Living with natural stone

Most of the stones we carry sit between 5.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale — hard enough for daily wear, soft enough to pick up fine scratches from a zipper or a set of keys. Pearl and shell sit lower still. None of this is a reason to keep them in a drawer; it is a reason to give them a little room.

Put jewelry on last. Perfume, sunscreen and hand cream leave a film that dulls opal and pearl over time. Take it off first, before the shower, the pool or the gym. Chlorine and sweat are the two things most likely to tarnish silver and loosen a stringing cord.

Store pieces apart. A cloth pouch for each is enough. Aquamarine and quartz are hard enough to mark softer stones they rub against, and chains knot when they share a box.

Clean with a soft, dry cloth. If something needs more, a drop of mild soap in lukewarm water and a quick rinse will do for quartz and agate — but keep opal, pearl, turquoise and shell away from soaking altogether.