Jewelry Care
Keeping the Shine
The more you treasure something, the more you want to take care of it. That’s especially true when it comes to fine jewelry. Different stones and metals require different care. We’ll cover a few basic cleaning and care tips here, but please ask one of our experts if you have any questions or concerns.
Diamonds
Believe it or not, diamonds – the hardest substance on Earth – can be chipped or scratched. Avoid wearing diamond jewelry to the gym or to other locations where they may be subject to harsh physical conditions. And be sure to have a jeweler examine them at least every six months.
Many engagement or wedding rings never made it back from the honeymoon because they were lost while swimming, so take special care with your diamond ring while you swim. Also, try not to wear your ring in chlorinated water, which can eventually damage the metal in the setting.
Cleaning is key to keeping your diamond jewelry beautiful. Soak them in an ammonia-based 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 with an ammonia-based cleaner.
And remember to store your diamonds away from other jewelry to avoid scratching. 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.
Gold with Diamonds
Soak for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups of warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush (a soft toothbrush works well). Rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Platinum or Palladium with Diamonds
Soak for 20 minutes in a solution of one cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of ammonia. Then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with warm water, and lay on a tissue to dry.