Jewelry will last longer with proper care. This means using caution and common sense when wearing jewelry and also making sure it is cleaned, repaired, stored and packaged properly. This page has good advice on jewelry care but is not the last word on the subject. If you'd like more information, or have jewelry that needs professional attention, please contact us via email or call 213-239-9072

A regular professional cleaning is best. Not only does it keep your jewelry looking its best, it also ensures that a trained professional is looking for early signs of wear or damage. However regular cleanings by you will also help keep your jewelry looking beautiful for years. Between professional cleanings, there are some things you can do to keep your jewelry clean.

Diamonds
For diamonds, use a soft-bristled non-metallic brush and a mild ammonia and water solution. Gently scrub away any grime, especially around the prongs or setting where buildup is likely. Avoid touching the diamond as much as possible.

Gemstones
Cleaning gemstones is easy. Simply soak the piece in a bowl of warm, soapy water for several minutes and then use a soft, non-metallic brush to remove any grime. If you use a jewelry cleanser, make sure it is non-abrasive. Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners.

Metals
For mountings, you can use rubbing alcohol to dissolve some of the stickier grime. However, don’t use alcohol on any kind of pearl jewelry. Soap and water and a soft brush will take care of most of your cleaning needs. Make sure the brush is very soft when used on metal, especially gold, which can be scratched relatively easily. Use a soft cloth to dry and buff your jewelry once it's cleaned.

Shipping

Shipping jewelry can be stressful especially when the piece is valuable. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

Package your jewelry securely in an appropriately sized box. When possible, use a box designed to hold the specific type of jewelry you are sending. Otherwise, wrap each piece individually in cloth, not plastic, and fill empty spaces in the box to keep the jewelry from shifting.

Use a shipping method that allows tracking, such as Federal Express or UPS.

Buy insurance, especially for extremely valuable jewelry.

 

Storage

Jewelry is vulnerable while it's being worn, but it can also suffer damage if it isn't stored properly. Although diamonds are extremely hard, another diamond could scratch it. Diamond jewelry can also scratch softer stones as well as gold and even platinum. For this reason, it’s important to store your jewelry so the pieces don't come in contact with each other.

Wrap individual pieces in tissue or cloth or put them in separate compartments in a jewelry box.

Keep the jewelry boxes that the jewelry comes in. They are the best means for storing or packaging the jewelry and will provide protection from damage and dirt.

Wearing

You can help keep your jewelry from being damaged by knowing when to put your jewelry on – and when to take it off.

Put jewelry on after applying makeup, perfume and hairspray. Also, handle gems as little as possible, since skin oil can build up over time and dull their appearance.

Remove your jewelry if you're going to do any manual labor, including housework. Gems, even diamonds, can chip or crack if they're knocked against a hard surface. Another danger comes from the harsh solvents used in cleaning, which are not good for any kind of jewelry.

If you wear earrings, necklaces or chains, it's usually best to remove them while you're having your hair styled.

If you're right-handed, think about wearing a bracelet or watch on your left wrist since you don't use it as much as your right. The opposite applies if you're left-handed.