How to care for your fine jewelry

Basic Care step by step:

Store your jewelry securely in a fabric lined box. It's important to make sure the pieces are not touching each other and will not rub against each other if the box is disturbed. Since some metals are stronger than others and some stones are harder than others, they are able to scratch each other.Remove all jewelry when bathing or swimming. Shampoos and other body products can build up on jewelry, clouding stones and damaging the luster of metals. Additionally, hot water can cause discoloration and damage to some metals, particularly sterling silver.Fine jewelry should not be worn when performing strenuous tasks. Perspiration and cleaning products can cause damage to your jewelry. Chances of knocking rings and bracelets against surfaces are increased during such tasks, so they should always be removed.Periodically inspect your jewelry for scratches and other damage and promptly bring it in for repair. Refrain from cleaning damaged jewelry, as this can further the damage in some cases.

GOLD

Gold is lasting and durable but will get scratched or dented when treated roughly. Follow these steps to maintain the luster of your gold jewelry:

Gold's worst enemy is chlorine. Repeated exposure can weaken gold's structure, eventually leading to breakage. Keep your gold jewelry away from chlorinated cleaning products (such as bleach) and out of swimming pools and jacuzzis.Clean your gold jewelry with a solution of sudsy lukewarm water, or let our jeweler steam-clean it.Dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth after washing.

PEARLS

Pearls are durable, yet soft and chemically vulnerable. Follow these steps to protect your pearls:

Pearls should never be taken into the shower or swimming pool. Water is rough on the nylon/silk string the pearls are strung on and chemicals in the pool water may damage the pearls. Pearls should be removed before doing any hard work. Perspiration and household cleansers are not good for pearls.Make-up, hairspray, and perfume should be put on before putting on pearls. Potentially destructive acids are present in cosmetics.Steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning are not recommended for pearls.Use a commercial pearl-cleaning solution, if possible. Do not use regular jewelry cleaning solution. It generally contains ammonia, which is not good for pearls.Pearls should be wiped regularly with a soft damp cloth. If thorough cleaning is necessary, use mild soap in warm water. Scrub gently with a soft bristled brush. A nylon toothbrush is too hard and may scratch the pearls. After cleaning, do not wear until the string is completely dry.Pearls should be restrung every 6 to 12 months if worn frequently. It is very important that knots be tied in between each pearl when stringing. The knots prevent the pearls from rubbing against each other and damaging the luster. If your string ever breaks, the knots can help keep all the pearls from falling off as well.

STERLING SILVER

There are special products available to help you keep your sterling silver looking as good as new.

Sterling silver should be regularly polished with a silver cloth or silver polishing compounds in order to remove oxidation from the jewelry, which can cause it to discolor. You can purchase these products for use at home or simply bring your jewelry in for professional cleaning on a regular basis.Storing sterling silver in an air-tight container is one of the best ways to prevent oxidation from tarnishing your jewelry.

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