Will Hand Sanitizer Hurt My Jewelry?

Everyone is talking about returning to a “new normal” as businesses begin to reopen.  In doing so, we must remember to that health and hygiene are among the most important things.  While we continue to protect ourselves by practicing good hand washing and using hand sanitizers, we are reminding our customers how to protect their jewelry.  Too much soap or hand sanitizer on our metals and gemstones can lead to damage.

Use Sanitizer Safely

When frequently using hand sanitizers, it can weaken the brilliance of precious metals including platinum, yellow, rose and white gold. To add to this, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can pit the surface of softer gems or lose the brilliance of other gems as well. While hand sanitizers on jewelry can be acceptable in moderation, it is important to try to remember to remove jewelry and place it somewhere safe while you sanitize. Be sure to let your hands dry completely before putting your jewelry back on.

Effects on Metal

Hand sanitizers come in two varieties: alcohol-based and non–alcohol-based. The ones with alcohol are benign to jewelry items as alcohol is the main germ-killing ingredient. However, non–alcohol-based ones typically use chlorine-based compounds as germicides. These chlorine compounds could react with water and release free chlorine. Free chlorine radical is very reactive and could cause tarnishing of jewelry, especially if it is made of sterling silver. Also, halogens are known to cause stress corrosion cracking in low karat golds, in particular, nickel white golds. It is worth noting, in this case, that the CDC recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content. As long as you’re doing that, your metal will probably stay in great shape.

Effect on Other Metals

Other Metals, such as platinum, yellow gold, or rose gold, are less vulnerable to damage than white gold. Excessive exposure to the alcohol in hand sanitizer can cause the finish on white gold to wear faster and can also cause other metals to lose their luster. But applying hand sanitizer to any “plated metal” ring might require more frequent trips to the jeweler to get it refinished. 

Frequent hand sanitizer use can also harm your rings, dulling the sparkle of gems and metals or even loosening your ring's setting over time.

Effects on Gemstones 

The best way to protect organic, or natural gemstones is to eliminate exposure to any hand sanitizer.  Hand sanitizer with alcohol isn’t necessarily going to tarnish or ruin them. However, repeated applications may lead to a buildup of residue and film around the gemstones.  In particular, the alcohol in hand sanitizer can manipulate, discolor, or even damage some gemstones, like pearls.

As for the jewels themselves, soft or porous stones, including pearl, lapis lazuli, turquoise, amber, coral, malachite, kyanite, apatite, sugilite, jade, emeralds, tanzanite, peridot, moonstone, labradorite, abalone, and opal, are more vulnerable to damage and should not be exposed to any chemicals including hand sanitizer.

Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, on the other hand, are probably safe from any permanent damage. 

Best solution is to remove your jewelry before you apply hand sanitizer, let your hands dry completely, then put on your jewelry. Remember, repeated contact with cleaning agents such as chlorine, bleach, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soaps, and hand sanitizers can break down the brilliance or vivid color of any gemstone jewelry over time.

Put Your Health First while Protecting your Jewelry

Your health and safety is of the upmost importance. By no means should you skimp on washing your hands and applying hand sanitizer. At the end of the day, your engagement ring is precious, but your health is more important. Still there are precautions you may do in order to preserve the integrity, value, or brilliance of your gemstones. 

Instead, rethink your routine.

Here’s how you can continue using hand sanitizer and protect your diamonds and gemstones.

Remove your items when you apply hand sanitizer and place them aside on a soft cloth (not over the kitchen sink, or loose over carpeting).  Apply the hand sanitizer and allow your hands to fully dry before replacing them.  You may notice a build-up of a filmy residue on your pieces, and it may develop more frequently than what you are used to.  You can easily clean your jewelry in warm, soapy water, perhaps with a drop of Dawn dish soap.  Let them soak for a few minutes, and you can use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub away any residue or buildup.  Rinse away the suds, then dry the ring with a soft, lint-free cloth; avoid using paper towels, which can scratch the ring's surface.  Once cleaned let them thoroughly dry out completely before wearing them or handling them.

Cleaning Your Jewelry

To keep jewelry sparkling, wash them once a week in jewelry cleaner or dish soap and lukewarm water. Many jewelers also sell or provide complimentary jewelry cleaner with purchases. In addition, most jewelry businesses provide professional cleaning services and inspections at no cost. It is recommended to have these done at least twice a year.

Do not use a toothbrush on softer gems that can easily be scratched. If you use a commercial cleaner, remember to read all labels and be sure it is safe to use on your specific gemstones. Some gems should never be subjected to these cleaners, including opals, emeralds, amber and pearls.

Steam cleaning formulated specifically for gems can be effective for hard stones and allow them to shine like new. Do not use on easily-damaged, heat-sensitive stones, such as aquamarine, tanzanite, emeralds, opals, pearls, amber and coral.

If you decide to try ultrasonic-cleaning for eliminating stubborn dirt, be sure to check with your jeweler first. It may be safe for some diamonds, rubies and sapphires, however there are conflicting thoughts on the safety of this method, as the shaking can cause stones to become loose from their settings. This cleaning method should never be used for fracture-filled stones.

Your precious gemstone may require extra care; if you have questions on how to properly care for your gemstone jewelry head over to our Learn Page and select the your gemstone. Or you may contact us with any specific questions or concerns!