Jewelry Care and Maintenance Guide

Caring for your jewelry is essential to keep it looking beautiful and to preserve its longevity. Whether it’s gold, silver, or gemstone-encrusted pieces, each material requires specific care to maintain its shine and prevent damage. Follow these essential tips and recommendations to take good care of your jewelry, and consider using a Jewelry Care Kit for the best results!

General Care Tips for Jewelry:

  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid exposing your jewelry to chlorine, bleach, and other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the metal and stones.
  • Protect from Physical Stress: Remove your jewelry before swimming, exercising, or engaging in activities that may expose it to physical stress or harsh chemicals.
  • Avoid Cosmetics on Jewelry: Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and makeup can cause residue to accumulate on your jewelry and dull the shine of your stones. Wear your jewelry only after you've applied cosmetics.
  • Store Jewelry Properly: Store your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangling. If you don’t have one, wrap your jewelry in a soft cloth for protection.
  • Take Jewelry Off When Showering: Soap, body oils, and lotions can accumulate on your jewelry when bathing or showering, causing it to look dull. Avoid wearing jewelry during these activities.

How to Clean Your Jewelry:

Keeping your jewelry clean is important to preserve its shine. With regular care, your jewelry can continue to sparkle for years.

1. Basic Cleaning Routine:

  • Warm Water and Soap Solution: Prepare a solution with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Soak your jewelry for 15-20 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
  • Gently Scrub: After soaking, gently scrub the jewelry using a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.
  • Rinse and Dry: Rinse your jewelry with warm water and dry it with a clean, soft cloth to prevent scratches and water spots.

2. Deep Cleaning (when necessary):

  • Use a Jewelry Cleaning Spray: For tougher grime or built-up oils, use a specialized jewelry cleaning spray to remove dirt. Spray onto the piece and use a soft brush for detailed cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the spray.
  • Soft Jewelry Brush: For hard-to-reach areas like around gemstones or prongs, use a soft brush to carefully clean without damaging the surface.

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Jewelry?

  • Gold Jewelry: Clean your gold jewelry every 2-3 weeks to remove any build-up of oils, dirt, or lotions. If you wear gold jewelry every day, regular cleaning will maintain its shine and prevent tarnishing.
  • Silver Jewelry: Silver tarnishes over time, so it’s best to clean it every 1-2 weeks to keep it looking its best. Avoid exposure to chemicals like lotions or perfumes that can accelerate tarnishing.
  • Gemstones: Gemstones can be sensitive to dirt, oils, and chemicals. Clean your gemstone jewelry at least once a month, or more often if it’s worn daily.

How to Handle Specific Jewelry Materials:

  • Gold: Gold is relatively soft and can scratch easily. Regular cleaning with a soft brush and mild soap is ideal for gold jewelry. Avoid wearing it while doing physical activities.
  • Silver: Silver can tarnish and darken over time. Use a silver polishing cloth or silver cleaning solution to restore its shine. Keep it stored in a dry place, away from moisture.
  • Gemstones: Gemstones can be sensitive to chemicals and physical impacts. Clean them gently with a soft brush and avoid using abrasive materials. For more delicate gemstones, professional cleaning may be required occasionally.

 

Jewelry Care Kit:

A Jewelry Care Kit can significantly simplify your cleaning routine. Here's how to use each item for the best results:

  • Jewelry Spray: This spray contains cleaning and degreasing ingredients that are gentle yet effective. Apply it to soiled jewelry, then use the Jewelry Brush to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse well with lukewarm water and dry with a jewelry cloth.
    • Tip: Use it every 1-2 weeks, or when you notice a build-up of grime.
  • Jewelry Brush: This soft brush is ideal for cleaning delicate jewelry, especially pieces with intricate designs. Use it with your jewelry spray or warm soapy water to brush off dirt without causing damage.
    • Tip: Use the brush gently to avoid scratching your jewelry, focusing on prongs, settings, and gemstone areas.
  • Jewelry Cloth: This cloth is perfect for polishing your jewelry and removing fingerprints or grease marks. Use it after cleaning to give your jewelry a high shine.
    • Tip: Wipe your jewelry after each wear to maintain its shine and keep it looking new. The cloth can also be used to dry cleaned jewelry.

 

Additional Tips:

  • Avoid Wearing Jewelry While Sleeping or During Physical Activities: To prevent any accidental damage or stress on your pieces, take off your jewelry when you sleep or engage in activities like exercise, gardening, or cleaning.
  • Consider Annual Professional Cleaning: While at-home care is sufficient for regular maintenance, we recommend taking your jewelry for professional cleaning and inspection once a year. A jeweler can check for loose stones and other potential issues.

By following these care tips and using the Jewelry Care Kit, you’ll ensure that your jewelry stays beautiful, shiny, and in excellent condition for years to come.