Jewelry Care: Simple Steps for a Lifetime of Sparkle

When you think about the sorts of antiques gracing the homes of collectors and lining the shops of our cities, jewelry is in a uniquely enduring class. For every piece of vintage jewelry brightening a display cabinet, there’s a piece that still adorns a proud owner.

We don’t often think of today’s jewelry purchases as tomorrow’s heirlooms, but if properly cared for and maintained, fine jewelry can last a lifetime and longer.

DAILY WEAR AND MAINTENANCE: KEEPING YOUR JEWELRY SAFE

An ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure, if not several. Some wear can’t be prevented – chemicals in the air, skin and environment will affect metal and stones even under the best conditions – but you can minimize damage to your jewelry by simply removing it in potentially damaging environments. Some situations to watch out for include:

 

• Exercise or activity where movement could loosen jewelry or cause it to fall off
• “Hands-on” activities such as gardening, carpentry, or home/auto repairs during which jewelry can be scratched or chipped
• Cleaning, swimming, hair care or other activities that involve harsh chemicals like chlorine or ammonia
• Beaches or other sandy areas – sand will scratch many metals and softer stones, and can make finding lost items difficult
• Sleeping or wearing fabrics that could catch and bend/break prongs

Be especially mindful of color-treated or heavily included stones; all diamonds and gemstones are susceptible to chipping, especially at the corners or culet (the “tip” at the bottom of the stone), but heat-treated, fracture-filled, or visibly included stones are especially vulnerable to breakage.

Damage and wear can of course still occur when jewelry is worn, no matter the setting. Just like regular tune-ups to prevent car problems, regular checks by a jeweler can help you to identify and repair bent or broken prongs, loose stones, or worn/scratched metal, preventing further damage or lost stones. A re-plating and deep clean/polish is recommended along with an inspection every 6-12 months depending on how often your jewelry is worn. If you’re in the Temecula area, our on-site jeweler can do a free routine check on your jewelry and can repair damaged prongs, tighten mountings and rhodium plate white metal, among other repairs and maintenance.

STORAGE: MAKING YOUR JEWELRY LAST

As you put away your jewelry, you’ll want to consider not only security but longevity as well. Proper storage ensures that items aren’t scratched or chipped when they’re not being worn, and that tarnishing is kept to a minimum.

All jewelry, no matter the material, should be safely stored away from other jewelry and hard surfaces to prevent scratching. Most fabric-lined jewelry containers (either individual boxes or large jewelry boxes with compartments) are ideal for the purpose. Soft, lint-free cloth wraps are useful as well. If traveling with your jewelry, take extra care in packing and storing items – an extra layer of wrapping is advisable. Keep jewelry in carry-on rather than checked luggage to avoid rough handling.

There are some other considerations for certain types of jewelry. Sterling silver tarnishes with exposure to chemicals in the air, and as such should be kept in anti-tarnish cloth or sealed plastic bags to reduce such exposure. Opals and pearls can dry out and crack and should be stored in moist environments, especially if not worn often enough for skin oils to keep them moistened.

CLEANING: LETTING YOUR JEWELRY SPARKLE

Most of us are conscientious about keeping our laundry clean, but many neglect to extend the same care to their jewelry. While it isn’t necessary to clean your wedding ring after every day of wear, dirt and other contaminants do build over time and can dull the shine and sparkle of a lovely piece.

For frequently worn jewelry, a weekly home cleaning with mild soap and warm water is recommended. After soaking for approximately 20 minutes, be sure to scrub lightly with a soft, lint-free cloth or toothbrush with extra soft bristles (the latter is especially helpful for intricate settings). Minor tarnish can be removed through polishing, using an up-and-down rather than circular motion to reduce the chance of scratching.

For more severe build-up or discoloration, a professional cleaning may be necessary. Diamonds by Monet provides a free steam cleaning and also offers an ultrasonic cleaning service for a deeper clean. Note that ultrasonic cleaning can be powerful but the micro vibrations can shake loose unsecured stones, and can damage or even break softer stones such as pearls and opals. When in doubt, bring in your jewelry item and we can clarify whether the stone can be ultrasonically cleaned without risking damage, as well as tightening loose mountings before cleaning.

With most precious metals and stones existing for millions of years before shaping and polishing into fine jewelry, it’s easy to picture your jewelry lasting throughout your lifetime, and even that of your children and grandchildren. We can work with you to ensure that it does. Drop by with your jewelry and we’ll be happy to check it over, repair as needed, and clean to keep it sparkling like new!