If you're an avid tabletop RPG player or a dice collector, you understand the importance of taking care of your precious metal and gemstone dice. Not only are these dice beautiful and unique, but they are also an investment, often costing more than your average plastic set. Proper care and maintenance ensure they remain in perfect condition for years to come, both in appearance and performance.
In this article, we’ll walk through the essential steps for maintaining your metal and gemstone dice, covering cleaning, storage, and handling tips that help you preserve their beauty and precision.
Why Care for Metal and Gemstone Dice?
Unlike plastic dice, gemstone dice are made of more precious materials that can be prone to damage if not handled properly. Metal dice are often heavier, and while durable, they can damage surfaces or get scratched if thrown onto hard materials.
By following some basic care techniques, you can avoid common pitfalls and keep your dice in great condition.
Cleaning Your Metal and Gemstone Dice
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent grime and oils from your hands from accumulating on your dice. Here's how to clean them safely:
Cleaning Metal Dice
Metal dice tend to gather fingerprints and oils, but luckily, they are relatively easy to clean.
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Soft Cloth Wipe-Down: After each session, gently wipe your metal dice with a microfiber cloth or soft cotton to remove dirt, oils, and fingerprints.
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Mild Soap and Water: For a deeper clean, use a mild soap mixed with lukewarm water. Dip a cloth into the solution and gently clean the surface of the dice. Avoid submerging the dice in water as this may damage the material or any coatings on the dice.
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Dry Thoroughly: Once cleaned, immediately dry the dice with a clean cloth to prevent any water spots or rust (for certain metal types).
Cleaning Gemstone Dice
Gemstone dice are more delicate and should be treated with care during cleaning.
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Avoid Chemicals: Never use harsh cleaning chemicals as they can damage the surface or dull the stone’s finish.
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Use a Soft Cloth: Wipe the dice gently with a soft cloth. If needed, use slightly dampened microfiber cloths to clean off oils or dust. Make sure the cloth is barely wet.
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Air-Dry: Let the dice air-dry for a few minutes after wiping them down. Avoid excessive pressure or friction, which can cause damage to the gemstone.
Proper Storage of Your Dice
Storing your dice properly is crucial to preventing damage, such as chips, scratches, or dents. Here's how to store both metal and gemstone dice safely:
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Use a Soft Dice Bag: Storing dice in a soft dice bag made of velvet, suede, or padded fabric helps cushion the dice and prevents them from rubbing against each other or harder surfaces.
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Separate Compartments: For gemstone dice, consider storing them in individual compartments to avoid them colliding and chipping each other. Metal dice can scratch each other as well, so separating them is always a good idea.
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Avoid Hard Surfaces: Never store dice in a way that they are constantly in contact with hard surfaces. For example, avoid storing them in a loose plastic container that can cause damage over time.
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Temperature Control: Gemstone dice can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Always store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or excessive heat.
Protecting Your Dice During Gameplay
Metal dice can be heavy and gemstone dice are fragile, so taking precautions during gameplay is essential to avoid damage.
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Use a Dice Tray: Always roll your metal and gemstone dice on a dice tray or soft surface. Metal dice can damage your tabletop and dent softer surfaces, while gemstone dice can chip or crack if rolled on a hard surface.
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Roll Carefully: Avoid excessive force when rolling metal or gemstone dice, especially with gemstone dice, which are more brittle. A controlled roll will still give you the thrill of the game without the risk of damaging your prized dice.
Regular Inspection for Damage
It's a good idea to regularly inspect your metal and gemstone dice for signs of wear or damage.
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Check for Scratches or Chips: Look for any small chips, cracks, or scratches on your dice. Catching these early can prevent more serious damage.
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Examine for Balance: Over time, wear and tear can affect the balance of dice, especially gemstone dice. If you notice that a die consistently rolls in an unusual pattern, it might be time to replace it.
Protect Your Collection
Taking care of your metal and gemstone dice is essential if you want them to last for years and maintain their beauty and performance. Regular cleaning, careful storage, and gentle handling during gameplay are simple steps that ensure your dice remain in pristine condition. Investing in a dice tray, soft storage pouches, and regularly inspecting your dice for damage will help you protect your valuable collection.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your stunning metal and gemstone dice without fear of damaging them—and keep rolling those natural 20s!
