JEWELRY CARE

Keep your jewelry looking its best with simple maintenance. The care you provide for your jewelry will be rewarding by years of pleasurable wear. Make sure you understand how jewelry should be stored and properly cleaned.

VALUABLE TIPS

Try to protect all jewelry from sharp blows, harsh chemicals, sunlight and extreme temperatures. Chloride and related chemicals can severely discolor and damage jewelry as well as loosen stones and settings. Put jewelry on after using cosmetics, hair spray or perfumes to avoid contac with substances and chemicals which my cause damage. Remove rings when working with your hands, such as performing household tasks, gardening and using abrasive particles. Carefully wipe jewelry with a soft chamois or flannel cloth after each wearing to remove oils and salts. This is especially important for pearls. Store jewelry separately so it will not scratch other jewelry. Cultured pearls are best stored in a special chamois pouch because of their softness. Never store pearls in plastic bags! Storing beaded necklaces flat is highly recommended to reduce stretching.

OTHER CLIANING METHODS

Soap And Water: A mild soap and water solution used with a soft brush is effective for many home jewelry care needs. Even the mild chemicals of commercial jewelry cleaning products may damage certain gems. Although soap and water is the best choice for most gems and jewelry, do not use soap and water with amber, coral, emerald, jade, kunzite, lapis lazuli, opal, or turquoise.

HOME JEWELRY CLEANING

Check with your american Gem Society jeweler prior to using a commercial cleaning product for the first time. Dispose of any such cleaner after 3 months. A home solution of one part mild detergent, one part household ammonia, and three parts water is also effective for many jewelry cleaning needs. Dry the jewelry with lint-free towel. This method of cleaning is especially desirable for alexandrite, amethyst, andalusite, aquamarine, citrine, diamond, garnet, iolite, moonstone, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, and zircon.

HOME ULTRASONIC CLEANER

Home ultrasonic cleaners are best used for karat gold jewelry without gemstones. The ultrasonic may also be suitable for some diamond-set jewelry. Intense vibrations may loosen stones, so a professional annual cleaning and security check is important. DO NOT use the home ultrasonic for umber, coral, emerald, kunzite, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, ruby or turquoise. Be sure to check with with your American Gem Society jeweler prior to using a home ultrasonic cleaner.