Gemstone Care Guide

Caring for Your Gemstone Jewelry

Each piece from Live Oak Designs is handcrafted with natural, often one-of-a-kind stones. Because gemstones vary widely in hardness, porosity, and sensitivity, the care each piece needs can differ. The tips below will help you keep your jewelry looking beautiful for years to come.

General Cleaning – Safe for Most Stones

  • Wipe your jewelry gently with a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp lint-free cloth after each wear.
  • For a deeper clean, use a mild soap diluted in lukewarm water, apply with a soft brush (like a baby toothbrush), rinse quickly, and pat dry immediately.
  • Always dry pieces completely before storing.

When to Avoid Soaking

Many natural gemstones are porous or have surface treatments that water and prolonged moisture can damage. Do not soak jewelry set with any of the following:

  • Opal – highly sensitive to moisture changes; soaking can cause crazing (cracking) or color loss.
  • Turquoise – porous and often stabilized; water and oils can alter its color permanently.
  • Pearl & Mother-of-Pearl – organic materials damaged by prolonged water exposure and acids.
  • Malachite, Chrysocolla, Larimar – soft and porous; water weakens them over time.
  • Any stone with visible inclusions or fractures – moisture can work into cracks and cause damage.

Avoid Ultrasonic & Steam Cleaners

Ultrasonic cleaners use vibration that can shatter brittle stones, loosen settings, or remove surface treatments. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on opals, pearls, turquoise, emeralds, or any stone with fractures or inclusions. When in doubt, stick to a soft cloth.

Perfume, Lotion & Chemical Precautions

  • Apply perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and lotions before putting on your jewelry – never after.
  • Chemicals in these products can dull, discolor, or erode porous stones like turquoise and opal.
  • Remove jewelry before swimming in saltwater or fresh(chlorine is especially harsh), doing dishes, or cleaning with household products.
  • Avoid contact with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which can strip surface finishes and damage softer stones.

Storage Tips

  • Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or compartmentalized jewelry box to prevent scratching.
  • Keep gemstone jewelry away from direct sunlight – prolonged UV exposure can fade stones like amethyst, kunzite, and rose quartz.
  • Avoid storing in humid areas like bathrooms; humidity accelerates silver tarnish and can affect porous stones.
  • For opal pieces especially, store in a cool, stable environment – extreme temperature fluctuations can cause cracking.

A Note on One-of-a-Kind Stones

Many of the stones used in Live Oak Designs pieces are unique, natural specimens – no two are exactly alike. Natural variations in color, pattern, and texture are part of what makes each piece special. Because of this, specific care needs can vary even between similar-looking pieces. If you have a question about caring for a particular stone in your jewelry, please don't hesitate to reach out to us – we're always happy to help.

With a little care, your Live Oak Designs piece will be a treasure you can enjoy and pass down for generations.