Jewelry 101

Jewelry Care

KEEPING IT CLEAN

You’ve made an investment in gorgeous fine jewelry. Now, it’s time to make sure you invest a bit of time to make certain it looks its best and lasts for a very long time. Everything shines brighter with a little TLC – especially jewelry. It’s important to know that different stones and metals require different care. Here are some simple tips for cleaning jewelry and keeping it in like-new condition.

DIAMONDS

Even though they’re the hardest substance on Earth, diamonds can be chipped. If possible, avoid wearing your diamond jewelry to the gym or to other locations where they may be subject to harsh physical conditions. Be sure to bring them to Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers each year. We will examine them for signs of damage and give them a professional cleaning.

Take special care with your diamond ring around water as it can become loose and slip off. Many engagement or wedding rings never make it back from the honeymoon because they were lost while swimming. Also, try not to wear your ring in chlorinated water, because chlorine can eventually damage the metal in the setting.

Clean your diamonds regularly by soaking them in jewelry cleaner overnight, once or twice weekly. In the morning, remove the diamond from the cleaner and brush it with a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any leftover dirt. Take extra care to brush the back of the diamond as this will be the area that has collected the most oil and dirt. (If there are other stones with your diamonds, make sure it’s safe to clean them as well.)

Finally, don’t store your diamond jewelry next to other jewelry pieces because it can scratch them. A fabric-lined jewelry case with separate compartments is ideal, but you can also keep them in separate pouches or wrapped in soft fabric or tissue paper.

COLORED GEMSTONES

Most colored gemstones can be safely cleaned with traditional jewelry cleaner, and a soft brush. However, opals and pearls are notable exceptions. They should only be surface cleaned with a moist cloth dipped in a very dilute soap-and-water solution.

We will be happy to tell you how to clean and care for your gems to keep them in like-new condition. Just ask us. We are here to be your lifetime jewelry partner.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

  • Let us inspect and repair your jewelry at least twice a year. Remember, prongs can wear thin and diamonds may fall out. This is always a free service!
  • Chlorine can weaken gold. Avoid wearing gold jewelry in swimming pools and hot tubs.
  • Avoid wearing chains when sleeping. Always lay them out flat when not being worn.
  • When wearing pearls, they should be the last thing you put on. Direct contact with chemicals such as perfume or hairspray can damage a pearl’s finish.