Caring for Your Jade Jewelry
Jadeite jade is among the toughest of gemstones (only hematite and jadeite’s ‘cousin’ nephrite jade are tougher) however it is still a gemstone! Your jade jewelry should be treated with care.
We encourage you to wear your jade often. However, please keep in mind that jade is cut and polished into smooth, cabochon stones and does not have the sharp edges present in faceted stones, like diamonds, for securing into jewelry. Therefore, jewelers epoxy is often used in addition to bezels or prongs.
Extensive exposure to water, especially hot water, can result in the loosening of your stone. We recommend you remove your jade jewelry before swimming, showering, etc. (see additional 'Don'ts for Jade' below).
The care of your jade is quite simple. Most common jewelry cleaners and techniques can cause problems due to the standard wax applied to all jade after polishing. The proper way to clean jade is to simply apply a mild, soapy water solution. A soft bristled toothbrush is best for cleaning the crevices within carvings and settings. Of course, still try to minimize the exposure of your jade jewelry to water.
Remember, jade loves love. It is actually good for your jade to be handled, rubbed and loved (blog post).
Watch this AMAZING short Jade Care video!
Below is a list of “Don'ts” for Jade:
- Never steam jade – Jewelers usually steam faceted stones after sizing and working on pieces. Please remind your jeweler of this frequent error.
- Never use Ultra-Sonic jewelry equipment and cleaning solutions on jade.
- It is best to remove your jade before swimming in a chlorine treated pool, the ocean, showering or soaking in a hot tub.
- A warning for gardeners – please remove your jade rings before working with dirt and soil. The quartz dust in soil is a powerful abrasive.
