Gemstone Care Guide

Each piece of Live Oak Designs jewelry is made with natural gemstones — many of them one-of-a-kind. Because no two stones are exactly alike, caring for them properly helps preserve their beauty for years to come. Use this guide to keep your jewelry looking its best.

General Rules for All Gemstone Jewelry

Safe Everyday Cleaning

Wipe your jewelry gently after each wear using a soft, dry lint-free cloth or a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
For a deeper clean on most stones, use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean, soft toothbrush) with a small amount of mild dish soap diluted in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry immediately.
Always dry your jewelry completely before storing it.

Perfume, Lotion & Chemical Precautions

Put jewelry on last. Apply perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and lotion before putting on your jewelry to minimize chemical exposure.
Many lotions and sprays contain alcohol, acids, or oils that can dull, stain, or erode the surface of porous stones like turquoise, opal, and pearls.
Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or using cleaning products.

Storage Tips

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratching.
Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold, which can cause fading, cracking, or discoloration in many stones.
Avoid storing in humid environments like bathrooms — humidity can damage metals and affect porous gemstones.

Stone-Specific Care

🌊 Opal

Opals are among the most delicate gemstones and require extra care.

Never soak opals in water. Prolonged exposure can cause the stone to absorb water, lose its play of color (adularescence), or crack.
Wipe only with a soft, barely damp cloth.
Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause thermal shock and cracking.
Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on opals.
Store away from dry heat sources — some experts recommend storing opals with a small damp cloth in a sealed bag in very dry climates.

🌿 Turquoise

Turquoise is a porous stone that can absorb liquids and change color over time if exposed to chemicals.

Avoid all soaking — even in plain water.
Wipe gently with a dry or very lightly damp cloth only.
Keep away from oils, perfumes, sunscreen, and household cleaners, which can permanently alter the stone's color.
Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on turquoise.
Protect from prolonged sunlight, which can cause fading.

🤍 Pearls

Pearls are organic gemstones and among the most sensitive to everyday wear.

Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after every wear to remove skin oils, sweat, and cosmetics.
Never use jewelry cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners on pearls.
Avoid immersing pearls in water, which can weaken the silk thread in strands and damage the nacre over time.
Store flat (not hanging) to prevent silk stretch in strands; keep in a soft cloth pouch away from other jewelry that could scratch them.
Apply perfume and hairspray before putting on pearl jewelry — these products are especially harmful to pearl nacre.

💎 Labradorite & Feldspar Stones

Labradorite is moderately durable but requires care to preserve its signature iridescence (labradorescence).

Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or brush; rinse and dry promptly.
Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged soaking.
Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for labradorite.

🌹 Rose Quartz, Amethyst & Other Quartzes

Quartz family stones are relatively hardy, but still benefit from gentle care.

Clean with mild soapy water and a soft brush; rinse well and dry thoroughly.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight — rose quartz and amethyst can fade over time with UV exposure.
Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for most quartzes, but check with us first if your piece has inclusions or is heat-treated.

🔵 Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is porous and softer than many gemstones.

Wipe with a soft, dry cloth only — avoid water and all liquid cleaners.
Keep away from acids, bleach, and harsh chemicals, which can dissolve the calcite inclusions in the stone.
Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on lapis lazuli.

🟤 Moonstone

Moonstone has a beautiful inner glow (adularescence) but is prone to cleavage (splitting) if struck or stressed.

Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth; rinse and dry well.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can cause fracturing.
Handle with care — avoid knocks and drops.

When to Avoid Ultrasonic & Steam Cleaners

Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be useful for some hard gemstones (like diamonds and sapphires), but should never be used on the following stones commonly found in Live Oak Designs jewelry:

Opal
Turquoise
Pearls
Lapis Lazuli
Moonstone
Any stone with visible inclusions, fractures, or treatments

When in doubt, a soft cloth and gentle wipe is always the safest choice.

A Note on One-of-a-Kind Stones

Many pieces in our collection feature stones that are truly one-of-a-kind — sourced from small mines, estate finds, or artisan cutters. Natural inclusions, color variations, and surface textures are part of what makes each stone unique and beautiful, not flaws. Because no two stones are identical, care needs can vary slightly even within the same stone type. If you ever have a question about caring for a specific piece you've purchased from us, please don't hesitate to reach out — we're happy to give you personalized guidance.