Some gems are treated to alter their color or clarity, while others are left raw. The latter category of gems may look durable, but Lampley Berens cautions consumers not to be fooled by appearances and to treat them gently. Handled improperly, these stones can change colors and become dull, “so [it’s important to know] what the stone is and really what the materials are, so you know how to take care of it,” Lampley Berens says. The best course of action is to follow any instructions noted in the product description. Otherwise, “if something’s dirty and you’re not sure, some warm water and gentle soap will do the trick,” says Pantin, who uses a soft baby toothbrush on her pieces as a means to a more thorough clean.