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Regular care and
cleaning of your fine jewelry will enhance your satisfaction.
Nurture this gift of nature and the jeweler's art, and fine
jewelry will reward you with years of pleasurable wear.
Storage
Protect your jewelry when it is not being worn by separating
it from other jewelry, using a separate compartment in
your jewelry box.
Gems and gem quality items, improperly stored, can damage
each other. Diamonds, for example, may scratch rubies,
sapphires, or emeralds, and in certain situations, each
other. To be on the safe side, be sure that gemstones and
jewelry do not touch.
Because of their softness, cultured pearls need special
care. Clean and dry them prior to storing your pearls in
a special chamois pouch safe from potential harm.
Wear
Rings, regularly worn, need periodic cleaning to remove
the film caused by cosmetics, soap, and skin oil that
may cloud the ring's beauty. Diamonds, for example, have
an affinity for grease and literally collect oils in
dishwater. Remove rings before routine household chores
and clean rings regularly.
Activity which might subject a gemstone to sharp blows-such
as gardening, working with hand tools, or playing sports-may
also damage a gemstone. Diamonds are also susceptible to
damage from an impact, which might cause them to chip or
crack.
Put jewelry on after you apply hair spray or cosmetics.
Chemicals present in either may cause damage, especially
to cultured pearls. Wipe your pearls with a soft chamois
or flannel cloth after each wearing to remove your skin's
oils and salts.
A few colored gemstones, such as kunzite, may fade when
worn in sunlight or in a tanning booth.
Few watches are waterproof, though many are water resistant.
If moisture or dust has penetrated the case of your watch,
have it checked only by an authorized technician. Attempts
by an untrained repairperson may seriously damage the watch
and invalidate factory warranties.
Cleaning
In most cases, routine home care of your fine jewelry supplemented
with periodic care by your jeweler means a lifetime of
pleasurable wear. Regular cleaning of your gemstones
keeps them shining and beautiful.
- Soap and Water - A mild soap and water solution used
with a soft brush is effective for many home jewelry
care needs.
Even the mild chemicals of commercial jewelry cleaning
products may damage certain gems. Although soap and water
is the best choice for most gems and jewelry, do not
use soap and water with amber, coral, emerald, jade,
kunzite,
lapis lazuli, opal or turquoise.
- Care and Cleaning -
Check with your jeweler prior to using a commercial
cleaning product for the first time. Dispose
of any such cleaner after 3 months. A home solution
of one part mild detergent, one part household ammonia,
and three parts water is also effective for many jewelry-cleaning
needs. Dry the jewelry with a lint-free towel. This
method
of cleaning is especially desirable for alexandrite,
amethyst,
andalusite, aquamarine, citrine, diamond, garnet, iolite,
moonstone, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, topaz,
tourmaline, and zircon.
- Home Ultrasonic Cleaner - Home
ultrasonic cleaners are best used for karat gold jewelry
without gemstones.
The
ultrasonic may also be suitable for some diamond-set
jewelry. Intense vibrations may loosen stones, so
a professional
annual cleaning and security check is important.
DO NOT use the home ultrasonic for amber, coral, emerald,
kunzite,
lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, or turquoise. Be sure
to
check with your jeweler prior to using a homeultrasonic
cleaner.
Protection
Once a year, bring your fine jewelry back to your jeweler
for examination and cleaning. They will check all the
prongs for gemstone security and also check clasps.
If needed,
they will recommend restringing pearls to protect against
an inopportune string failure.
When you have your jewelry cleaned, they will also check
the stone itself for any damage that may warrant re-cutting
or re-polishing.
Be sure you understand how your fine jewelry should be
worn, how to store it, how to clean it, and what to look
for to protect it from harm. Your jeweler would also be
glad to discuss with you the questions you might want to
ask your insurance agent concerning coverage.
The care you provide your fine jewelry will reward you
with years of pleasurable wear.
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