What''s the best way to clean emeralds?

[chiapet]

I have an emerald ring that my mom gave me 6 years ago. I''ve kept it in a safe deposit box and have not worn it in about 3 years. I noticed that there are some cracks in the emerald and it looks really dry. Should I be concerned? Also, what''s the best way to clean emeralds? Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Addlepated]

I have read that you can soak emeralds in cedar oil (which can be found in home improvement stores) or even regular cooking oil (probably canola or something else without a scent) to help them with the cracks/dryness.

As far as cleaning them, I''d probably just clean the setting around them with a soft-bristled brush and some soapy water, but don''t soak or clean the emeralds in anything. Instead, give the emeralds a gentle buff with a microfiber cloth. Especially don''t use ultrasonic cleaners or ammonia on anything with emeralds in it.

And please post pics of your piece!

 

[marcy]

I use warm purified water and a drop of dawn dishwashing soap - making sudsy water. I let my emeralds soak for about 15 minutes then rinse them with purified water. If the emerald is pretty dirty do this process above several times. You can lightly scrub on the stone with a baby toothbrush but since it''s emerald be very careful. All emeralds have cracks in them - it''s natural and also why the stone is so fragile.

 

[Pandora II]

From what I know the cedar oil is used under vacuum to draw the oil deep into the stone, so I''m not sure whether it will do a lot except make it greasy just painting it on?

To clean I would just use a bit of warm water and a baby toothbrush (very soft bristles).

 

[crown1]

i know that emeralds should not be put into the ultrasonic cleaner. since it is a beryl and morganite is also a beryl does that mean no us for morganite? and does that hold true for aquamarine also? thanks!

 

[Harriet]

Hi crown1,
Emeralds can''t go into the ultrasonic because they are oiled. I''m don''t think the other species of beryls are oiled.

 

[crown1]

Date: 2/11/2008 11:04:39 PM
Author: Harriet
Hi crown1,

Emeralds can''t go into the ultrasonic because they are oiled. I''m don''t think the other species of beryls are oiled.

hi! thanks for the info. that green stone in your avatar is a beauty. has it been set yet?

 

[Harriet]

Thanks! It''s still loose because it''s brand new.

 

[crown1]

i''ll be watching to see how it turns out.

 

[diamondfan]

They are soft and fragile and can crack spontaneously. I am sure you cannot really put much on them, maybe just a soft damp cloth. I seem to recall glycerine can help, but really am not sure at all. They are known to be so fragile.

 

[movie zombie]

soft nylon bristle brush, liquid dish detergent, and water, brush gently, rinse, and dry with a soft cotton cloth. personally, i wouldn''t soak the emerald as there can be small cracks and inclusions that might be effected by the water.

movie zombie

 

[chiapet]

Thanks for all the replies!
Movie zombie, I''m a HUGE fan of Chan-Wook Park.

 

[movie zombie]

wow! i''m glad to have company!!!!!!

movie zombie