Care for the
THE JEWELRY CARE GUIDE
A little care.
A lasting difference.
With a little care, fine jewelry can look beautiful for a lifetime. This guide covers how to clean your jewelry at home, how to store it, what to avoid and when to bring it in for professional care. We also include tips for wearing jewelry in Arizona's heat, dust and sun.
THE DETAILS
Beautiful habits
for everyday jewelry.
Put jewelry on last, after makeup, perfume, hairspray and lotion. Take it off first when you get home. Wipe pieces with a soft cloth after wearing them. Check for loose stones and worn clasps regularly.
BEFORE YOU DIVE IN
Know when
to take it off.
A few everyday situations call for a little extra caution.
Swimming and hot tubs
Chlorine can damage gold alloys and some gemstones.
Household cleaning
Remove jewelry before using household chemicals or bleach.
Exercise, weights and yard work
Heavy work and impact can damage settings and metal.
Lotions and sunscreen
Apply lotion, sunscreen and hand sanitizer before putting jewelry on.
Showering and sleeping
Soap film dulls stones, and chains can snag.
THE DETAILS
Jewelry care
in desert weather.
A few extra habits for heat, sunscreen and changing finger sizes.
Heat and sweat
Sweat and skin oils build up faster in hot weather, so clean rings more often.
Dust and sand
Fine grit can scratch softer metals and gemstones, and gets into settings. Wipe jewelry after outdoor activity.
Sunscreen and lotion
These leave a film that dulls diamonds. Apply before putting jewelry on, or remove it first.
Hot cars
Do not leave jewelry in a hot car, as extreme heat can affect some stones and glues, and it invites theft.
Swelling
Fingers can swell in the heat, so if a ring feels tight, take it off and have it checked rather than forcing it.
AT-HOME CLEANING
Different pieces.
Different care.
Diamonds, gold & platinum
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush, especially behind the stone where dirt collects. Rinse in clean water (close the sink drain first). Pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Platinum: Same method. Sterling silver: Use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish.
Avoid: Bleach, chlorine, harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners and toothpaste, which can scratch metal.
Pearls & delicate gemstones
Pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise and other porous or treated stones are softer or may be filled or treated. Wipe them gently with a soft damp cloth. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and do not soak them. Put pearls on last and take them off first, and have the strand checked and restrung when needed.
STORAGE & TRAVEL
Give each piece
a little space.
Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or compartment so diamonds do not scratch other pieces. Fasten necklaces and chains to prevent tangling. Use anti-tarnish strips or cloths for silver. Keep pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a travel case when you are away from home.
THE DETAILS
A small check.
An important habit.
Gently tap your ring near your ear. A rattle may mean a loose stone. Look for bent or worn prongs, thin bands and cracks. Check that clasps close firmly and chains are not stretched. If anything looks wrong, stop wearing the piece and bring it in.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING & INSPECTION
Know when
to bring it in.
Have rings you wear every day professionally cleaned and inspected about every six to twelve months. Re-plate white gold when the white finish fades. Update your appraisal every few years for insurance purposes.
Links: Jewelry Cleaning & Inspection, Jewelry Repair, Jewelry Appraisals.
Can I wear my engagement ring every day?
Yes. Daily wear is what it is made for, but remove it for heavy work and chemicals, and have it checked regularly.
Why does my diamond look cloudy?
Lotions, soap and oils build up on the surface. A good cleaning usually restores the sparkle.
How do I stop my silver from tarnishing?
Store it in an airtight pouch with anti-tarnish strips and wear it often, because skin oils slow tarnish.
Is it safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?
Home ultrasonic cleaners can loosen stones or damage delicate gems. Professional cleaning is safer.
SAND & STONE · YOUR YUMA JEWELER
Keep your
favorites close.
Visit Sand & Stone Jewelers in Yuma.