Emeralds are vibrant and valuable stones that require care in order to maintain their brilliance. Many of these gems are treated with oil and resin, so not using the correct cleaning methods can result in damage.

That said, cleaning your emerald jewelry does not need to be a huge task. Read on to find out the best techniques for cleaning, materials to avoid and when to bring in a professional.

Gentle cleaning guide

To get started, you will need some supplies. The good news is that you can find these materials around the house in most cases, or they are easy to pick up at your local store. 

You want to gather mild dish soap or baby shampoo, a soft-bristled brush such as an old toothbrush, a soft cloth, a bowl and lukewarm water.

The first step is to prepare the solution by mixing a few drops of the mild soap into the lukewarm water. After that, place the emerald jewelry into the solution and let it soak for around a minute. This step will loosen dirt and oils.

At this point, it is time to gently scrub the jewelry using a soft brush. Ensure you use soft circular motions for the surface, then an up-and-down motion for more intricate areas.

Next, you will need to rinse the jewelry under a gentle stream of cool water to remove all soap residue. Be sure to pay attention to the back of the gem, where build-up is more common.

Finally, pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth. If possible, use a can of compressed air to remove water from areas that are hard to reach. This step prevents water spots.

Cleaning materials to avoid

Do not use harsh chemicals, such as alcohol, acetone, ammonia or strong detergents to clean your emerald earrings or emerald necklaces, as these can strip the natural oils or treatments applied to the stone.

In addition, do not use any cleaning methods with baking soda. They may be mentioned online as a cleaning hack, but this abrasive cleaner can do harm to your jewlery.

The vibrations and heat of ultrasonic or steam cleaners can damage the gem and its treatment, as can sudden temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can crack the stone with little warning.

When professional cleaning is needed

The first and most obvious signs that a professional is needed for maintaining your emerald jewelry are if the stone has fractures or pits filled with resin. In such situations, home cleaning can remove the filler and professional cleaning is a safer solution.

Similarly, valuable or heavily soiled pieces may be better off with an experienced jeweler who can handle providing a deep, safe clean for these stones.