Caring for Feroza (Turquoise) and Other Porous Gemstones

Some of the most beautiful stones we set are also the most delicate. Feroza (turquoise), opal and coral are porous gemstones — their tiny internal structure can absorb liquids, oils and chemicals, which dulls their colour over time. Sapphire, ruby and aqeeq shrug off daily life; these stones need a little more thought.

The golden rule: perfume, lotion and oils go on before the ring goes on. Perfume sprayed directly onto turquoise slowly yellows it; hand creams and natural skin oils seep into opal and coral. Put your ring on last when dressing, and take it off first at the end of the day.

Water is a quiet enemy too. Remove porous-stone rings before washing dishes, swimming or bathing — chlorine and detergent accelerate discolouration, and prolonged soaking can weaken the setting. A quick splash on your hands is nothing to worry about; a swim is.

Clean gently and dry. Wipe the stone with a soft, slightly damp cloth and pat it dry immediately — never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam or chemical jewellery dips on turquoise, opal or coral. Store the ring in a soft pouch away from direct sunlight, and avoid leaving it somewhere hot, like a car dashboard, because sudden heat can dry these stones out.

Sterling silver cares for itself with almost no effort: a polishing cloth brings the shine straight back. Treat the stone with the same gentleness and a well-made feroza ring will look as vivid in twenty years as the day it arrived.