Jewelry Care

Caring for Your Jewelry

Fine jewelry that you have encased in your possession echoes special occasions and reminiscences. Adequate maintenance makes certain its gleams and can be passed to generations. At Stienhardt & Stones, we cover a comprehensive Jewelry Pre-Cleaning and Maintenance Guide that aids our customers in maintaining their jewelry without any flaw.

Jewelry Care Tips: Daily Maintenance

A hand holds a broken ring, showing a visible gap, symbolizing loss or change. The ring has a shiny gold finish.

1. Avoiding Damage to Jewelry

  • It is suggested to take off your ornaments before any contact with soil (gardening), that with physical exertion (working out) and especially with water (swimming).
  • Avoid all the external contact of wear and tear resistant materials (like cleaning agents, perfume, and chlorine) with jewelry as they can destroy both stones and metals.
A hand holds a chain above a glass bowl containing a silver cleaning solution, with aluminum foil inside the bowl.

2. Effects of Chemicals on Jewelry

  • Chemicals used in cleaners and pool treatments reduce the strength of metal alloys; therefore, they are prone to cracking over a period.
  • In fact, lotions and perfumes can damage the face of the gemstone or dull its surface, especially for soft stones like pearls or opals.

Jewelry Cleaning Guide

1. Cleaning Diamond Jewelry

  • Use a very soft toothbrush and some soapy warm water to clean the diamond along with its setting.
  • Rinse well with clean water and use a cloth free of lint to dry the surface.
  • Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on diamonds that are heavily included as the shock waves may break the diamond.

2. Cleaning Gold and Silver Jewelry

  • For gold, immerse in slightly warm soapy water and wipe with a cloth. 
  • Rinse well with clean water and use a cloth free of lint to dry the surface.
  • Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on diamonds that are heavily included as the shock waves may break the diamond.

3. Caring for Lab-Grown Diamonds

  • The wash lab created diamonds in warm water with a mild cleaner just like natural diamonds without worrying about the quality. 
  • Do not use strong chemicals or anything rough that will damage the metal set.

4. Safe Cleaning Methods for Gemstones

  • When wiping off water or mud from porous stones such as pearls, opal, or turquoise, a damp cloth is recommended.
  • For non-porous stones such as sapphires and rubies, it is recommended to soak them in warm soapy water before gently scrubbing.
  • Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on fragile or treated gemstones.

Proper Storage for Jewelry

1. Storing Jewelry Safely

  • Tissue paper or fabric will suit well in placing each item separately in a case or a bag to prevent scratching or knotting of the jewelry.
  • Do not keep such items where there is sunlight and moisture because they tend to discolor or corrode the item.

2. Tools for Jewelry Care

Buy the following items for more efficient jewelry care, such as:
  • Place anti-tarnishing strips in jewelry boxes for silver items.
  • Cleaning should be carried out using soft microfiber cloths.
  • Give wedding rings the t and d when they are worn.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

1. Inspecting Jewelry for Damage

  • Look at the condition of the stones, if there are any loose stones or broken from the ring, bent prongs at the bottom of the stones or clasps that are almost worn out.
  • If any of the problems mentioned above arise, please take your jewelry to a qualified jeweler for repairs.

2. Importance of Regular Jewelry Cleaning

  • Cleaning removes dirt, oils and tarnish that can dull your jewelry. Keeping it clean means it will stay bright and look great.
  • Grime can corrode or weaken settings over time. Cleaning your jewelry regularly will prevent damage that could cost you money to fix later.

Common Mistakes in Jewelry Care

  • Using coins, or any similar abrasive materials as tools to set off dirt, especially stubborn grime, off your jewelry.
  • Tossing jewelry in one place instead of stacking them can lead to tangling and scratching of jewels.
  • Engaging in vigorous sports or swimming with jewelry on may lead to loosening of gemstones and tarnishing of metal settings.

FAQ's

Rings, necklaces, and similar clean wearables should be cleaned every month. Cleaning on professional works should be organized at least once in a year.

Keep every piece in a soft-lined box or a pouch in order to prevent scratches. Store for a longer period together with anti-tarnish strips placed in bags in which the jewelry is stored.

Toothpaste cannot do that. It can be very abrasive and scratch on metals and gem stones. You should get the cleaner made specifically for the jewelry.

Tarnishing silver will be avoided if it is kept in sealable containers with anti tarnish strips and it is not exposed to any wetness.

No. This is because ultrasonic cleaners can cause harm to sensitive stones like opals and pearls as well as diamonds with heavy inclusion. Seek assistance from a jeweler prior to use.

The wash lab created diamonds using water and mild soap. Do not use any abrasive cleaning products that may also affect the structure of the setting.

The best way to use your jewelry is to take it off before bathe. Residue from soap and shampoo will easily make gemstones or metals lose their luster.

Cease wearing the Jewelry immediately and go see a qualified professional jeweler for assessment and repairs.

Yes. That which restores the sparkle in cleaning treatment is done, to remember, cleaning works are done, and chances of damage are checked and worked on.

Soft bristle brushes, non abrasive cleaning materials, microfiber towels, and anti tarnish strips should be adopted.