A Little Care for the Jewelry You Love.

Jewelry Cleaning & Inspections

We know how much you cherish your jewelry. Regular care and cleaning are key to keeping it as beautiful as the day you got it. Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your favorite pieces at home.

Diamonds

To keep your diamonds sparkling, clean them once or twice a week. Soak them for about 20 minutes in a mild solution of water with a few drops of gentle soap. After soaking, use a soft jewelry brush to remove any lingering dirt, paying special attention to the back, where most oil and dirt accumulate.

Colored Gemstones

Most colored gemstones can be safely cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. However, pearls are an exception—they should only be surface-cleaned with a damp cloth and a diluted soap solution. Avoid fully submerging pearls, as this may lead to discoloration.

Pearls

“Last on, first off”—Pearls are delicate, so wipe them down with a microfiber cloth or chamois after each wear. You can use a gentle jewelry cleaner (available at most fine jewelry stores), but never soak strung pearls in liquid.

General Jewelry Care Tips

Watch Out for Light and Heat:

Just like skin, certain gemstones need protection from excessive sunlight and heat. Over time, gems like amethyst and topaz can fade, while pearls may bleach, and some stones can darken with prolonged light exposure.

Protect from Sand and Soil:

Gardening or beach activities expose jewelry to abrasive sand and soil, which act like sandpaper on gems and metals. It’s best to remove and safely store your jewelry during these activities.

Chlorine and Chemicals Are a No-Go:

Everyday products like hairspray, lotion, and perfume can harm porous gems like turquoise and pearls, and even tarnish precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Always remove jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water or using harsh household cleaners.

Use Ultrasonics Sparingly:

If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, be cautious. The vibrations can loosen stones, especially in pavé settings. Follow instructions carefully and avoid using it for delicate or vintage pieces.

Remove Jewelry at Night or During Rigorous Activities:

Silver and gold scratch easily with frequent contact, and believe it or not, even bed sheets can cause small abrasions over time! Remove jewelry during any activity that causes sweating to help maintain its condition.

Travel with Care:

When traveling, pack jewelry in a soft, flexible case. To prevent tangling, thread necklaces or bracelets through a straw and wrap each piece in tissue for extra protection.

Avoid Toothbrushes:

Although it might seem like a good tool, a toothbrush can apply too much pressure, potentially loosening prongs or scratching metal. Opt for tiny, soft brushes designed for jewelry instead.

Store Carefully:

To prevent dents and scratches, avoid tossing jewelry into a drawer or leaving it on a dresser. Store each piece in its original box or a padded jewelry box with separate compartments.

Inspect Bi-Annually:

Schedule a twice yearly inspection to check prongs, stones, and clasps. We can also provide a thorough cleaning—it’s like a spa day for your jewelry! A little preventative care goes a long way in preserving your treasured pieces.

Additional Jewelry Care Tips

  • Avoid Excessive Contact with Water: Continuous exposure to water, especially hot or salt water, can weaken the structural integrity of certain gemstones and metals. Be sure to remove jewelry before showering, washing dishes, or swimming.
  • Use a Jewelry Polishing Cloth for Metal Shine: To maintain the luster of metals like gold, silver, and platinum, use a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine without scratching.
  • Know Which Stones Are Temperature-Sensitive: Some stones, such as opals and tanzanites, are sensitive to extreme temperature changes, which can cause fractures or discoloration. Avoid wearing these in environments with drastic temperature changes.
  • Be Mindful of Lotions and Creams: Lotions and creams can build up on jewelry, causing it to look dull. Apply these products before putting on jewelry to minimize exposure.
  • Avoid Sleeping with Jewelry: Sleeping with jewelry can cause wear, tangling, and potential prong damage. Store your jewelry before bed to avoid unnecessary damage.
  • Separate Jewelry by Type in Storage: Store each type of jewelry (silver, gold, pearls) in separate compartments to prevent tarnishing and scratching. Diamonds, in particular, should be stored separately as they can scratch other stones.
  • Use Anti-Tarnish Strips for Silver: Store silver jewelry with anti-tarnish strips to keep it shiny and reduce tarnishing.
  • Restring Pearls and Beaded Jewelry Regularly: Over time, the string in pearls and beaded pieces can weaken. Have them restrung every 1-2 years to prevent breakage.
  • Inspect Jewelry After Active Days: After participating in activities where you wore jewelry, check for loose stones, weakened prongs, or damaged clasps. Low-impact activities can sometimes cause unexpected stress on jewelry.

Following these tips will help preserve your jewelry's beauty and keep it in excellent condition for years to come!