July 20, 2023

How to clean gemstone jewellery

Many Trollbeads styles include sparkling precious or semi-precious gemstones. These can become dulled over time due to build up of natural oils and dirt from repeated wear. It’s important to know what stones you have in your collection to know how to clean them safely and effectively. 

For example – most commercial jewellery cleaners are safe for gemstones, but some may include ammonia which is corrosive to sensitive and delicate gems like amber and pearl. 

Once you’ve identified your gemstones, read on to find out how to clean gemstone jewellery the right way.

  • Fill a plastic bowl with two cups of lukewarm water. Make sure there’s enough water to cover the jewellery completely.
  • Make sure the water isn’t too hot or too cold. Boiling water may cause thermal shock that can crack precious stones, and ice cold water will make the grime harder to get off. 
  • Add a few drops of household dish soap to the water, and stir to combine. Make sure the soap has dispersed evenly through the water before proceeding.
  • Add your Trollbeads to the solution and let them soak for around 15-30 mins. The dirtier the beads, the longer they will need to soak to loosen any debris and allow the warm water and soap to get into the nooks and crannies. 
  • Take a very soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for cleaning, and use it to scrub any remaining dirt on the surface of your jewellery. You can use a cotton bud or a toothpick to clean in any crevices that may need it, but be patient to avoid being too harsh on your jewellery.
  • Once your beads are looking clean, rinse under cool, clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth before storing them away or popping them right back on! 

 Always keep in mind that home cleaning methods have the potential to damage precious gemstones or extremely delicate jewellery. If in doubt, it’s certainly best to take your precious collection to a professional to make sure there aren’t any unexpected outcomes.

Follow these simple steps and keep your gemstones shining brightly every day!