Emeralds, how to clean them?

[TwilightBlue]

I'm about to get my first emerald. What is the best way to clean it. My setting will be an emerald with a diamond halo set in 14k yellow gold. Can I use diluted Dawn Dish detergent? Perhaps, a commercial cleaner like Connoisseurs Jewelry cleaner for fine or the delicate version?

All help is much appreciated.

​

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

what treatment has your emerald had ?
just oiling ?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Congrats on your first emerald purchase! So you want to avoid ultrasonic machines, steam cleaners, and chemical dips. You can simply wipe the stone with a soft cloth after wearing. Or, if it needs a deeper cleaning, yes, I always recommend a gentle wash with Dawn, warm (not hot) water, and a soft brush.

 

[Emerald City]

I used gentle dish detergent and warm, kinda hot, water. I noticed this eventually stripped my emerald of oils, so I put it in a cup of steam-distilled cedar oil and left it covered in a warm place for several hours. The emerald looked like its old self. This is a decent DIY option in a pinch, but hopefully the experts will show up because I really don't think my method is ideal.

ETA: New reply popped up while I was writing mine. Seconding the avoidance of ultrasonic machines and chemical dips - those will make your emerald very sad, and you even sadder. My jeweler has used a steam cleaner on my emerald and it worked well, but he's only done that twice over the past two years; I wouldn't recommend doing that as a routine cleaning method.

 

[Autumn in New England]

@Emerald City Why have I never seen the ring in your profile pic before?! It's stunning!!

 

[TwilightBlue]

what treatment has your emerald had ?
just oiling ?

Just oiling

 

[TwilightBlue]

Congrats on your first emerald purchase! So you want to avoid ultrasonic machines, steam cleaners, and chemical dips. You can simply wipe the stone with a soft cloth after wearing. Or, if it needs a deeper cleaning, yes, I always recommend a gentle wash with Dawn, warm (not hot) water, and a soft brush.

Thank you. I just don't want to damage the emerald. I'm am so excited for it.

 

[TwilightBlue]

I used gentle dish detergent and warm, kinda hot, water. I noticed this eventually stripped my emerald of oils, so I put it in a cup of steam-distilled cedar oil and left it covered in a warm place for several hours. The emerald looked like its old self. This is a decent DIY option in a pinch, but hopefully the experts will show up because I really don't think my method is ideal.

ETA: New reply popped up while I was writing mine. Seconding the avoidance of ultrasonic machines and chemical dips - those will make your emerald very sad, and you even sadder. My jeweler has used a steam cleaner on my emerald and it worked well, but he's only done that twice over the past two years; I wouldn't recommend doing that as a routine cleaning method.

Thank you for the tips. Your emerald is exquisite! I can't wait to see my ring when it's made.

 

[Autumn in New England]

@TwilightBlue The goldens in your profile pic are beautimous! My favorite breed, and all I've ever owned!!