Lapis Jewelry Care 101: Keeping Your Gemstone Gleaming

Known for its rich shade of blue and the flecks of gold pyrite, lapis lazuli is truly a wonderful treasure. However, with great beauty comes great responsibility. This precious gemstone requires your attention. How do you take care of it? Knowledge and maintenance practices can help you keep the shine of your favourite gemstone!

We will be going through all the dos and don’ts with a few tips and tricks. Follow this guide and your lapis lazuli is sure to glow through the ages.

Understanding Lapis Lazuli

Thousands of years ago, around 7000 BC, the ancient mines of Afghanistan supplied this precious stone to several parts of the world. Particularly in Egypt, it gained popularity, as it was fashioned into scarabs, ornaments for pharaohs, and amulets. In fact, the famous funerary mask of Tutankhamun also has the gemstone in its craftsmanship. The comparison of the stone did not stop at the night sky, it was associated with the divine and heavens.

In the Renaissance, lapis lazuli went beyond fashion and entered the most prized and expensive artwork. It was crushed into a super fine powder called Ultramarine, used by artists like Michelangelo.

Lapis are generally opaque to sub-translucent, which means they can be polished to a high gloss. The primary mineral, lazurite, is responsible for the beautiful royal blue whereas calcite and pyrite are responsible for the white and gold flecks respectively. Together, this has made lapis lazuli a highly prized gemstone throughout history.

The Mohs Scale and Lapis Lazuli

The Mohs scale, named after its developer German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, measures the hardness of a mineral. For example, Talc is 1 and Diamond is 10. Through it, we can understand the scratch resistance of various metals. Each mineral can scratch those below it but not those above. This scale is a handy tool in geology and gemology for understanding stone properties.

Lapis lazuli has a hardness ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This means that it is not as hard as say diamond, or even sapphire or quartz. It is strong enough to be a durable gemstone in jewellery but also soft enough to require special attention from your end.

Everyday life can be tough on lapis lazuli so there are limitations to wearing it daily. Sweat, skin care items like cream or lotion, and even everyday bumps may have effects over time. Also Read:Lapis Lazuli: A Look at This Gemstone's Use in Jewellery

Cleaning Lapis Lazuli

While this may seem like a hassle, it’s not all that difficult once you get the hang of it.

Schedule a weekly or monthly clean-up. Your first step is to fill up a small bowl with lukewarm water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Dip a finger in it and check. If the water is too hot, it will cause heat damage.

Dampen a soft cotton cloth with warm water. Make sure the fabric is soft and 100% cotton. Materials like georgette are a big no-no. Gently wipe the surface of the lapis lazuli. This way you can remove any oil or dust buildup. Be sure to treat the stone delicately. Don't press too hard when cleaning it. After rinsing, gently pat it dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Warm water and mild soap with a soft cloth is enough. Do not overdo it and use any type of chemicals or abrasive brushes as they can scratch the surface and degrade the stone’s quality. Remember, the simple way is sometimes the best.

Regular, gentle cleaning will help preserve the stone's natural beauty and ensure it remains a cherished piece in your collection.

Proper Care Tips

Here are some daily practices you could adopt to protect your lapis lazuli. After you are done wearing your jewellery, take a moment and use a dry soft cloth to wipe the accessory. This removes any sweat or dust that may have accumulated when you wore it.

If you are bathing, swimming, exercising, or any activity that triggers excessive sweat, refrain from wearing your lapis lazuli as exposure to water for a long time takes away its beautiful shine.

Storage is the next thing to tackle. Invest in good, lined jewellery boxes as well as soft pouches. Keep them separately so they don’t get scratched by any harder gemstones. Make sure that your storage boxes are in a dry and cool area because we don’t want any excessive humidity or heat to affect the stone’s durability.

Other tips and tricks

There are a couple of other things to consider. You should minimise contact with any hard surface whenever you put on or remove the jewellery. Be mindful of how the jewellery interacts with your clothing so that it does not snag on fabric and possibly get scratched.

From time to time, inspect the stone's surface and the integrity of the metal components. Look for any signs of scratches, loose settings, or chips. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to address them by consulting a professional jeweller.

While periodic cleaning at home takes you a long way, a professional cleaning once in a while is highly recommended. They have the expertise and resources to thoroughly clean your lapis lazuli safely. Once or twice a year, they can check for any structural issues and make necessary repairs. Polishing will also help it stay super shiny!

Also Read: A Guide to Lapis Lazuli Jewellery - Care, Quality & Best Forms

FAQS

How do you purify lapis?

Warm water and a soft cloth are enough for home cleaning. However, if you mean spiritual purification, some people place it on a bed of sea salt.

Can lapis go in water?

When you are cleaning it, yes. However, you should not expose it to water for a long time. Dry it immediately after you are done cleaning.

Can lapis lazuli be worn every day?

Sure, but you should know they will be more prone to damage so best to handle it with utmost care.

Can you wear lapis to sleep?

When you are sleeping, the jewellery might cause a lot of friction with your clothes and the bed sheet. This can cause accidental damage. Therefore, it’s best to remove lapis lazuli jewellery before sleeping.

Conclusion

The beauty of lapis lazuli is undeniable and taking care of it is a privilege more than a chore. This precious gemstone, ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs’ hardness, requires daily care and gentle cleaning.

Regular maintenance checks and professional cleaning will help it maintain its excellence. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the classic deep blue royalty for years to come.

Discover the charm of lapis lazuli with Argent & Asher's exquisite collection. Visit Argent & Asher today to find your perfect piece.