Emerald Care Tips

Famed for their life span and durability, emeralds are among the harder gems. They are not as hard as diamonds however and you should take proper precautions in the way you wear and store them.

Never wear an emerald while engaging in heavy activities like washing dishes or working with tools. Any strong knock against a stainless steel sink can easily break the gem.

Always use a soft cloth to clean your emerald. Don't ever let dirt accumulate on the jewel. Also, never expose it to warm water or dish-detergent. With this said, however, you should note that experts advise professional cleaning for your emerald. Such cleanings are commonly performed at gem laboratories. You should choose a laboratory that is affiliated with the Gemological Institute of America, Gubelin Gemmological Laboratory, International Gemological Institute, International Colored Gemstone Association, or the American Gem Trade Association.

The use of ultrasonic cleansers or steamers for cleaning emeralds is highly prohibited. Any cleaning technique that uses rapid temperature alteration or high heat can damage your emerald.