Emeralds are terribly fragile jewels. Their internal structure contains a host of fissures which we call “garden”, making them fragile in the extreme; normally they have been treated with cedar oil to protect and intensify the colour, and this is important for effective cleaning that respects the gem. If we do not take the proper care we can damage the stone or diminish its sparkle and the intensity of the original colour.

Unlike any other gemstone water for cleaning emeralds must be lukewarm and the soap should preferably be neutral, as we only want to remove the grease and dirt. Rub it with a very soft brush, rinse with plenty of lukewarm water and dry well with a linen or cotton cloth. If you would like to use a hairdryer to dry it better, do so at a low temperature.

In this way you will keep your emeralds looking exactly like they did when you brought them home from the jeweller’s.