Keep Your Turquoise Bright: Simple Cleaning Tips
Turquoise is a jewel that really wins over people by its marvelous blue-green color. To keep this lovely gemstone attractive for a long time, it definitely requires proper care. Many collectors are concerned about the cleaning of turquoise without causing any harm to it. For sure, your real turquoise stone needs to be treated gently if you want that natural shine to be there for a long time.
Why Turquoise Needs Special Care
Turquoise is considered a soft mineral when it comes to the hardness scale. It is very receptive to oils, lotions, and perfumes. These materials can alter the color of your gemstone. Besides that, small things like heat and harsh chemicals can cause permanent damage to turquoise. So, it is better to avoid such kinds of risks and keep your jewelry safe from them.
Cleaning with water only is the closest method to the ideal one. Even soap residues can go deeper into the stone's microscopic holes. Chemical cleaners should be out of the question if you want your gemstone to last for long. Your gem is really asking for simple and natural ways only.
How to Clean Turquoise Safely
Firstly prepare a soft cloth that does not shed lint. With water of a normal temperature, moisten your cloth a bit. Wipe your turquoise area lightly. It is absolutely never an option to immerse your gem in water. The moisture that is trapped there will lead to whitish spots and cracks.
Dry the gem right away. Have a dry, clean cloth at hand. Also, make sure to let the jewelry dry completely in the open air before putting it away. This step takes approximately half an hour. Keep your turquoise away from other gems that are harder. They can damage the surface of your gem with their sharpness.
In case you wear your turquoise regularly, make sure it is clean every month. Those who own pieces that are worn occasionally can go on with less frequent cleanings. Regular cleaning of the jewelry with a dry cloth helps greatly in dust prevention. These small acts mean that your jewelry will always be shiny and clean.
How to Identify Real Turquoise Stone
The most obvious thing about a real turquoise stone is the natural matrix patterns. These could be veins of brown or black running through blue. The fake stones will be very close to perfect. They will not have matrices and their color will be very uniform.
One of the scar tests authenticity verification methods. If you use a steel nail on real turquoise, it will scratch. At the same time, a plastic counterfeit will not scratch. Besides that, the weight point is also of importance. The real turquoise will feel heavier than a plastic one.
Another hint is temperature. You can check this by putting the gem on your cheek. A real turquoise stays cool to the touch. Unlike plastic that warms very fast. In case you want, a professional gemologist can do these and other tests.
Turquoise vs Dyed How lite: Know the Difference
How lite that is dyed looks like turquoise from top to bottom. Most of the time, the sellers will tell you it is the real thing. How lite is very cheap compared to real turquoise rock. Being white, this one will readily take up the blue dye.
Looking at the color distribution is the way out here. Hoplite that is dyed will have some parts that are lighter and some that are darker. This is due to the fact that the dye gets trapped in the cracks and porous areas of the stone. Whereas a real turquoise will always be of the same color throughout.
Acetone can do this in a split second. If done carefully and in a place that no one can see, dip the cotton with acetone, and take a piece of cloth with color from how lite. If there is blue on the swab, then it is how lite. In fact, the color of real turquoise has not changed. This testing is possible only if the stones are not set.
Where to Find Quality Stones
Certified turquoise is sold by trustworthy dealers only. They provide a certificate of authenticity to go with the purchase. The internet is full of marketplaces where you can find gemstones for sale from different vendors. Check the sellers' ratings before you decide to buy from them.
At gem exhibitions, you have a chance to look at the stones up close and personal. Besides that, you also can test the weight and temperature. Moreover, local jewelers might have some turquoise pieces in stock for you. They will also be the ones to authenticate the gems for you.
The price is a mirror of the quality and authenticity of the stones. A cheap turquoise will most likely be a treated or imitation one. The stones of investment-grade quality are much more expensive. Before making a purchase, make sure to look at the prices from different sellers and decide on the best offer.
Wanting other beautiful stones? Find out the rhodochrosite stone price if you want another pink gem.
Protecting Your Investment
Wrap your turquoise pieces in soft pouches when not wearing them. Plastic bags that trap moisture should be avoided. Also, turquoise stones should not be exposed to the sun. This is because the UV rays of the sun cause the color to fade gradually.
Take off any turquoise jewelry you might be wearing before going for a swim. The stone will be damaged forever if you expose it to chlorine. Also, remember to take it off when you are about to put on your makeup. This is because hairspray and perfume not only cause the turquoise to fade but also discolor the area around it.
Moreover, do not forget to have your settings inspected once every year. The stones which might be loose can fall and break without you knowing. The professional cleaning services are equipped to do the delicate restoring work on your pieces. Therefore, if you have a worn-out surface, they are the ones who can repolish it for you in the safest way.
Turquoise is a precious gem that needs the right attention from you. The easy-tasks mentioned here will go a long way in preserving its loveliness infinitely. Make sure you clean it gently, store it in the right place and most importantly, pass your beautiful gemstone on to the future generations to enjoy.
