How to Care for a Tanzanite Ring

Tanzania is the home of all the world's known tanzanite deposits.

With deep blue and violet hues, a tanzanite bears resemblance to a sapphire. The American Gem Society recognizes the tanzanite as one of the birthstones for December. Deposits of the gem are only known to exist in the African country Tanzania, which makes its rich, varied hue rare. Like any gemstone ring, a tanzanite ring requires thoughtful, routine cleaning and care to maintain its luster. With appropriate techniques and tools, you can keep your tanzanite ring in showstopping condition for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Soft jewelry cloth
• Water
• Mild soap
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Cloth-lined box
• Cloth pouch

Instructions

1. Wipe the ring with a soft jewelry cloth after each time you wear it. Concentrate on the crevices and ridges of the ring to remove skin cells, makeup or other elements that came in contact with the ring. Every facet of the stone should sparkle a dark blue or violet-hued luster. Trace amounts of any substance can build and harden over time, obscuring the rich sparkle tanzanite should have.

2. Apply a few drops of water on the cloth to eliminate remaining residue. Dry the ring thoroughly when you finish wiping it.

3. Clean the ring with warm water, hand soap and a soft-bristled tooth brush to remove stubborn dirt caked on the ring. Rinse the ring thoroughly to ensure no soap remains.

4. Store the ring in a jewelry box where it will not come in contact with other jewelry. Jewelry that rubs or brushes against another piece can leave scratches, and tanzanite has a hardness of only 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Store the ring in a fabric-lined box or fabric pouch to cushion and protect it.

5. Refrain from wearing the ring as you apply makeup or hair products, which can dull the ring's luster.

6. Remove the ring before handling chemicals like cleaning products or bleach. The metal and stone may seem impervious to the elements, but they are not. Tanzanite and precious metals can develop surface scuffs if you do not handle them properly.

7. Consult a jeweler about damage or dirt that you cannot remove through gentle cleaning. Do not try to adjust or modify the ring on your own.

References

• American Gem Society: December Birthstones
• Jewelry Information Center: How to Clean
• Tanzanite America: Q&A