You've spent a fortune on that piece of prized rock. Now proper care and maintenance will keep your treasured bauble lustrous and sparkling. As jewellery is worn next to the skin, it becomes lodged with oily debris, dust and grime. Read on for jewellers' advice on how to clean and store your jewellery.

Gemstones Care

1. Hard Stones
Diamonds and other hard stones such as sapphires, rubies, topazes and garnets are very tough gemstones and highly resistant to damage. However, you should take care to avoid rubbing two hard stones together as they can scratch each other.

Because lotions and powders can leave a film on the precious stones over time, leaving their surfaces dull, periodic cleaning will restore their lustre: Soak your gemstones in a bowl of warm water and mild home liquid detergent. For emeralds especially, it is advisable to use warm rather than hot water because they are sensitive to high temperatures and rapid temperature change.

Next, use a toothbrush to gently brush your stones while they are in the suds. Rinse under running water then pat dry with a lint-free cloth before you return them to the jewellery box.

2. Pearls
Pearls are organic gemstones derived from living oysters and other bi-valve molluscs. Real pearls - natural or cultured - are fragile and the nacre is prone to damage, so avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cloths when cleaning.

The best place to store your pearls is in a compartmentalized jewelry box, isolated from your other jewellery as the harder stones can wear away the nacre coating. Have your pearl necklaces re-strung every couple of years to ensure that the silk cord is holding your pearls together securely.