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Jewelry Education
Jewelry Care 101
As a general rule, jewelry should be cleaned and inspected by a jeweler every six months. This type of inspection can prevent stone loss and keep your jewelry in good condition. We carry cleaners and cloths for a variety of jewelry types. Contact our customer service department to add these to your purchase.
Gold Jewelry
Most gold jewelry should last a lifetime if cared for properly. Gold can be kept clean by using soap and water with a capful of household ammonia added to the mixture. A soft bristle brush can be used. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Chlorine in any form is harmful to gold. Hot tubs, swimming pools, and household bleach (or cleaners containing chlorine) should be avoided while wearing jewelry. Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your jewelry.
Silver Jewelry
Most silver jewelry today leaves the manufacturer with rhodium or nickel plating on its surface. This plating is to protect it from tarnishing. Silver should be cleaned with mild soap and water. Light and air can actually cause silver to tarnish. Regular wear will often help prevent this. If silver becomes tarnished it can normally be brought back to its original luster by dipping it in a solution designed for silver. Polish clothes are also available for your silver.
Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is a very strong metal. Even though platinum is much harder than gold and silver it can still be scratched. Platinum will withstand substantial abuse, but to keep your jewelry looking good avoid subjecting it to rough conditions. Cleaning platinum is similar to cleaning gold. Jewelers use a different polishing compound to make platinum shine. As with gold, regular care extends the life of your jewelry.
Diamonds and Gemstones
Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies can be kept clean by using a mixture of mild soap, ammonia, and water. Using a soft brush, clean your jewelry with this mixture to make your stones sparkle. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning softer stones such as emeralds, pearls, opals, coral, and cameo. Always rinse thoroughly and gently wipe dry. Touching clean jewelry will just transfer body oil to the piece. Handle with soft clothes and store in a clean, dry environment.
Pearls
Pearls are sensitive to acids, dryness, and high humidity. Try to keep your pearls clean. Put them on after make-up, hairspray, and perfume is in place. At the end of your day, remove the pearls and wipe with a soft cloth. Store pearls in a soft pouch away from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Knots in between pearls help protect them from scratching each other. Have a jeweler check strands of pearls to insure the silk or nylon cord is in good condition.
Cleaning Products
Regular jewelry cleaner
This is used for most fine jewelry. Gold, platinum, diamonds, and most gems can be cleaned in this formula.
Price: $5.00
Silver cleaner
This is used for silver jewelry. It will remove tarnish and bring the shine back to your piece.
Price: $5.00
Pearl cleaner
This product can be used to clean pearls and other soft stones like cameo, coral, and opal.
Price: $5.00
Polish clothes
These are available for gold and silver. The clothes are infused with polishing compound to bring jewelry to a higher luster.
Price: $6.00