Jewelry Care Tips
By Andrew Z
A comment that I often hear in my jewelry store is “Your jewelry looks so nice and sparkly. Is it because of special store lighting?” I’m sure that the lighting helps, and of course, fine gem quality is where the beauty originates. But the simple fact that everything is clean and polished is what allows the fine gems to sparkle and show their brilliance.
Here’s the obvious truth about keeping your jewelry at its finest: If you take good care of your jewelry and keep it clean, polished, and in good condition, it will look as good as it did when it was new—as nice and sparkly as in a jewelry store. Jewelry care is pretty simple if you know what to do and what not to do. Here are a few tips to help you.
Knowledge Know what you own, and be aware of any limitations. Are the gems soft or relatively brittle like opals and emeralds? Are the prongs thin or worn? Does the clasp open and close nicely? Is your watch waterproof, or just water resistant? Are stones loose? A good home test for loose stones is to shake your ring near your ear and listen for any rattling.
If you feel you need help answering any of these questions, find a competent jewelry professional and ask his or her advice. Use the Internet for gemstone information. You can log on to my Web site for information on a number of gems.
Environment Chemicals, extreme temperature variations, and dry air are some examples of environmental factors that may have a negative effect on certain types of jewelry. Home-cleaning products such as abrasives, adhesives, and harsh cleaners can damage or dull gems and precious metals. Even personal-care products like hairspray and lotions will cause buildup and dullness. Chlorine will damage gold, especially at higher temperatures, like those in a hot tub. Chlorine can cause porosity and brittleness in the gold solder that is holding the prongs around your diamond. Once the solder becomes brittle, it doesn’t take much of a blow to break it right off! Chlorine can also blacken silver. Extreme temperature shifts and hot, dry air can cause certain gems—opals, for example—to crack and craze.
Storage Because we know that some gems are harder than others are, it makes sense that tossing multiple pieces of jewelry with gemstones into a single bag or drawer will eventually cause scratching or chipping. This will definitely put a damper on brilliance and sparkle. Use common sense when storing your valuables. Provide individual pouches or some type of separator so they won’t touch one another. Also, consider the environmental factors like heat, cold, and moisture. This applies to your costume jewelry as well, especially if the stones are glued in place. This may seem funny, but I know some men who take better care of their cigars in a humidor than their wives do with their diamonds.
Cleaning Have your jeweler periodically inspect and professionally clean your jewelry. In between these visits, you can mix up a simple cleaning solution of warm sudsy liquid for removal of light surface dirt and oils. Commercial jar cleaners can also do a very good job, but I suggest using only a brand that your jeweler carries. Make sure to read the directions. Some cleaners are too aggressive for certain gems. A jeweler’s polishing cloth is a great thing to keep handy. It can impart a nice shine to dull gold or silver.
Final Tip My final tip is to wear and enjoy your jewelry. If you follow the tips I’ve given you, you should have bright, clean, and sparkly jewelry in good condition that wants to be worn and enjoyed. And if you bring one of your pieces into my store under the lights, I will put on my sunglasses!
Andrew Z owns Andrew Z Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in Anthem. For more information on tips for caring for your gems and jewelry, visit andrewzdiamonds.com.