Rings worn daily may develop a soft patina or need reshaping over time, while earrings and pendants can remain pristine for a lifetime. When cherished and maintained, gold becomes not just lasting, but inheritable.
A Few Special Gems That Need Extra Love
Emeralds
Emeralds often carry small internal fractures and are typically treated with oil to enhance their clarity. This makes them beautifully unique — and sensitive. Exposure to steam, heat, or strong soaps can damage their surface or draw out the treatment. Clean only with lukewarm water, a drop of soap, and a soft cloth. Handle like silk.
Opals
Opals contain water within their structure. If they dry out, they may crack — a phenomenon called crazing. Keep them away from extreme temperatures, dry air, and direct sunlight. Clean gently with a soft damp cloth. No soaking. No steam. Ever.
Pearls, Lapis, Malachite, Turquoise
These are porous, natural materials that can absorb oils, perfumes, and water. They thrive with dry, gentle cleaning and minimal exposure. Think of them like skin — wipe softly after wearing, and store away from light and moisture.
Come Back to Us, Anytime
We don’t just design your pieces — we take care of them with you.
You’re always welcome at Aurea Lane for a complimentary jewelry cleaning. Bring your ring in for a gentle wash and a professional check-up. We’ll refresh its shine and make sure your setting is still strong, so you can wear it every day with confidence.