Jewelry Care Tips

1. General Care Tips

Follow these essential rules to maintain your jewelry’s sparkle.

  • Remove Jewelry Before:

    • Swimming (chlorine and salt water can be damaging)

    • Showering or bathing

    • Exercising

    • Applying lotions, hairspray, perfumes, or cosmetics.

  • Storage: Store each piece individually in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangles. Avoid humid environments like bathrooms.

2. Cleaning Your Precious Metals

For gold and silver jewelry:

  • Create a gentle cleaning solution using warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.

  • Soak the jewelry for a few minutes.

  • Use a very soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean hard-to-reach areas.

  • Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth.

3. Caring for Gemstones

Different stones require different levels of care:

  • Hard Gemstones (e.g., diamonds, sapphires, rubies) can be cleaned using the mild soap and warm water method mentioned above.

  • Softer Stones & Porous Gems (e.g., opals, pearls, turquoise) are very delicate.

    • NEVER use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.

    • Clean gently using only a soft, damp cloth. For pearls, wipe them with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils and perfumes.

4. Safe Storage

Proper storage is key to preventing damage. Always ensure your jewelry is completely dry before putting it away. Using an anti-tarnish cloth or pouch for silver pieces is highly recommended to keep them bright.

 

Why Jewelry Tarnishes and Oxidizes

Tarnish and oxidation are natural chemical reactions that happen when metal is exposed to elements in the environment. Here is how it affects different metals:

  • Sterling Silver: Silver reacts naturally with sulfur compounds in the air, moisture, and everyday items (like wool, rubber, and certain foods). This forms a dark, dull layer on the surface known as tarnish (silver sulfide).

  • Gold and Gold-Plated Jewelry:

    • Solid Pure Gold (24k) does not tarnish or oxidize because it is a noble metal that does not react with oxygen or sulfur.

    • Karat Golds (14k, 18k, etc.) and Gold-Plated Pieces contain alloy metals—most commonly copper, silver, or nickel—to make them durable. Over time, these base metals react with sweat, body oils, lotions, perfumes, and humidity, causing the piece to darken, discolor, or tarnish.