Jewelry Care
Regular, gentle care protects finishes, settings, and stones. Always follow the instructions for the most delicate material in the piece.
Safe routine cleaning
- Inspect the piece first. If a stone moves, a prong catches, or a clasp is damaged, stop and request professional service.
- For durable, untreated jewelry, mix lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Soak briefly, then use a very soft brush behind stones and around settings.
- Rinse in a small bowl of clean water—not over an open drain—and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Materials that need special care
- Pearls: wipe after wear with a soft damp cloth. Apply perfume and cosmetics before putting them on. Never soak pearl strands.
- Opal, turquoise, coral, and other porous gems: avoid soaking, heat, steam, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Emerald: many stones are fracture-filled or oiled. Avoid heat, ultrasonic cleaning, steam, and solvents.
- Gold and platinum: separate storage reduces scratching. Polishing removes a small amount of metal and should be done only when needed.
- White gold: rhodium plating can wear over time; a jeweler can inspect and re-plate it when appropriate.
- Silver: store dry and use a product intended for sterling silver, keeping cleaners away from sensitive stones.
What to avoid
Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, sleeping, exercising, gardening, cleaning, or applying lotions and hair products. Chlorine and household chemicals can damage metals and finishes. Toothpaste, baking soda, and abrasive cleaners can scratch surfaces. Home ultrasonic machines are not safe for every stone or treatment.
Storage and professional inspection
Fasten chains and store pieces separately in soft-lined compartments. Keep pearls and opals away from extreme dryness. Have frequently worn rings inspected periodically for worn prongs, loose stones, and damaged shanks—especially after an impact. Learn about resize and repair requests.