All gemstones should be protected from scratches, blows, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Particularly sensitive gemstones should be kept away from strong light sources to prevent color fading. All gemstones should be stored in a dry location.

Agate: Agate tends to chip and crack easily.

Alexandrite: Be careful when mounting this stone as the heat from a jeweler's torch may change its color.

Amber: Amber may be easily scratched. Store amber separately from your other jewelry.

Aquamarine: Clean aquamarine in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Aquamarine pales if left out in the sun.

Amethyst: Clean amethyst at an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water. Amethyst pales if left out in the sun.

Aventurine: Aventurine may fade in the sun.

Bloodstone: Generally, the polish will be removed if you get this stone wet.

Carnelian: Carnelian placed in the sun will change color from brown to red.

Chrysoprase: Chrysoprase will fade in the sun.

Citrine: Citrine may be easily scratched. Citrine can permanently change color if left in direct sunlight for several hours.

Coral: Coral is especially fragile. Avoid large temperature changes. Do not clean coral in a home ultrasonic cleaner.

Diamond: Generally, diamonds are quite durable. Diamonds should be stored separately from themselves and other jewelry. Diamonds may scratch other jewelry as well as each other.

Emerald: Clean emerald with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid sudden temperature changes, household chemicals, and ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. Emerald is often treated with oil to fill fissures and fractures. Never clean an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner, because this oil could be removed or damaged, making the fissures more visible. In addition, do not clean emerald in hot soapy water, since it too may remove the oils.

Garnet: Clean garnet with a dry, soft cloth.

Jasper: The polish on jasper will often wash away in water. Clean with a soft dry cloth.

Kunzite: Kunzite is especially fragile. Also avoid large temperature changes. Do not clean kunzite in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Kunzite will fade over time when exposed to sunlight.

Lapis Lazuli: Lapis Lazuli is scratched and chipped. Water will dissolve its protective coatings.

Malachite: Malachite is especially fragile. Also avoid large temperature changes. Do not clean malachite in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Washing malachite in water may remove its finish.

Moonstone: See Agate.

Obsidian: Obsidian is fairly fragile. Avoid sharp blows as it will crack.

Onyx: See Agate.

Opal: Opal is an extremely fragile stone. Avoid large temperature changes, store it in the dark, and clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners and strong solvents may damage the stone.

Pearl: Pearls are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity. If you wear cosmetics or perfume, put these on before wearing your pearl jewelry. When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean your pearls with warm soapy water being very careful to avoid wetting the drill hole. Dry your pearls flat on an absorbent, soft towel. Store pearls in a dry environment.

Peridot: Avoid large temperature changes. Do not clean peridot in a home ultrasonic cleaner.

Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz will chip and crack easily, and will fade in the sun. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight.

Ruby: Generally, ruby is quite durable. Still, rubies are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly.

Sapphire: Generally, sapphire is quite durable. Still, sapphires are subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly.

Tanzanite: Tanzanite is easily scratched and chipped. Clean tanzanite with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaning.

Tiger Eye: See Peridot.

Topaz: Also avoid large temperature changes. Do not clean topaz in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Clean topaz with warm, soapy water.

Tourmaline: See Peridot.

Turquoise: Turquoise is somewhat soft, so avoid scratches and blows. To be certain that coatings are not removed, avoid hot water and household chemicals.

Zircon: Zircon is somewhat soft, so avoid scratches and blows. Avoid hot water and household chemicals.