If you have a collection of this stunning greenish-blue jewelry and want it to look its best, there are some things you need to know. Unlike other gemstones, natural turquoise requires special care to keep it beautiful and protect it from damage.
If you frequently clean your jewelry at home, it’s best not to assume that you can use the same cleaning methods you might use for gold or silver jewelry. That doesn’t mean you necessarily always have to go to a professional for cleaning turquoise jewelry, but you will need to take a few precautions.
Keep reading to learn what exactly turquoise jewelry is, and how to clean turquoise jewelry at home using household products you already have, without damaging those gorgeous turquoise stones.
What You Will Learn
What Is Turquoise Jewelry?
According to the International Gem Society, turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in the world. It has been around since at least 3,000 B.C. when it was a popular pick of Ancient Egyptians. Today, it is considered a hallmark of Native American jewelry.
The stone’s name may have been inspired by Turkey, where many initially believed it was exclusive. However, it has been mined across the globe, including in:
- China
- Middle Eastern countries like Iran and Afghanistan
- Several North American spots like Mexico and U.S. states, including Colorado and New Mexico.
Turquoise is, of course, identifiable by its bright robin egg blue color, but it can also have discolorations or “veins” running through the stone that give it more dimensional color. Depending on other minerals present, such as copper, turquoise can also change colors, including taking on a yellowish-green hue. Over many eras across history, turquoise jewelry has become a desired look, with many cultures switching from setting it in silver and gold.
How to Clean Turquoise at Home
So, how do you clean turquoise jewelry at home? The process is quite simple and requires just a few household items. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Overall, you’ll want to avoid any harsh chemicals.
- You really just need a soft brush and warm water (just make sure it’s not hot).
- You’ll want to clean the turquoise stone using a combination of the two, but do not allow the stone to soak in the water.
- Afterward, completely dry it using a soft cloth. That’s it!
What to Avoid When Cleaning Turquoise Jewelry
There are a few popular jewelry cleaning methods that can be particularly damaging to a turquoise necklace, bracelet, or ring.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as they are often too harsh on turquoise and can cause damage.
- Some online sources and even some jewelry stores may tell you that you can clean your jewelry with dish soap, or baking soda and aluminum foil, but if your turquoise is set in sterling silver, you should also avoid these methods.
- If you need to polish silver settings around a turquoise stone, use a simple jewelry polishing cloth.
- You can also take special care to avoid sterling silver tarnish by storing your jewelry properly (even using an anti-tarnish strip, if possible), avoiding harsh chemicals, and keeping the jewelry separate from other precious metals and gemstones.
More Preventative Maintenance for Turquoise Jewelry
Keeping your turquoise jewelry pristine and in the best condition possible all starts with prevention. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Protect Your Turquoise From Bumps and Scratches
. As such, it’s best not to expose turquoise to any environment where it could be scratched, dinged, or bumped. For example, don’t wear turquoise jewelry when engaging in strenuous activity.
Avoid Hot Water
If you want to clean your turquoise jewelry with water, only use warm water, never hot water, as it’s temperature-sensitive. Along these same lines, don’t expose the jewelry to hot water in the shower or bath, either; instead, remove any pieces before bathing.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Whether you’re hoping to polish turquoise pieces or you’re just wearing your jewelry around the house, it’s best not to expose it to any harsh chemicals such as jewelry cleaners, household cleaners, pool chemicals, etc. This gemstone is one of the most porous stones, so even seemingly “safe” chemicals such as cosmetics, soap, shampoo, or perfume can discolor and damage it.
As such, always put on your turquoise jewelry with clean, dry hands, and only after applying any cosmetics you plan on using for the day. Even skin oils and sweat can discolor turquoise, so only wear turquoise on clean, dry skin.
Avoid Harsh Conditions
It’s also ideal to keep all your turquoise jewelry away from harsh conditions. Turquoise can be particularly susceptible to damage if left exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time or to extreme temperatures.
Store Turquoise Correctly
Along the lines of avoiding bumps and scratches, be sure you’re storing turquoise correctly by not mixing it into your jewelry box’s broader collection, where it can come into direct contact with other precious metals and gemstones. There is an array of stones that are much harder than turquoise, and the wrong movements can cause scratching and other damage. Instead, store turquoise in a separate section of your jewelry box.
Cleaning Turquoise Jewelry FAQs
Why Is My Turquoise Turning Black?
Turquoise turns black when it begins to oxidize. This usually happens if you’ve been caring for it incorrectly. Contact with skin oils, hot water, and other substances can cause oxidation. Sometimes, you can avoid oxidation by cleaning turquoise or buffing it with a dry jewelry cloth. But if the oxidation is severe, you may need to see a professional for help.
Will Baking Soda Hurt My Turquoise Jewelry?
While baking soda is often considered safe as a household and general jewelry cleaner, as it’s all-natural, it’s not safe on all jewelry. You should avoid using baking soda to clean turquoise jewelry, just as you’d avoid using hot water, vinegar, and other harsh chemicals.
How Do You Tell if Turquoise Is Real?
There are a few ways you can determine whether turquoise is real and if it needs to be cared for. Perform a gentle scratch test using your fingernail (nothing harder, as it can damage genuine turquoise), and scratch the stone’s surface. Real turquoise will not blemish from just a fingernail.
Can You Wear Turquoise in the Shower?
No, do not wear turquoise in the shower. Not only can chemicals that you might use, such as hair products and soap, damage or discolor the stone, but the hot water alone can also prove to be a hazard.
Should You Take off Turquoise Before Bed?
Yes. Remove your turquoise jewelry when you’re not wearing it, and place it in a safe, secure jewelry box. Keep the turquoise in its own section, away from other gemstones and precious metals, to prevent scratching and potential tarnishing.
Keep Your Favorite Turquoise Jewelry Safe with Specialized Jewelry Insurance
Beyond keeping your turquoise jewelry clean, there’s another aspect of care and maintenance that you won’t want to forget: insurance.
Specialized jewelry insurance protects your valuables in the event of damage, theft, or loss — and BriteCo makes buying a policy easy. With just a few minutes, you can get your free and easy online quote and pay for a year’s worth of coverage in seconds.
Learn more about BriteCo’s comprehensive jewelry insurance options and get covered today!
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