How To Clean Garnet Jewelry
Garnets are beautiful gemstones that boast a deep red color, similar to a pomegranate. Garnet is January's birthstone and can be found in a variety of jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, and more. No matter what type of jewelry, it's important to keep all garnet pieces clean. While cleaning garnets is relatively easy, there are some practices to avoid. For additional help selecting and maintaining your accessories, don't hesitate to contact Siebke Hoyt Jewelers today.
Garnet Cleaning Best Practices
Not all gems should be cleaned in the same way. Proper cleaning ensures the piece continues to look beautiful, withstands normal wear and tear, and lasts. To properly clean a garnet, you should:
- Polish the garnet before cleaning
- Wash in warm, soapy water
- Scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Dry with a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth
When not being worn, garnets should be stored in a soft cloth. This helps prevent other, harder stones from scratching the garnet. Diamonds are of particular concern, as they are extremely hard and can cause damage to softer stones.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Garnets
To maintain your garnet and prevent damage, the following should be avoided:
- Steam cleaning
- Ultrasonic cleaning machines
- Hard-bristle brushes
- Bleach
- Toothpaste
- Salt
Decorative settings can be cleaned differently, as long as you're caring for materials that don't touch the stone.
Other Considerations
Garnets are relatively durable with a hardness of 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, but should still be treated with care. Some designs or antique pieces may have small fractures and imperfections. Gentle cleaning can help avoid damage or debris buildup that can impact the gem's beauty.
To find a garnet piece that suits your collection, explore what Siebke Hoyt Jewelers has to offer, such as the Oval Garnet Pendant Necklace With Diamond Halo and Round Garnet Stud Earrings.