JEWELRY EDUCATION
Jewelry Care
PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE
Caring for Fine Jewelry
Fine jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed, but a little routine care can make a significant difference in how it looks and wears over time.
Regular cleaning, thoughtful storage and professional inspections can help protect your diamonds, gemstones and precious metals while catching normal wear before it becomes a larger concern.
Everyday Jewelry Care
A few simple habits can help prevent unnecessary damage and keep your favorite pieces looking their best.
Know When to Remove It
Remove fine jewelry before exercising, swimming, gardening, cleaning or doing activities that could expose it to impact, chemicals or unnecessary wear.
Avoid Chemicals
Chlorine, household cleaners, hairspray, lotions, perfumes and other products can affect metals, gemstones and jewelry finishes.
Check Your Jewelry
Pay attention to loose stones, worn prongs, damaged clasps or changes in how a piece feels. Early attention can help prevent loss or additional damage.
Store It Properly
Keep pieces separated in a jewelry box, pouch or lined compartment. Diamonds and harder gemstones can scratch softer stones and precious metals.
AT-HOME MAINTENANCE
Cleaning Your Jewelry
For many durable pieces of fine jewelry, gentle cleaning with warm water, a small amount of mild dish soap and a soft-bristled brush can help remove everyday buildup.
Clean around the setting carefully, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrub jewelry aggressively.
Important: This method is not appropriate for every gemstone. Pearls, opals, turquoise and certain treated or porous stones require special care. When you're unsure, professional cleaning is the safest choice.
Care by Jewelry Type
Diamonds
Diamonds are extremely hard, but they still collect oils and residue that can dull their sparkle. Regular gentle cleaning helps maintain their brilliance.
WATCH FOR
Loose stones and worn or damaged prongs.
Colored Gemstones
Gemstone care varies significantly by stone. Some can tolerate gentle cleaning while others are sensitive to heat, chemicals, moisture or ultrasonic cleaners.
WATCH FOR
The specific care requirements of your gemstone.
Pearls
Pearls are softer and more delicate than many gemstones. Wipe them gently after wearing and keep them away from perfume, cosmetics and household chemicals.
WATCH FOR
Damaged surfaces and stretched or weakened strands.
Caring for Precious Metals
Normal wear is part of owning fine jewelry. Understanding how different metals age can help you know when simple cleaning is enough and when professional refinishing may be helpful.
Yellow & Rose Gold
Gold is durable enough for everyday jewelry but will naturally develop fine scratches with wear. Gentle cleaning and occasional professional polishing can restore its finish.
White Gold
White gold is commonly rhodium plated. As the plating wears, the underlying metal may begin to appear warmer and can be professionally refinished when needed.
Platinum
Platinum naturally develops a soft patina with wear. It can be enjoyed as-is or professionally polished when a brighter finish is preferred.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. Store it dry and use an appropriate silver polishing cloth when needed.
When to Take Your Jewelry Off
Fine jewelry is meant to be enjoyed, but it doesn't need to accompany you everywhere.
Swimming
Remove fine jewelry before entering pools, hot tubs or the ocean. Chlorine can damage some metals, and cold water can make rings easier to lose.
Sleeping
Removing delicate necklaces, earrings and rings before bed can help prevent snagging, bent settings, broken chains and unnecessary wear.
Hands-On Activities
Take rings and bracelets off before workouts, yard work, moving furniture or other activities that can place pressure on settings and bands.
A LITTLE PREVENTION GOES A LONG WAY
Professional Cleaning & Inspection
Frequently worn jewelry should be professionally inspected periodically. A jeweler can check prongs, settings, clasps and other components for signs of wear that may be difficult to see at home.
Professional cleaning can also safely remove buildup from areas that are difficult to reach and restore the appearance of many pieces.
If a stone feels loose, a prong appears damaged or a piece has been struck or bent, stop wearing it until it can be inspected.