How to Take Care of Peridot Stones
Peridot, with its beautiful green hue and slight hint of gold, is the official birthstone of August. Its discovery dates back to the second millennium B.C., making it one of the oldest known gemstones. Although it is considered an ancient stone, peridot enjoys increasing popularity today. Though the gem is not particularly hard, it is still relatively easy to take care of. A few simple steps will keep peridot stones looking radiantly new for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Clean peridot jewelry by submerging it in one cup of warm water mixed with ½ teaspoon of a mild dishwashing detergent. Allow the jewelry to soak in the soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, and then carefully scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse under clean, warm water to remove any loosened debris, then dry it thoroughly using a soft cloth. Repeat the process once every week if it is worn regularly.
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Protect the peridot stones from everyday wear and tear. Put on the jewelry after grooming, as hairsprays, lotions and makeup can get caked on the stone and dull its appearance. Remove the jewelry before washing your hands, as soap can leave a damaging film. Take off peridot before doing housekeeping, since harsh chemicals can damage the stone, causing dullness, pitting or even breakage. Remove the peridot when it may be exposed to high heat, such as when cooking or using a hair dryer. Swift changes in temperature can alter or dull the stone's color; it can even cause cracking.
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Protect it from other stones. Since peridot is softer than other popular gemstones and can be scratched by them, store the stone separately in a soft pouch or in a separate, protected compartment of a jewelry box. Being careful not to overcrowd the jewelry.
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Handle peridot stones with care while putting on or removing jewelry. Never handle the piece by the stone, as this can loosen or weaken the setting. Repeatedly handling the jewelry this way can result in loss or damage of the stone.
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Take peridot jewelry to a professional jeweler once a year to get it thoroughly cleaned; a professional system will be able to clean any dust or debris that may have settled behind the stone. A jeweler will also check the piece's setting to ensure that the stone is secure and won't fall out. The jeweler should be able to tighten any settings or prongs on premises, should the jewelry need it.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't clean peridot stones in an ultrasonic cleaner as such cleaners can cause damage to the soft stone.
