Jewelry Cleaning & Care
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
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
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 home ultrasonic cleaner.
Protection
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.
