For many, jewelry is one of our most intimate and cherished accessories. And like everything fine and special, your jewelry deserves tender love and care. Understanding how to care for and protect your treasured jewelry can make a world of difference in maintaining its beauty and keeping your heirlooms or unique custom pieces sparkling for generations to come! Read through our jewelry care guide to remove tarnish, dirt, lotion, soap, and anything else you might encounter through everyday wear.
Keep Your Jewelry Away From Chemicals
Many people wear their wedding rings every day and rarely take them off. But, it’s important to know that exposure to chemicals can damage or discolor precious metals and can harm some colored gems. So, before you dive into a chlorinated swimming pool or use household cleaners sans gloves, remove your beautiful gems!
Even everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, perfume, or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems (like turquoise and opals). We recommend removing your rings before applying any products or give them a little scrub with a soft toothbrush afterward.
Protect Your Jewels From Extreme Light
Just as the sun’s harmful rays can damage our skin, light and heat can affect a colored gemstone’s durability and color. Over time they can also fade or damage some gemstones. Pearls and other delicate materials, such as ivory, can even bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light. All in all, if you live in hot climates or are going on a long hot vacation, it’s best to leave your prized jewels at home in your jewelry box.
Try these tips with household items to keep your favorite pieces shiny and clean:
Soak your 14k pieces in a solution of warm water and dish soap for 5-10 minutes.
Lightly scrub your jewelry using a soft toothbrush. Remember to focus under and around any stones, in small circular motions.
Rinse your piece in warm water to remove any soap residue and let it dry.
For Gold Vermeil And Sterling Silver
Using a dry microfiber cloth, like a lens or screen cleaning cloth, wipe down your piece, using light pressure, focusing on any areas of discoloration.
Do not apply water or other chemicals to your vermeil or silver pieces to clean them.
*If any of your gems are wiggling or loose in their prongs, bring the jewelry to a jeweler right away to tighten the piece accordingly.
DIY Jewelry Cleaners
Put the jewelry in a glass jar or ramekin.
Cover your jewelry with 1/2 cup of vinegar or witch hazel. Add one drop of tea tree oil and swirl to mix.
Allow jewelry to soak in the mixture overnight.
The next morning, coat with baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse with water.