Preservation Guide
Caring for Jade
Jade is remarkably durable — but it rewards proper care with a lifetime of beauty and deepening luster.
Cleaning Your Jade
◈Use a soft, damp cloth
Wipe jade gently with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with lukewarm water. This removes oils and everyday dust without damaging the surface.
Mild soap is fine occasionally
A tiny drop of mild, unscented dish soap in warm water works for a deeper clean. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing.
Never use ultrasonic cleaners
The vibrations can cause micro-fractures in natural jade, especially in pieces with natural inclusions. Avoid steam cleaners for the same reason.
No harsh chemicals
Bleach, acetone, alcohol, and jewelry cleaning solutions can strip the natural wax coating on Grade A jade and permanently dull the surface.
Storing Your Jade
◇Store pieces separately
Jade rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale — harder stones like diamonds or sapphires will scratch it. Keep jade in its own soft pouch or compartment.
Avoid direct sunlight
Prolonged UV exposure can cause some jade colors to fade or shift over time, especially lavender and pale green varieties.
Keep away from extreme temperatures
Sudden temperature changes can stress the stone. Avoid leaving jade in a hot car, near a heat vent, or in a very cold environment.
A fabric-lined box is ideal
A jewelry box with individual fabric-lined compartments is the best long-term storage. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
Wearing Your Jade
◉Put jade on last, take it off first
Apply perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup before putting on your jade. These products can build up and dull the surface over time.
Remove before physical activity
While jade is tough, a sharp impact at the right angle can chip or crack it. Remove bangles and rings before sports, cooking, gardening, or cleaning.
Remove before swimming
Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water are both harmful to jade settings and can affect the surface polish over time.
Wearing daily is encouraged
Jade bangles are traditionally worn every day. The natural oils from your skin actually enhance jade's luster over time, giving it a deep, living glow called 'skin' (皮光) by collectors.
Long-Term Care
✦Re-wax occasionally
Grade A jade is lightly waxed at finishing to enhance its surface. Over years of wear, a jeweler can re-apply a thin coat of carnauba wax to restore the original polish.
Have settings checked yearly
If your jade is set in gold or silver, have a jeweler inspect the prongs and settings annually to ensure the stone is secure.
Jade improves with age
Well-cared-for jade actually deepens in color and translucency over decades. This is part of what makes heirloom jade so prized — it holds the energy and history of its wearer.
Pass it down
Jade is uniquely suited to become an heirloom. A properly cared-for piece will outlast generations and grow in both sentimental and monetary value.
Quick Reference
✓ Safe
- ◈Soft damp cloth
- ◈Mild soap + warm water
- ◈Soft fabric storage pouch
- ◈Daily wear (bangles)
- ◈Natural skin oils
✗ Avoid
- ◇Ultrasonic/steam cleaners
- ◇Harsh chemicals & bleach
- ◇Perfume & lotion contact
- ◇Prolonged direct sunlight
- ◇Physical impact & sharp blows
Have a question about a specific piece?