Jewel HowWell-loved for the longest time because of its gorgeous blue color inspired by the sea, aquamarine stones make amazing pieces of jewelry. Although these gemstones may not have the same level of hardness as the celebrated diamonds, aquamarines are durable enough for daily use.
These stones can last well for years as long as you keep them safely away from chemicals like ammonia and alcohol. But due to the light coloring of these stones, aquamarines are more prone to smudging. This is why it is important to know how to care for aquamarine to make them look their best for a long time.
Do you want your aquamarine stone to stay in great shape for many years to come? Are wondering about the proper upkeep and maintenance of the birthstone of March? Do you feel bothered by the smudges but have no idea how to deal with them?
It doesn’t matter if you have had your aquamarine for decades or you just bought the gem recently, here are some of the important things you should know to keep your precious gem sparkling and clean.
How to Clean Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue to a greenish-blue variety of beryl, a common mineral available in an assortment of colors ranging from deep green to the rare reds. With the diverse cuts and durable properties, aquamarine stones can be especially captivating on rings and other jewelry pieces, even more so if you clean them regularly to make them look shiny for a long time.
Naturally prone to getting smudged or cloudy, your aquamarine stone requires cleaning now and then. The best and safest way of cleaning your aquamarine stone is by washing it in soapy warm water. Here are the steps you need to follow to protect your aquamarine while cleaning:
- Prepare a small bowl. Fill this with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap for the water to become sudsy.
- Soak your aquamarine. Set your stone inside the bowl and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
- Scrub your stone gently. For this, you should use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stone with extra care. This will help remove any dirt and dislodge any particles. Pay special attention to the prongs that hold the stone to ensure that you don’t bend them.
- Once you are done cleaning the aquamarine stone, rinse this under warm water to remove any leftover soap.
- Dry your aquamarine using a soft, clean cloth.
How the Setting of Aquamarine Affects the Cleaning Process
There are various kinds of metals often used in the settings of aquamarine stones. This is why learning the right way of cleaning the setting begins with being familiar with the specific metal you will clean.
If the metal is silver, make sure that the jewelry is dried off properly before you use a gentle and soft cloth for buffing any tarnishes.
If the setting is tungsten, stainless steel, or gold, you can clean it using the same steps above for cleaning the aquamarine stone itself.
How to Store Aquamarine
You need to store your aquamarine jewelry separately from the rest of your jewelry pieces. Aquamarines may suffer from scratches if placed next to other aquamarines, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.
There is also a possibility of your aquamarine jewelry damaging or scratching other gemstone jewelry such as pearls, amethysts, or less durable opals. Soft fabric storage containers or small plastic jewelry bags are all good storage options for your aquamarine jewelry.
How to Charge Aquamarine
You will also want to charge your aquamarine. Since this crystal is linked with the moon, you can try to place it overnight in a place where this can absorb the moonlight, such as on a windowsill. You can expect a particularly potent charge during a full moon or new moon.
How to Cleanse Aquamarine
Since crystals tend to absorb energy, it will be a wise idea to cleanse them often. The good news is that there are several ways to cleanse your aquamarine. Below are a few tips to help you in cleansing your stone:
- Use a cleansing herb such as palo santo and smudge it on your aquamarine stone.
- Envision that there is a bright white light that fills and envelopes your aquamarine stone and visualize that the negative energies are being dissipated.
- Soak your aquamarine overnight or longer in saltwater. It is a great way of cleansing aquamarine considering how it is connected to the ocean.
How to Display Aquamarine
You can display your aquamarine near the northern portion of your study, bedroom, or any other area that you use often for calm reflection, repose, and prayer in the house. Putting your aquamarine in these places will help you enjoy the full benefits of your aquamarine.
Precautions
To keep your aquamarine protected from any unintentional damage during the cleaning process, stay away from cleaning products with alcohol or ammonia content. Similarly, avoid abrasive cleaning materials like brushes or scrubbing cloths.
Staying gentle is the most important thing you need to remember when it comes to the upkeep and maintenance of your aquamarine. Clean the stone with care using non-abrasive soft materials. It is also not recommended to expose your aquamarine to heat although the color may remain stable against exposure to light. Hydrofluoric acid may also attack aquamarine.
Tips When Wearing Aquamarine
While aquamarine is a gemstone known for being durable, it still requires maintenance and care. Daily wear can lead to the accumulation of dirt and reduce its brilliance and luster. Here are some tips to ensure that your aquamarines continue to look as good as brand new for years:
- The golden rule here is to avoid wearing your aquamarine while doing strenuous physical activities or household chores.
- Never expose your aquamarine jewelry to chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and the like. Any direct contact with these chemicals may cause harm not only to the stone but also to its metal setting.
- Always store your aquamarine in individual pouches to prevent scratches.
- Wrap up your aquamarine in a piece of cloth or put it inside a fabric-lined box for extended periods of storage.
- It is recommended to put your aquamarine in a dark place because continued exposure to harsh light and direct sunlight may alter the gem’s color.
