With proper attention and gentle care, your jewelry will remain sparkling, treasured, and admired for years to come. This guide describes the best ways for jewelry to be cleaned and stored.
Diamond Care
Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth and are often resistant to damage. Diamond jewelry is set in different metals, however, and care will vary from piece to piece. A protective setting is extremely important because it is possible for the girdle holding the stone to be chipped by a hard blow. Diamonds should be cleaned in a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water, using a gentle scrubbing brush to remove any dirt. It is a good idea to have the diamond cleaned once a year by a professional jeweler, at which time the security of the setting can be checked as well. Diamond jewelry should be stored in a soft cloth pouch to ensure that the diamond will not scratch other jewelry.
Gemstone Care
To clean gemstone jewelry, first wipe with a soft cloth to remove any dirt. Emeralds require only the use of a soft cloth, as cleaners may damage these soft gems. Sapphires and rubies can be cleaned with either an ultrasonic cleaner or with a soft brush using a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water. Store your gemstone jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry case so it does not touch other pieces of your collection. As with all jewelry, normal wear and tear can loosen prongs and settings, so it is a good idea to have it checked by a professional jeweler who can make adjustments as needed.
Gold Care
To keep gold shining and scratch-free, avoid contact with chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Do not wear jewelry during rough work and be sure to store it in a fabric jewelry box or pouch. To clean gold jewelry, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush, if needed.
Silver Care
Silver should not come into contact with harsh household chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or chlorine. To avoid scratches, store silver in a lined jewelry box or pouch, as it is prone to tarnish as it naturally reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air. Cleaning and wearing silver jewelry regularly will prevent this and help maintain its shine. Immediately upon noticing any discoloration, use a gentle polish made specifically for removing tarnish.
Platinum Care
Cleaning platinum jewelry with warm water mixed with a small amount of mild soap should be sufficient to maintain the metal’s shine and luster. As with other fine jewelry, it should be stored in a fabric-lined box. Do not wear platinum while doing rough work, and avoid contact with harsh chemicals. If platinum becomes scratched or a patina begins to develop, a jeweler can restore the original shine.
Pearl Care
Taking proper care of your pearls is not difficult if you remember that they are organic—that is, produced by a living thing. Pearls are soft and delicate, but if cared for using common sense, they can maintain their luster for generations. Pearls should not come into contact with cosmetics, including hairspray or perfume, or chlorinated water or other harsh chemicals. To keep them clean, they should be the last item put on when dressing and the first item removed at the end of an evening out. The best way to maintain pearls’ luster is to wear them often and wipe them down with a soft cloth afterward. To help avoid nicks or chipping, store pearls separately from other jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry bag. Pearl strands should be periodically restrung. As the silk thread used to tie the pearls together will break down over time.