Caring for your crystals, gemstones and gemstone jewellery

Looking after gemstones

To ensure that you get the maximum enjoyment from your gemstones here are some tips on how to look after them.

• To remove the dust from your gemstone you should rinse them in clean, lukewarm water and use a soft cloth the dry them. Never use solvents or powerful detergents to clean gemstones.
• Any loose gemstones or gemstone jewellery should be stored in individual compartments of a jewellery box (preferably padded), or better still kept in small silk or velvet bag.
• Some stones are sensitive to heat for example: opal, pearl, turquoise, coral and amber. These stones should not be exposed to heat or sudden temperature changes.
• Never use ultrasonic cleaners on gemstones or crystals.
• Handle all gemstones delicately, some gemstones are soft and scratch easily. Harder gemstones, although less affected by scratching, are more likely to chip or fracture.
• Avoid leaving gemstones in direct sunlight for long periods as some gemstones are susceptible to colour changes. in direct sunlight for long periods as some gemstones are susceptible to colour changes.
• When cleaning your gemstone always use perfectly clean water. Dirty water can discolour some gemstones such as pearl, turquoise or moonstone.
• Make sure to apply all cosmetics before putting on your gemstone jewellery.
• Keep all gemstones out of reach of young children. Some gemstones have sharp edges and even smooth stones could injure a child if put in their mouth.

Cleaning and re-energising gemstones and crystals.

Those who use gemstones for healing cleanse their gemstones before use. It is believed that gemstones and crystals take on the negative vibrations of each person who has handled them, and so passing them on to you. Cleansing gemstones or crystals restores the pure energy of the crystal. There are a few crystals that do not need cleansing, for example: azeztulite, kyanite and citrine. Other crystals such as amethyst, clear quartz and carnelian are said to cleanse other crystals, but after time they may need cleansing.

Place your gemstones or crystals under running water and visualise the negative energy running away with the water and pure white energy entering the stone. After this place the gemstones or crystals in moonlight. Repeat this whenever you feel the crystals are in need of cleansing and recharging.