Cleaning your jewelry is important, both financially and emotionally.

General Tips

Store your jewelry in a dry clean place. Each jewelry piece should be stored individually on a soft lined surface, with dividers or wrapped in tissue paper.

Have your jeweler professionally clean your pieces every 6 months or year.

If you purchase an ultrasonic cleaner or other jewelry cleaning machine, check with your jeweler that it is safe and it will not damage your jewelry.

Exposure to any chemicals found in hairspray, household cleaning products and even perspiration can dullen and sometimes even harm your jewelry.

Many engagement rings and wedding rings are worn 24 hrs a day. This constant wear and exposure to elements reduces brilliance considerably. Clean these rings frequently to restore their brilliance.

Diamonds

Diamonds can be damaged by engaging in rough work and working with tools and machines. Chlorine can be harmful to diamond, effecting brilliance. Avoid wearing your diamond when using chlorine or in a swimming pool.

Clean your diamonds only with a commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of ammonia and water, or a mild detergent. Dip only, and if you use a brush make sure its extremely soft.

Once your diamond is cleaned, avoid touching the stone with your fingers as diamond will attract body oils very easily.

Colored Gemstones

Some colored gemstones require specific cleaning instructions - always ask your jeweler beforehand. Saltwater or harsh chemicals such as chlorine or detergents erode the finish, polish and even the color of a gemstone. Gemstones should be put on after hairspray, nail polish, or makeup is applied.

With active lifestyles, extra precautions with some types of gemstones must be taken. Emeralds are brittle and should not be worn when doing household chores or any other activity where the stone could be hit or damaged.

Gold Jewelry

Chlorine bleach is harmful to gold jewelry. Hot tubs, pools, or cleaning using chlorine should be done without gold jewelry on.

You can remove tarnish with a jewelry cleaner, or by using soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. A brush with a soft bristle like an old toothbrush can also be used. After the brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow to dry.

Platinum Jewelry

Platinum jewelry can be cleaned the same way you can other fine jewelry. Platinum will scratch with wear. When storing platinum make sure pieces are separated from each other.

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Clean sterling silver with a mild soap and water solution, then pat dry with a soft cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a jewelry cleaner designed for silver use. Do not rub sterling silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or a fine piece of felt.

Store silver in a cool dry place. Air, light, chloring and household chemicals cause silver to tarnish.