A little care goes a long way
Fine jewelry is made to be worn, but everyday life exposes it to lotions, soaps, dust and knocks. Simple habits protect both the metal and the stones.
The advice below is general guidance. For a particular piece, a professional jeweler can give the most suitable recommendation.
Gentle cleaning at home
For many diamonds and hard gemstones set in gold or platinum, warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap works well. Soak briefly, brush gently with a very soft toothbrush, rinse in clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, which can damage certain metals and stones. Do not rinse over an open drain, and take care with small pieces.
Storing your pieces
Keep each piece separate, in a soft pouch or a fabric-lined compartment, so harder stones cannot scratch softer ones and chains cannot tangle. Diamonds can scratch other gems and metals, so they deserve their own space.
Store jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, which can affect some stones and organic materials.
When to take it off
Remove jewelry before activities that involve impact, chemicals or heat. A ring that is simply knocked against a hard surface can chip or loosen a stone.
A sensible short list will cover most situations.
- Swimming, because chlorine and salt water can harm metals and some stones
- Heavy cleaning, gardening and weight training
- Applying lotion, perfume and hairspray, which can leave a film or mark delicate stones
- Sleeping, to avoid snagging and bending
Pearls, opals and emeralds
Pearls and opals are delicate. Wipe pearls with a soft, slightly damp cloth, and keep opals away from heat and sudden temperature changes, which can affect them. Neither should be placed in ultrasonic cleaners.
Emeralds often contain natural inclusions and may have been treated, so they can be more fragile than their hardness suggests. Clean them gently by hand, avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and protect them from hard knocks.
Regular checkups with a jeweler
Prongs can wear or loosen with time, and a stone that feels slightly loose may be at risk of falling out. Have a jeweler inspect the prongs and settings periodically, and sooner if you notice a rattle or a snag.
A professional can also clean and polish your piece thoroughly, and tighten or repair settings before a small problem becomes a lost stone.