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Jewelry Care Jewelry Cleaning & Care The Basics - Protecting Your Jewelry There are so many different kinds of jewelry available today - the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and finishes seem endless. One might think that all of these different kinds of jewelry require different care. However, we do have "The Basics" - simple measures you can take to preserve the beauty of all your jewelry from precious gemstones to faux pearls and faux diamonds, and 18K gold to sterling silver. The most effective way to preserve your precious gems and jewelry is by keeping it out of harm's way. We realize that it is virtually impossible to shield your jewelry from the daily hustle and bustle of life. After all, you are supposed to be able to relax and enjoy wearing your jewelry. But as the following points reveal, you can keep your jewelry beautiful just by limiting its exposure to certain conditions.
Through our daily grooming rituals, we are frequently exposed to various chemicals which may not harm us, but could be harmful to our jewelry. A few include hairspray, mousse, body lotion, moisturizer, perfume, make-up, shaving cream, and soap. These chemicals can leave a residue on jewelry, creating a dull film that is very difficult to remove. To prevent this buildup, remove your jewelry before bathing and grooming, and put it on right before you get on with your day. Think of your jewelry as the finishing touch. Once you see how infrequently you have to clean your jewelry, it's worth the extra step. Jewelry does not work well with household chores Before you are about to clean the kitchen, assemble a bike, build your dream deck or do any other work around the house, make sure that you take off all your jewelry. Harsh, abrasive household cleaners can cause hard-to-remove build-up and leave dulling scratches. It is especially important that you remove all jewelry when working with power tools: chains, rings and earrings may get caught on a power tool and break or cause serious injury. (Be sure to follow all instructions when using such tools.) WARNING! chlorine bleach and jewelry don't mix Chlorine bleach may be able to save those dirty socks, but it can destroy your jewelry, especially silver. When silver is exposed to chlorine bleach, the chemical has an oxidizing effect on the metal, causing the metal to turn an unsightly black. In most cases, standard household jewelry cleaners cannot remove the blackened metal. A professional jeweler with the proper equipment might be able to help. To be safe, always remove your jewelry before working with chlorine bleach. H2O is a big no-no Although we use water to clean much of our jewelry, you should thoroughly dry your jewelry after exposure to water, especially before storing it in an enclosed space. Moisture fosters tarnish on silver and can weaken springs and clasps. Moreover, certain costume/fashion jewelry and gemstones should never be soaked in water or worn when bathing (see the Special Cleaning section below for details). Extreme temperatures may cause extreme problems A sweltering sun or cold winter day will not harm your jewelry. However, it is a good idea to keep your jewelry away from extreme heat and cold. Some jewelry is more sensitive to heat than others. For example, extreme heat (comparable to the temperature of boiling water or very hot tap water) could damage jeweler's cement commonly used with costume jewelry, cultured pearls or marcasite. Moreover, a rapid increase in temperature could cause thermal shock, leading to fractures in some gemstones. The beauty of proper storage The key to protecting your jewelry is not only in how you wear your jewelry, but also in how it is stored. Give it some space When storing your jewelry, you should give each piece its own space. Metal can scratch or scuff other metal. Diamonds and other hard gemstones that come in contact with metal or each other can destroy luster, or cause more serious damage. For this reason, protect each piece by storing it in its own individual container or compartment. Or, if you prefer to keep all your jewelry together in one big jewelry box, place each individual piece in a pouch or a self-sealing plastic bag. (If you do use a plastic bag, make sure that the piece is completely dry before storing.) Fasten the clasp For bracelets and necklaces, always fasten the clasp when storing. This will help prevent any tangling that might occur. Dry, dry, dry It is very important, especially for silver items, to thoroughly dry your jewelry before placing it in an enclosed space. Moisture fosters tarnish and can weaken springs and clasps. Moreover, certain gemstones are prone to suffer from water damage. When cleaning your jewelry, it is satisfying to watch your cherished items turn from dull and drab to shiny and bright. And it takes just a few easy steps to restore your jewelry's brilliance and luster. This section provides you with simple methods that will help you clean your jewelry as effectively and as safely as possible. Take note that certain methods are ideal for some jewelry, but can cause damage to others. The Special Cleaning section shows you how to clean certain types of jewelry that require extra-special care. If you want to learn how to clean the jewelry items below, stop here and go to the Special Cleaning section. Special Cleaning Guidlines When cleaning your jewelry, it is satisfying to watch your cherished items turn from dull and drab to shiny and bright. And it takes just a few easy steps to restore your jewelry's brilliance and luster. This section provides you with simple methods on how to clean your jewelry effectively and safely. Take note that certain methods are ideal for some jewelry, but can cause damage to others.
For Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, and Most Gemstones . . .
A clean bowl Lukewarm water Mild dishwashing liquid or a mild jewelry cleaning solution Fine mesh plastic or stainless steel strainer (for items with gemstones) Very soft, clean, dry cloth (any dust or dirt on the cloth may scratch the piece) Small, soft bristled toothbrush or brush Toothpick A word about jewelry cleaners If you are using a commercial jewelry cleaner, always follow the directions for that particular cleaning product. It is also very important to maintain the freshness of the cleaner by storing it in a tightly-sealed container. A stale or contaminated cleaner may be ineffective or even damage your jewelry. Check to see if your jewelry cleaner indicates a shelf-life or expiration date. Preparation For older items with gemstones, check the setting(s) to make sure that the stone(s) is secure. Dirt and residue can fool you and act as a "cement," keeping the stone in place even if the setting has been rendered weak from wear. If this is the case, and the residue is removed when cleaning, the loose stone may fall out. If working over or near a sink, plug the drain. Cleaning If using a mild jewelry cleaning solution, pour the solution into a clean bowl. You can also make your own solution by combining lukewarm water and mild dishwashing liquid. (2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to 1 quart of water.) For items with gemstones, place the piece in a strainer and sit the strainer on top of the bowl so that the solution comes through the strainer and completely surrounds the piece . (The strainer will catch any stones that might possibly fall out.) For other items, simply place the piece in the bowl. Soak the item for 10 to 20 minutes. (It is important to soak the piece long enough to soften and loosen any residue and dirt.) For items with gemstones, remove the strainer to a large towel and inspect your jewelry to make sure that all the stones are in place. Thoroughly, but gently, brush the top, sides and bottom of the piece with a soft brush to remove the softened residue. For gemstones, you should also brush the underside of the stone. Use a toothpick to reach crevices and other hard-to-reach areas. Rinse with clean water. Thoroughly dry with a cloth that is soft, dry and clean. If you are to store the piece immediately after cleaning, you should leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure that it is completely dry. If all the residue has not been removed, repeat the above steps as needed. Amber How to clean Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap and cool water (1 teaspoon of soap to 1 cup of water). Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. (If rinsing in a sink, be sure the drain is plugged!) Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to extreme heat. Closed-Back Settings Any item with a closed-back setting requires special care because water can get trapped under the setting, making it very difficult to thoroughly dry. How to clean Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Coral How to clean Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or chemicals. Cultured Pearl, MabePearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Shell How to clean After wearing, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean in order to remove any perspiration or oil that may have come from the skin, or any other residue. For regular cleaning, wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. If you would like to use a cleaning agent, use a mild one that is specifically made for pearl products. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to hairspray or any other chemical (unless it is meant for pearl products). Don't expose to extreme heat. Emerald Although this gemstone is durable, its unique internal characteristics require extra-special care. How to clean Use the soaking and brushing method recommended For Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, and Most Gemstones. However, use cool water instead of lukewarm water. Also, instead of soaking for 10 to 20 minutes, soak briefly for no more than 2 minutes. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't expose to heavy pressure. Don't expose to extreme heat. Don't expose to harsh or concentrated cleaning solutions. If using a mild cleaning solution, always dilute in water. Jade How to clean Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals. Lapis Lazuli How to clean Splash sparingly with a mixture of mild liquid soap and cool water (1 teaspoon of soap to 1 cup water). Rinse quickly with clean, cool water. (If rinsing in a sink, be sure the drain is plugged!) Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Marcasite Marcasite is often secured in a setting with jeweler's cement. This feature requires special cleaning. How to clean Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals. Don't expose to extreme heat. Opal How to clean Use the method recommended For Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, and Most Gemstones. However, use cool water instead of lukewarm water. Also, instead of soaking for 10 to 20 minutes, soak briefly for no more than 2 minutes. Dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't expose to extreme heat. Oxidized Jewelry How to clean Unless the jewelry is in a closed-back setting, use the method recommended For Diamonds, Gold, Platinum, and Most Gemstones. However, do not brush. If the entire surface of the piece is intentionally accented with oxidization, do not use any tarnish-remover product on the piece (e.g., silver polish, paste, dip, etc.). Tarnish-remover could remove the accented finish. If the piece is only partially accented, you can use tarnish-remover on the unaccented areas. However, make sure that the tarnish-remover does not come in contact with any accented finish. For more control when applying tarnish-remover, use a cotton swab. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Turquoise How to clean Wipe gently with a damp cloth that is soft and clean. Dry with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Leave the piece on a towel for an extended period of time to ensure it is completely dry. The Don'ts Don't use hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't soak in water. Don't expose to cleaning agents or other chemicals. |
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