How to Take Care of Your
Jewelry
Fine jewelry is a precious possession that is designed
and crafted to last a lifetime. However, proper care is
required to assure the lasting qualities of your jewelry.
General Tips
- Store your jewelry
in a clean, dry place.
- Keep your jewelry
in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and
dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece
individually in soft tissue paper.
- Don't jumble your
jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case. Pieces can scratch each
other.
- Be careful to wash
your hands when removing your jewelry. Do not leave your jewelry on
the rim of a sink where it can easily slip down the drain.
- See your jeweler
at least once a year to have your jewelry checked for loose prongs,
worn mountings, and general wear and tear. Visit your jeweler every
six months to have your jewelry professionally cleaned.
- There are many
types of small machines on the market that will clean jewelry in a
matter of minutes using high-frequency sound. These machines are
called "ultrasonic cleaners" and are available in many
different models and prices. They can be a convenient way to quickly
clean your jewelry at home. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage
some jewelry. Your local jeweler can tell you if an ultrasonic
cleaning machine is right for your jewelry wardrobe and, if it is,
recommend an appropriate model.
Diamonds
Diamond jewelry is very
popular. Some pieces, such as diamond engagement and wedding rings, are
often worn 24 hours a day. Even though you may wear your diamond jewelry
around the clock, you should give thought to its care. Diamonds are
durable, but they still require proper maintenance. Diamonds can get
smudged, soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps and even natural skin
oils put a film on diamonds and dim their brilliance. Clean diamonds
"glow" because the maximum amount of light can enter the stone
and return in fiery brilliance. It takes just a little care to keep them
that way.
- Do not wear
diamond jewelry, especially rings, when doing rough work. Even
though diamond is one of the hardest materials in nature, it can
still be chipped by a sharp, sudden blow.
- Chlorine can
damage and discolor your diamond jewelry's mounting. Keep your
diamond away from chlorine bleach and other household chemicals. You
should also remove your diamond jewelry before entering a
chlorinated pool or hot tub.
- Clean your
diamonds regularly using a commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of
ammonia and water, or a mild detergent. Dip the jewelry into the
solution and use a soft brush to dislodge dust and dirt from under
the setting.
- Avoid touching
your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle clean jewelry by its
edges.
Colored Gemstones
There are many different
types of colored gemstones, some of which require specific care and
cleaning procedures. It would be impossible to enumerate all of them in
this space. However, here are some general care and cleaning rules which
apply to all colored gemstone jewelry.
- Many natural
gemstones are treated or enhanced from the time they are extracted
from the earth by one or more traditionally accepted jewelry
industry practices. These treatments and enhancements can affect how
you should clean and care for your colored gemstone jewelry. Consult
your jeweler for more information on caring for treated or enhanced
gemstones.
- After wearing,
wipe your precious gemstone jewelry thoroughly with a clean, soft,
slightly damp cloth. This will enhance the gemstone's luster and
ensure that your jewelry is clean before storage.
- Store gemstone
pieces individually in soft pouches. You should be able to obtain
these from your jeweler.
- Do not expose your
precious gemstone pieces to salt water or harsh chemicals, such as
chlorine or detergents. These chemicals may slowly erode the finish
and polish of your gemstones.
- Hair spray,
perfume and perspiration may cause jewelry to become dull. Apply all
cosmetics, perfumes and colognes before putting on colored gemstone
jewelry. Make sure to wipe your gemstones after wear to remove any
chemicals, oils or perspiration.
- Do not subject
gemstone jewelry to sudden temperature changes.
- If you have an
active lifestyle take extra precautions
with some types of gemstone jewelry. Emeralds, for example, are
brittle and should not be worn when doing household chores or any
other activity where the stone could be hit or damaged.
- Be extra careful
with ultrasonic cleaners. Some gemstones are fragile and can be
damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Consult your jeweler for the best
cleaning procedure for your particular gemstone jewelry. Your
jeweler is also a good source for information on colored gemstones.
Karat Gold Jewelry
Karat gold jewelry pieces
make up the majority of many fine jewelry collections. Gold comes in many
different styles and colors, but the care and cleaning procedure remains
the same.
- Remove all gold
jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form
on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. By
preventing the formation of this film, you immediately reduce the
occasions your pieces will need to be cleaned.
- To clean your
jewelry at home, you'll find many commercial cleaners available. In
addition, you will need a soft chamois cloth - an effective and
inexpensive way to keep your pieces lustrous and shining. Ask your
jeweler to recommend both of these items for you.
- For certain gold
jewelry, especially pieces that do not contain colored gemstones, an
ultrasonic cleaning machine may be appropriate. Once again, ask your
jeweler for advice.
- Be careful of
chlorine. Chlorine, especially at high temperatures, can permanently
damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Do not wear gold jewelry while
using chlorine bleach or while in a pool or hot tub.
- You can remove
tarnish with a jewelry cleaner, or by using
soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Carefully brush
jewelry with a soft bristle toothbrush. An old toothbrush can also
be used. After the brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and
allow to dry. If there is a heavy tarnish
on your jewelry, consult your jeweler for the best cleaning
procedure. You should also talk to your jeweler before attempting to
clean any karat gold jewelry set with colored gemstones because some
stones require special cleaning procedures.
