Caring for Your Jewelry
Whether it holds monetary or sentimental value, or both, your jewelry is precious. At Kirk Jewelers, we sell jewelry built to last, but proper care of your jewelry can keep it in as perfect condition as the day you bought it.
Visit your jeweler regularly. Not only is a professional cleaning a good idea to keep your jewelry looking its best, your jeweler can detect signs of wear or damage such as loose stone mountings or bent clasps. These kinds of repairs are minor and inexpensive and can spare you the heartache of losing a cherished piece. In between visits to your jeweler, there are some things you can do to keep your jewelry clean and in good shape.
Caring for your jewelry begins with proper wear. Put your jewelry on last and take it off first. Makeup, perfume, and hairspray can dull their appearance. Remove your jewelry before doing any manual labor, including housework. A bracelet can break and gems, even diamonds, can chip or crack. Harsh cleaning solvents can be very damaging, particularly to pearls. Remove your earrings if you're having your hair styled and never wear pearls if you are having your hair colored; the chemicals can be very harmful to pearls.
To clean diamonds, use a soft-bristled non-metallic brush and a mild ammonia and water solution. Gently scrub away any grime, especially around the prongs or setting where buildup is likely.
Clean your gemstones by soaking the piece in a bowl of warm, soapy water for several minutes and then use a soft, non-metallic brush to gently remove any grime. Don't use any chemical or abrasive cleaners.
Pearls are organic and can be easily dulled or eaten way by harsh chemicals and alcohol. Wash cultured pearls in very mild, soapy water. Be especially gentle with your pearls and try not to handle them too much. The natural oils on your hands can build up and dull their appearance over time. It's also a good idea to have your pearls restrung every couple of years.
While soap, water, and a soft brush will take care of most of your jewelry cleaning needs, you can use rubbing alcohol to disossolve tougher grime on metals. Be sure to use a very soft brush though since metals such as gold can be easily scratched and never use alcohol on pearl jewelry. We recommend against using the ultrasonic cleaners now available to consumers. Ultrasonic cleaners are machines that clean jewelry through sound waves. This vibration shakes off dirt, but the vibrations can also cause serious damage in gemstones and pearls should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Jewelry isn't just vulnerable while it's being worn. It can also suffer damage if it isn't stored properly. Even a diamond, the hardest substance on Earth, can be scratched...by another diamond. And diamonds can scratch metals. Pearls are especially delicate. Store your jewelry so that pieces don't come in contact with each other. Wrap pieces individually in tissue or cloth or keep them in their original boxes or bags.
Caring for your jewelry is well worth your time. Proper wearing, cleaning, and storage will extend the life of your jewelry and keep your gems sparkling and shining for years to come.
