With limitless displays of radiant colour, gemstones have long enchanted our hearts. Their beauty has been captured in the jewellery pieces we wear for centuries, telling a story of creation, artistry and history.
The Laings Journal
It is estimated that gemstone jewellery was first worn around 4,000 BC, captivating admirers with their exceptional beauty and mesmerising hues. With no stone like the other, it is no surprise that they are still highly desired in jewellery pieces today, from gemstone engagement rings to necklaces and bracelets.
Just as the colour in every gemstone is unique, so too are the delicate care instructions that should be followed to ensure your pieces endure. At Laings, we pride ourselves on our passion and knowledge of these geological wonders and have developed a comprehensive care guide, ensuring any Laings gemstone jewellery piece can be enjoyed for years to come.
SAPPHIRE
Ranked at a 9 on Mohs hardness scale, just under diamond, sapphire’s are known for not only their elegance but their remarkable durability. Highly resistant to cracking and chipping, Sapphire engagement rings are a favoured choice as they are more than suitable for everyday wear.
This natural strength makes them exceptionally easy to maintain, allowing their exquisite beauty to endure through the years. Laings recommends refreshing the sparkle of sapphire jewellery pieces by giving them a gentle wash with warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush. We recommend that sapphire jewellery pieces are brought to Laings intermittently to undergo our dedicated Jewellery Care Service , ensuring our experts can give your jewellery piece a thorough review to maintain their brilliance.
RUBY
Like sapphires, rubies are also ranked at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them a suitable choice for everyday wear. Ruby gemstones require similar levels of care to sapphires and diamonds. Laings recommends using warm soapy water for day-to-day cleaning, and rubies can also be cleaned ultrasonically. If your ruby gemstone has any past surface damage, we recommend visiting your nearest Laings showroom for professional cleaning and care.
EMERALD
Although ranking at 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, emeralds are not recommended for engagement rings or everyday wear. The majority of emeralds contain fractures, with some estimates stating that more than 90 percent of emeralds are fracture-filled. Whilst emerald jewellery will prove relatively resistant to scratching, they are susceptible to breakage if knocked against a hard surface. In consideration of this, we do not recommend cleaning emerald jewellery ultrasonically. When needed, clean emeralds with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or very soft brush. If your emerald has maintained any damage since your last Laings visit, we advise bringing it to your nearest showroom for a professional service.
TANZANITE
The gemstone tanzanite is rated 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Whilst not as hard as other gemstone options, tanzanite is still able to be worn in jewellery with the correct precautions and care. Tanzanite should not be subjected to extreme high temperatures like those found in saunas and steamrooms as this can disrupt the natural colour. Tanzanite jewellery should be cleaned with warm soapy water, and we do not recommend using steam cleaners or ultrasonics for this material.
AMETHYST
The mesmerising February birthstone, amethyst, is a delicate and romantic choice for any jewellery piece. Ranking at a 7 on Mohs hardness scale, amethysts can be worn in a variety of jewellery creations and enjoyed endlessly with the proper care and precautions taken. As with most jewellery pieces, we recommend avoiding exposing amethyst to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, over time these can affect and disrupt the natural colour of your stone. The cleaning of amethyst can be undertaken by using gentle soap and a soft brush or microfibre cloth. Avoid any strong household cleaners or cosmetic cleaners, opting for a sensitive soap. Whilst amethyst is a relatively hard stone, we recommend keeping it stored separately from other jewellery pieces to prevent rubbing or scratches.
TOURMALINE
Due to the complex chemical composition of tourmaline, more than a dozen mineral species are recognised under its namesake, covering an extraordinary spectrum of colours from deep reds to verdant greens.
Whilst tourmaline can be considered a durable and reliable gemstone – ranking at a 7 to 7.5 on Mohs scale - its care cannot be overlooked. Avoid wearing tourmaline in any extreme high temperatures that would be encountered in the likes of saunas and steamrooms, this may alter the magnificent colour of your gemstone. Laings recommends cleaning tourmalines with a warm soapy water and a tightly woven microfiber cloth. With the proper care your tourmaline should continue to dazzle for generations.
OPAL
The mesmerising birthstone of October delivers a wide range of colour. From the vibrant fire opal to the gentle pink, opals are a gemstone that captivates wearers with its magical colour-play. Crafted to be cherished forever more, Laings opal jewellery can be continually enjoyed when following the proper care and preservation instructions. Whilst opal is an exquisite gem for jewellery its delicate nature must be remembered when wearing it. Ranking between 5 to 6.5 on Mohs hardness scale, opals can be cleaned similarly to other semiprecious gemstones with warm water and a gentle soap. Like that of the pearl, caustic soap must be avoided when caring for opals to best preserve their magnificent colourings.
AQUAMARINE
The March birthstone, aquamarine is often thought of as the gemstone of spring, a symbol of happiness, hope and eternal youth. Ranking as a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is a durable gemstone, suitable for a myriad of jewellery pieces. Whilst these radiant gemstones are a popular choice, Laings recommends taking care in protecting jewellery against scratches and knocks. Similar to amethyst, aquamarine pieces should be stored in a fabric pouch or away from other harder gemstones where it could sustain damage. Maintain your aquamarine's brilliance with standard cleaning practices, including the use of warm soapy water and a delicate cloth. Aquamarine can also be cleaned ultrasonically, provided there are no liquid inclusions or fractures. If you are unsure whether your piece is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning, visit your nearest Laings showroom for a professional assessment of your gemstone.
MORGANITE
The beauty of morganite can endure through years of wear, with a hardness ranking of 7.5-8. To ensure this semi-precious gemstone retains its elegant colour, there are several care tips we recommend. We suggest the regular cleaning of morganite with warm water and delicate soap, this will ensure the stone maintains its lustre. Laings also recommends avoiding wearing morganite in high temperatures or in situations where harsh chemicals may be used. Morganite’s delicate hues will not be affected by light exposure, we do recommend however ensuring care is always taken when wearing these cherished jewellery creations.
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