Care Guide

Jewelry Care Instructions

Proper care ensures your precious pieces remain beautiful for generations. Follow these guidelines for each type of jewelry.

General Care Tips

  • Always remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.
  • Apply perfume, lotion, and hairspray before putting on your jewelry.
  • Store pieces individually in soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratching.
  • Keep jewelry away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
  • Have fine jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned every 6-12 months.
  • Remove jewelry before using cleaning products or handling chemicals.

Gold Jewelry (18K, 22K, 24K)

Cleaning

  • 1Soak in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 15-20 minutes.
  • 2Gently scrub with a very soft brush (baby toothbrush) to remove dirt from crevices.
  • 3Rinse thoroughly under clean running water.
  • 4Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow to air dry completely before storing.

Important Notes

  • 24K gold is the softest and most prone to scratching. Handle with extra care.
  • Avoid chlorine and harsh chemicals which can weaken gold alloys over time.
  • Never use abrasive cleaners, baking soda, or toothpaste on gold jewelry.
  • Remove gold rings before heavy lifting or manual work.

Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry

Cleaning

  • 1Soak diamonds in warm soapy water for 20-30 minutes.
  • 2Use a soft brush to clean around and beneath the stone setting.
  • 3Rinse well under warm running water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
  • 4For quick touch-ups, use a jewelry polishing cloth between deep cleanings.

Gemstone-Specific Warnings

Pearls

Wipe with a damp cloth only. Never soak or use chemicals. Store separately.

Emeralds

Never use ultrasonic cleaners or steam. Clean with lukewarm water only.

Opals

Sensitive to heat and dryness. Never use ultrasonic cleaners.

Rubies & Sapphires

Durable stones. Safe to clean with warm soapy water.

Prong Check

Regularly inspect prong settings to ensure gemstones are secure. If a prong feels loose or a stone moves, bring it to a jeweler immediately to prevent loss.

Silver Jewelry

Silver naturally tarnishes over time when exposed to air and moisture. Regular wearing actually helps prevent tarnish as the oils from your skin protect the surface.

Removing Tarnish

  • Use a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish.
  • For heavier tarnish, use a mild silver cleaning solution.
  • Rinse thoroughly after using any cleaning product and dry completely.
  • Store in anti-tarnish bags or with anti-tarnish strips.

Storage Best Practices

Separate Pieces

Store each item individually to prevent scratching and tangling. Use compartmentalized jewelry boxes.

Control Humidity

Keep in a cool, dry place. Use silica gel packets in humid climates to absorb excess moisture.

Soft Lining

Use velvet or felt-lined boxes. Never store in plastic bags which trap moisture and cause tarnish.

Anti-Tarnish Strips

Place anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to absorb airborne pollutants that cause oxidation.

Own 18K White Gold Jewelry?

White gold requires special care to maintain its rhodium plating and brilliant finish.

View 18K White Gold Care Guide