How to Care for Jade: Cleaning, Polishing, & Storage

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Simple steps to keep your jade pristine & shining

Co-authored by Jerry Ehrenwald and Devin McSween

Last Updated: February 4, 2024 Fact Checked

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Cleaning Jade Jewelry & Stones

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Polishing Jade

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Storage & Care

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Video

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Tips

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Warnings

Jade is the common name for 2 brilliant green gems: jadeite and nephrite. Whether you have some dull jadeite jewelry or a nephrite crystal in your collection that lacks luster, it’s super easy to clean your jade and restore its shine. Simply clean your jade with warm water, mild soap, and a microfiber cloth about once a week.^{[1]
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Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards

Go to source} Read on to learn more about how to clean, polish, and store your jade jewelry and gemstones!

Things You Should Know

Gently wipe your jade with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Then, soak your jade in warm water and several drops of alcohol-free soap for 1 minute.
Dip a soft toothbrush in the soapy water and gently scrub your jade. Then, rinse off the soap and dry your jade with a microfiber cloth.
Polish your jade by buffing it with a lint-free microfiber cloth. If it still lacks shine, gently rub it with a drop of baby oil.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Jade Jewelry and Stones

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1
Wipe the jade with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently rub and buff out your jade jewelry or stone. This helps remove and loosen dirt and grime on your gem.^{[2]
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- If you wear your jade jewelry every day, wipe your jade daily after you take it off to help reduce dirt build-up.
EXPERT TIP

Jerry Ehrenwald
Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist
Jerry Ehrenwald, GG, ASA, is a graduate gemologist in New York City. He is the previous President of the International Gemological Institute and the inventor of U.S.-patented Laserscribe℠, a means of laser inscribing onto a diamond a unique indicia, such as a DIN (Diamond Identification Number). He is a senior member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and is a member of the Twenty-Four Karat Club of the City of New York, a social club limited to 200 of the most accomplished individuals in the jewelry business.

Jerry Ehrenwald
Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist

Did You Know? If your jade has fibrous veins or air bubbles, it might be fake. The best way to check if your jade is real or not is to hold the gem up to the light and look for irregularities.
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Soak the jade in warm water and mild, alcohol-free soap for 1 minute. Fill a bowl that’s large enough to hold your piece of jade with warm water. Then, add 2 or 3 drops of mild dish soap or hand soap. Mix the soap and water together, place your jade in the solution, and let it sit for up to 1 minute.^{[3]
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Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards

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- Warning: Do not use very hot water or harsh chemicals like alcohol to clean jade. This can damage jade’s structure, leading to breakage and discoloration.
- Note: Clean your jade with soapy water no more than once per week, or when you notice grimy buildup. Frequent exposure to soap and lotions can cause jade to lose its luster.
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Scrub your jade with a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. Dip a lint-free cloth or soft brush in the soapy water. Using delicate pressure and small, circular motions, gently scrub your jade jewelry or stone to clear away dirt and grime.^{[4]
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- Warning: Do not use abrasive sponges, brushes, or cloths or a lot of pressure when cleaning jade, as you can potentially scratch it.
- Note: Be extra careful when scrubbing treated jade, as jade that is dyed, bleached, or coated is typically more susceptible to damage.
- If your jade jewelry has lots of small crevices, use a toothpick to carefully pick out any hard-to-reach debris.^{[5]
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Rinse your jade under warm water. Turn on your tap so the water is warm but not hot. Then, hold your jade piece under the water to rinse off any leftover soap residue.^{[6]
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- Keep the water around the same temperature as the cleaning solution. Avoiding radical temperature changes helps protect your jade from damage.
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Shake off the water and dry your jade with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Get rid of excess water on your jade by shaking it or blowing on it. Then, use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently rub your jewelry or stone dry.^{[7]
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- Avoid using abrasive cloths and hard pressure when drying your jade.
- To prevent water stains, cover your jade in a bed of dry maple wood chips. Simply remove the jade from the chips when it’s fully dry.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Polishing Jade

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Buff your jade with a lint-free microfiber cloth. To bring luster and shine back to your jade jewelry or stone, rub it with a clean microfiber cloth. Just use small, circular motions and gentle pressure to get your jade sparkling.^{[9]
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If your piece of jade jewelry is still looking dull after buffing it with a cloth, pour a drop of baby oil onto a fresh, lint-free microfiber towel. Gently rub the oil into the jade and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, buff out the oil with a clean cloth.^{[10]
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Polish jade stones with a polishing machine and ZAM polisher. If your jade gemstone still lacks luster, put a cotton buffing wheel on your polishing machine. Then, turn on the machine and rub a bit of ZAM Buffing Compound on the wheel. Simply buff the stone with the wheel until it’s full of shine.^{[11]
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- Dip your jade in a glass of water in between buffs to prevent it from overheating.
- If you don’t have a polishing machine, take your jade to a professional gemologist or jeweler to get it polished.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Jade Storage and Care

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Store jade in a pouch or jewelry box away from other gems. While both jadeite and nephrite are tough gems, they can still get scratched from other crystals and stones. When you’re not wearing your jade jewelry or using your jade gemstone, place it in a pouch, on a soft cushion, or in a jewelry box away from other gems.^{[13]
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- Choose a storage spot that’s away from potential falls and accidents.
- Jade isn’t very sensitive to light, but it’s still best to store it out of direct light to protect it from any potential fading.
- Place silica gel packs or other desiccants near your jade to help remove moisture and protect your gem from damage.
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Treat your jade gently when wearing or using it. Jade can potentially crack, chip, or break if you accidentally knock your jewelry against a wall or drop your stone on the floor. Be extra careful when handling your gem to keep it safe from damage. For instance:^{[14]
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- Put on and take off jade jewelry when you're sitting down.
- Set your jewelry and gems on soft surfaces.
- Do not handle jade when your hands are wet or you’re showering.
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Remove jade jewelry when you clean or go swimming. Chemicals like bleach, alcohol, and chlorine can dry out jade and damage its structure, making it brittle and prone to breakage. So, make sure to leave your jade behind when you go swimming or clean around the house.^{[15]
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- High heat can also damage jade, so keep it away from hot water and other heat sources.

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Tips

Be extra gentle with jade jewelry that uses adhesive to set the stone. Too much pressure or heat during cleaning could cause the stone to fall out of its setting.

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Warnings

Do not clean treated jade with an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner, as this can damage the gem. Untreated jade is generally considered safe to clean with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.^{[16]
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Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards

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Keep jade away from chemicals, harsh cleaners, and high temperatures, as these agents can cause the jade to crack, break, or become discolored.

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