How to Care for and Cleanse Your Gemstone Jewelry
A natural, well-cut gemstone set in good metalwork can last generations — but different stones need different care. Here's how to keep yours looking its best, plus the traditional practice of energetic cleansing for astrological wear.
General care rules
- Remove before rough activity. Take rings and bracelets off before exercising, cleaning, gardening or swimming — chemicals (chlorine especially) and impact are the two biggest risks to any stone.
- Store separately. Gemstones can scratch each other and softer metals; keep pieces in individual soft pouches or a compartmentalised box.
- Clean gently. Warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush is safe for most stones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for emeralds (which are frequently oil-treated and can be damaged by vibration) and for any stone with visible fractures.
- Know your stone's hardness. On the Mohs scale, sapphire and ruby (corundum, 9) are extremely durable for daily wear; pearl and coral (around 2.5–4) are far softer and need more careful handling — avoid perfume, hairspray and abrasive contact entirely.
Pearls and coral need special attention
Unlike faceted mineral gems, pearls and coral are organic — they're more porous and far more sensitive to chemicals, heat and dryness. Wipe pearls with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing (never soak them), and put them on last, after perfume and makeup.
Energetic cleansing before wearing
In Vedic tradition, a new gemstone is typically purified and energised before it's worn for astrological benefit — commonly involving:
- Washing the stone in a mix of raw milk, Ganga jal (holy water) and honey, or simply clean water, depending on regional practice
- Chanting the beej mantra associated with the stone's ruling planet while wearing it for the first time
- Wearing the stone for the first time on a day and hour considered astrologically favourable for that planet (a muhurta), often advised by the astrologer who recommended the stone
Practices vary by region and tradition — if you've received a specific recommendation from an astrologer, it's worth asking them for the exact procedure they recommend for your stone.