- Grease can be
removed from karat gold jewelry by dipping the jewelry into plain
rubbing alcohol. Again, check with your jeweler about colored
gemstone pieces.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest
and most durable precious metals. It is resistant to tarnish and
discoloration due to chlorine and other chemicals. These factors, along
with its strength and white luster, have made platinum an increasingly
popular choice for jewelry, either on its own or as the setting for
diamonds and other precious gemstones. However, despite its durability,
platinum jewelry needs to be properly cared for.
- Platinum jewelry
can be cleaned the same way you clean other fine jewelry. Your
jeweler can recommend a prepackaged jewelry cleaner that works with
platinum, or you can ask your jeweler to professionally clean your
platinum pieces. A professional cleaning every six months will keep
your platinum jewelry in great shape.
- Store your
platinum jewelry separately and with care, not allowing pieces to
touch each other because even platinum can be scratched.
- Signs of wear such
as scratches can eventually appear on platinum. However, due to the
metal's durability there is usually little metal loss from the
scratch. If visible scratches do appear, your jeweler should be able
to re-polish the piece.
- If your platinum
is set with diamonds or other precious stones, be especially
careful, as these materials can be more susceptible to damage. Some
fine jewelry pieces combine platinum with karat gold jewelry. Care
for these pieces as you would your gold jewelry or consult your
jeweler.
Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver, like other
precious metals, can oxidize with time. But properly maintained silver
jewelry improves with age and develops a lush patina. Treat your silver
well, care for it properly and it will reward you with a long life and a
lustrous look.
- Clean your silver
jewelry with a mild soap and water solution, allowing the water to
bead up, and then pat dry with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt,
use a jewelry cleaner designed for silver
use. Ask your jeweler to recommend an appropriate brand.
- Store your silver
in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-preventive bag or
wrapped in a soft piece of felt or cloth. Store pieces individually
so that they don't knock together and scratch.
- Do not rub silver
with anything other than a polishing cloth or a fine piece of felt.
Your jeweler should be able to provide these. Tissue paper or paper
towels can cause scratches because of the fibers in these products.
- Make sure your
silver is not exposed to air and light during storage; this can
cause silver to tarnish. Also, don't wear sterling silver in
chlorinated water or when working with household chemicals.
Cultured Pearls
Cultured pearls are precious
jewels and should be treated as such. They're also the products of living
creatures. Cultured pearls are formed when an irritant is introduced into
a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a substance called nacre which covers the
irritant and produces the pearl. Nacre gives pearls the rainbow of colors
and luster that makes these gemstones so treasured, but their delicate
nature also makes pearls particularly susceptible to damage. For this
reason you should be extra careful with your cultured pearl jewelry.
- Apply cosmetics,
hair sprays and perfume before putting on any pearl jewelry. When
you remove the jewelry, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth to
remove any traces of these substances.
- You can wash your
pearl jewelry with mild soap and water. Do not clean cultured pearls
with any chemicals, abrasives or solvents. These substances can
damage your pearls.
- Do not toss your
cultured pearl jewelry carelessly into a purse, bag or jewel box. A
pearl's surface is soft and can be scratched by hard metal edges or
by the harder gemstones of other jewelry pieces.
- Place cultured
pearl jewelry in a chamois bag or wrap it in tissue when putting it
away.
- Cosmetics,
perspiration, oils and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the threads
on which the pearls are strung. Bring your pearls back to your
jeweler for restringing once a year. Make certain the pearls are
strung with a knot between each pearl. This will prevent loss of
pearls if the string should break.
Watches
Watches need the same amount
of attention as fine jewelry. Fine watches are sophisticated and precise
pieces of equipment; the price often reflects the skilled workmanship
that goes into a fine timepiece. In order to get the most satisfaction
out of your watch, you should follow some simple care and cleaning
guidelines.
- No matter how handy
you are, don't attempt "do-it-yourself" watch
repairs. Only an expert jeweler/watchmaker should be
trusted to put your watch back into working condition.
- Give your watch a
quick check on a regular basis, making sure that the
strap or bracelet is securely attached to the watch
face.
- A mechanical watch
should be checked regularly by your jeweler/watchmaker
or an authorized dealer and serviced according to the
manufacturer's guidelines.
- Wind your watch in
a clockwise direction, preferably about the same time
each day. Remove the watch from your wrist when winding
so as not to place undue pressure on the stem.
- Replace broken or
scratched crystals immediately. Even a hairline crack
can let dust and moisture into the time-keeping mechanism,
threatening its accuracy.
- Unless the degree
of water-resistance is clearly specified when you purchase
your watch, do not wear it into the shower or pool,
or on a moist wrist.
- Have your jeweler/watchmaker
or an authorized watch dealer replace the battery in
a quartz watch before it runs out. Dead batteries left
in the watch can leak or corrode, ruining the timepiece.
Do not attempt to change the battery in a watch yourself.
If your watch is water-resistant, a water-resistance
test should be performed after the battery has been
replaced to ensure that water will not leak into and
damage the watch.
- Batteries run for
about two to three years. Those in some less expensive,
multi-function digital watches have shorter lives, as
little as six months. Using extra features such as a
calculator or game can shorten battery life.
- Oils from your skin
can build up on a watch. If your watch is water-resistant,
you can give it a quick cleaning with a mixture of warm
water and either a mild soap or a dish detergent. Dry
the watch with a soft cloth after cleaning. If your
watch has a strap made out of leather or another material,
you should clean only the watch face and not the strap.
- If your watch is
not water-resistant, or you're not sure, do not immerse
it in water. Clean the piece with a slightly damp cloth
and then dry.
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