Tumbled stone jewellery has smooth, polished surfaces and vibrant colours. The natural beauty and tactile appeal of these stones make them favourites for many jewellery lovers. However, caring for your tumbled gemstone jewellery is required if you wish for it to look good. Just a few steps for proper care will work towards keeping your treasured pieces lustrous and in good condition for years to come.
The Process Of Tumbling
Tumbled stones are produced using a rather intensive method called tumbling. This process puts rough gemstones into a machine that rolls them with abrasives and polishing agents. This gradually wears down and polishes the stones to turn them from raw, unrefined mineral material into shiny, polished gems. The length of time for this tumbling process differs, ranging from a few hours to weeks, depending on the hardness of the gemstone and the polish intended. This process brings out the beauty that is already within the stones, making them perfect for many jewellery pieces.
How to Care for Your Tumbled Gemstone Jewellery
There are many ways you can care for your cherished jewellery to ensure it stays in the best condition it can for as long as possible.
Steer Clear Of Harsh Chemicals
The worst enemies of tumbled gemstone jewellery are truly harsh chemicals. Many agents, such as bleach and ammonia, and even some cleaners used in households, can easily discolour or weaken the structure of stones. For instance, exposure to bleach can result in unsightly spotting and fading, while ammonia may etch the surface of softer gemstones. Now, such chemicals can easily rob your jewellery of its beauty, so keeping them at bay is very important. Remove your tumbled gemstone pieces before using cleaning products or swimming in chlorinated pools. Keep these products from damage, and the colour and shine will remain vivid in your gemstones.
Limit Sun Exposure
More sensitive tumbled gemstones can fade or discolour with extended periods of direct sunlight. You will want to keep your jewellery out of direct sunlight for long periods to protect it. If you wear your tumbled gemstone jewellery outdoors, try not to stay in very strong sunlight and keep your pieces in the shade when not worn. This helps to safeguard the colour and integrity of your stones.
Gentle Cleaning
Gentle yet effective cleaning of your tumbled gemstone jewellery will be foremost in keeping its beauty. Clean these with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. First, prepare a bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap. Dip the soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the jewellery to rid it of dirt or oils. Do not soak the jewellery directly in water. Clean the pieces well and rinse with clean water, then pat dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steamers because they might be too harsh on some stones. Doing gentle cleaning regularly will let you shine your jewellery without running any risks of damage.
Appropriate Storage Care
Adequate storage helps avoid scratches and tangles on your gemstone jewellery. Every piece needs to be kept separately in soft pouches or lined containers for protection against wear and tear against other items. This involves storing jewellery in a cool, dry location as a defence against harm caused by moisture and severe temperature fluctuations. This especially applies to stones that have a sensitivity to dampness. This approach maintains your jewellery in prime shape, ensuring that each time you choose to wear a specific piece, it remains gleaming and pristine.
Use Soft Polishing Cloths
Take time and make sure to buff your tumbled gemstone jewellery regularly with a soft polishing cloth. These cloths are designed not to scratch but to bring out the shine. Always use a clean cloth that is free of any abrasive particles. These kinds of easy steps can make all the difference when it comes to the brightness and beauty of your jewellery over time.
Wear Jewellery CautiouslyÂ
Ensure you remove your jewellery before engaging in physical pursuits such as sports or gardening. Regularly inspect the stones for any looseness or damage as you wear them and ensure swift repair if anything does happen.
For more precious items, opting for professional cleaning or maintenance might help maintain their proper condition. Otherwise, by adopting these additional measures, you can prolong the durability and elegance of your tumbled gemstone jewellery.
