Expert Jewelry Care Guide: Maintain Your Diamonds, Gold, and All 12 Birthstones Like a Professional

Jewelry is more than just an adornment; it holds sentimental value, represents milestones, and often carries significant financial investment. Diamonds, gold, and birthstones are some of the most popular choices, each requiring specific care to maintain their brilliance and longevity. In this guide, we’ll start with how to care for your diamond jewelry, move on to gold, and then cover the 12 birthstones to ensure your precious pieces remain stunning for years to come.

Diamond Jewelry Care
Diamonds are prized for their unparalleled hardness, brilliance, and status as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. However, even the toughest gemstone needs regular care to maintain its sparkle.
Cleaning: Diamonds should be cleaned regularly with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the diamond, particularly around the setting, where dirt and oils can accumulate. For a more thorough clean, consider using a professional ultrasonic cleaner, but be cautious if the diamond is set with other, softer stones.
Storage: Store diamond jewelry separately from other pieces to avoid scratching softer gemstones. Consider using individual compartments in a jewelry box or soft cloth pouches to keep your diamonds safe and prevent them from dulling other jewelry.
Maintenance Tips: Have your diamond jewelry professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure that the setting is secure and that the stone is not loose or chipped.

Gold Jewelry Care
Gold is a timeless and versatile metal, available in yellow, white, and rose varieties. Although gold is durable, it still requires proper care to maintain its luster and avoid scratches.
Cleaning: Clean gold jewelry with a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Gently scrub with a soft brush, focusing on any intricate details or settings. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the gold’s surface.
Storage: To prevent scratches and dents, store gold jewelry separately in soft cloth bags or within individual compartments in your jewelry box. Keep gold pieces away from harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, which can weaken the metal.
Maintenance Tips: For white gold jewelry, consider having it re-plated with rhodium periodically to maintain its bright, white appearance.

Understanding Birthstones: An Overview
Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year, each with its own unique characteristics and care requirements. Wearing a birthstone not only adds a personal touch to your jewelry but also brings its own set of care instructions to ensure longevity and beauty.

January: Garnet Jewelry Care
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is known for its deep red hues and excellent durability.
Cleaning: Garnet jewelry can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Storage: Store garnet pieces separately to avoid scratching or being scratched by other stones.

February: Amethyst Jewelry Care
Amethyst, February's birthstone, is a vibrant purple variety of quartz that requires gentle care.
Cleaning: Use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean amethyst jewelry. A soft brush can help remove dirt, especially around the setting.
Storage: Keep amethyst jewelry away from prolonged exposure to sunlight, as the color may fade over time. Store in a cool, dark place.

March: Aquamarine Jewelry Care
Aquamarine, March's birthstone, is valued for its beautiful blue color that evokes the calmness of the sea.
Cleaning: Clean aquamarine with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Storage: Store aquamarine jewelry in a soft pouch or cloth to prevent surface scratches.

April: Diamond Jewelry Care
As mentioned earlier, diamonds are not only April’s birthstone but also a popular choice for all kinds of jewelry. Proper care is essential to maintaining their unmatched brilliance.
Cleaning: Regularly clean diamond jewelry with a mild detergent and water. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove any dirt and oils that accumulate on the stone.
Storage: Store diamonds separately to avoid scratching other jewelry, particularly softer stones like pearls and opals.

May: Emerald Jewelry Care
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a precious green gemstone that requires careful handling.
Cleaning: Clean emeralds with a damp cloth and avoid soaking them in water. Due to the natural inclusions in emeralds, they are more fragile and can crack easily.
Storage: Store emeralds in a soft pouch, separate from other jewelry to prevent damage.

June: Pearl Jewelry Care
Pearls, the birthstone for June, are organic gemstones that demand particularly delicate care.
Cleaning: After wearing pearls, wipe them with a soft, damp cloth to remove any residues from skin oils or cosmetics. Avoid exposure to chemicals, including perfumes and hairspray.
Storage: Store pearls in a soft cloth or a separate compartment in your jewelry box. Pearls should not be stored in dry conditions, as this can cause them to become brittle.

July: Ruby Jewelry Care
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is known for its deep red color and durability, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Cleaning: Clean rubies with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposing rubies to harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Storage: Store ruby jewelry separately to prevent scratching other, softer stones.

August: Peridot Jewelry Care
Peridot, August's birthstone, is a bright green gemstone that needs careful handling due to its relative softness.
Cleaning: Clean peridot jewelry with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Keep peridot away from acids and harsh chemicals.
Storage: Store peridot pieces in a soft cloth pouch to protect them from scratches.

September: Sapphire Jewelry Care
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a tough gemstone available in various colors, most commonly blue.
Cleaning: Sapphires can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. They are durable enough to handle ultrasonic cleaning if needed.
Storage: Store sapphire jewelry separately or in a soft pouch to avoid scratching other jewelry.

October: Opal Jewelry Care
Opal, October's birthstone, is a delicate stone known for its unique play of colors, but it requires special care.
Cleaning: Clean opals with a damp cloth, avoiding soaking them in water. Opals are porous and can absorb liquids, which can cause damage.
Storage: Store opals in a padded cloth and protect them from extreme temperature changes, which can lead to cracking.

November: Topaz Jewelry Care
Topaz, the birthstone for November, comes in various colors, with blue and yellow being the most popular.
Cleaning: Clean topaz with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as topaz can be sensitive to high temperatures.
Storage: Store topaz jewelry in a soft pouch to prevent it from being scratched.

December: Turquoise Jewelry Care
Turquoise, December's birthstone, is a vibrant blue-green stone that is relatively soft and requires careful handling.
Cleaning: Use a damp cloth to clean turquoise jewelry. Avoid exposure to chemicals and prolonged sunlight, as this can cause the color to fade.
Storage: Store turquoise in a cool, dry place, wrapped in a soft cloth to protect it from scratches and damage.


Proper care is essential for preserving the beauty and value of your jewelry, whether it’s a diamond, gold, or a birthstone piece. By following these care tips, you can ensure your jewelry remains as stunning and timeless as the day you received it, making it a lasting symbol of style, sentiment, and sophistication.