Caring For Fine Jewelry - Pearls, Opals, & Colored Gemstones

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but many other precious and semi-precious stones are also featured in fine equestrian jewelry. Here’s how to care for pearl jewelry, opal jewelry, and jewelry containing colored gemstones.

Care Tip #1: Check the Condition Frequently.

It’s a good best practice to take a moment and look at your jewelry carefully before putting it on. Check its condition just like you’d consider the bridle you’re putting on your horse. Is everything ready to perform as expected? Check the prongs holding the colored gemstones in place - if anything seems loose or wiggly, don’t wear that piece until you have a jeweler repair the setting. This is an affordable fix, especially compared to the price of a diamond or precious gemstone! Other things to check: clasps, hooks, and other connectors or closures.

Care Tip #2: Treat Pearls Gently

To keep your pearl horse jewelry looking its best, clean it after every wear by wiping it with a dry, soft, clean cloth. A jeweler’s cloth is ideal, but any nice soft microfiber you have on hand will also work. Only if necessary clean with a damp - not wet! - cloth and let dry 100% before putting away. Once a year, have a jeweler inspect your pearl jewelry, especially necklaces which may need to be restrung.

Care Tip #3: Opals Love Attention

The best way to care for your opal jewelry is to wear it often. Opals suffer when they’re left neglected in conditions where they can get too hot and dry out. Clean your opal jewelry in much the same way you clean your pearl jewelry. Opals can chip and break fairly easily, so be aware of your motions when wearing opal jewelry and try not to bring the stone into sudden contact with hard surfaces.