Keep Your Brilliance Bright: The Essential Fine Jewelry Care Guide

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Keep Your Brilliance Bright: The Essential Fine Jewelry Care Guide

Essential Fine Jewelry Care Guide

Over time, all fine jewelry loses its luster. Metals can tarnish, and daily grime can make your gemstones look dull. Following proper care and cleaning practices will preserve your jewelry and keep it looking brilliant for years to come.

 

Best Practices for Preserving Your Jewelry

1.  Store Smartly to Prevent Damage

  • Keep it clean and dry. Avoid tossing pieces onto a nightstand or into an unlined drawer.
  • Use a fabric-lined case with separate compartments to prevent scratching and tangling.
  • If a case isn't available, wrap each piece in a soft tissue or paper before storage.
  • For sterling silver, use an anti-tarnish bag or cloth to minimize exposure to air and moisture.

2.  Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals

  • Hairspray, lotion, and perfume can cause discoloration and damage, especially to precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) and colored gemstones.
  • The Golden Rule: Put your jewelry on after applying all personal care products and cosmetics. Better yet, keep it in its case until you are fully ready.

3.  Clean Regularly with Mild Solutions

  • The safest method is to use warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft brush.

  • Ultrasonic Cleaning Warning:

    • Ultrasonic cleaners can shake gems loose or chip certain stones if used improperly.
    • It is best to entrust this method to a trained jeweler.
    • NEVER clean organic gemstones (pearls, coral, ivory, amber) or heat-sensitive gems (tanzanite, moonstone, opal, turquoise, topaz) in an ultrasonic cleaner.

4. Take It Off When Active

  • "When in doubt, take it off." Remove your jewelry before:

    • Swimming (chlorine and saltwater are damaging)
    • Exercising at the gym
    • Doing household chores or preparing food
  • This protects your pieces from harsh chemicals, heavy debris buildup, and, most importantly, helps you avoid losing them or damaging them accidentally.

Protecting Your Investment: Insurance

  • Accidents happen. Theft, fire, or accidental damage can tragically destroy your collection.
  • Insuring your jewelry provides peace of mind and financial protection for your investment.
  • First Step: Get an Appraisal. Visit a certified appraiser (such as those recommended by the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA) to determine the value of your pieces before seeking insurance.
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