Jewelry Care Guide
Jewelry Care & Maintenance Guide
Proper care and maintenance will help your jewelry maintain its beauty and value for years to come. Follow our expert guidelines to keep your precious pieces looking their best.
General Care Tips
- Last On, First Off: Put jewelry on after applying makeup, perfume, and hairspray. Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or exercising.
- Store Separately: Keep pieces in individual soft pouches or compartments to prevent scratching.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your jewelry regularly to maintain its sparkle and prevent buildup.
- Professional Inspection: Have valuable pieces inspected annually by a professional jeweler.
- Avoid Chemicals: Remove jewelry when using household cleaners, chlorine, or other harsh chemicals.
Diamond Care
Cleaning Method:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- Soak diamonds for 20-30 minutes
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth
Special Considerations:
- Diamonds can chip if struck hard enough - handle with care
- Check settings regularly to ensure stones are secure
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for diamonds with inclusions
Gold Jewelry Care
Cleaning Method:
- Use warm water and mild soap solution
- Soak for 15 minutes
- Gently clean with a soft cloth or brush
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely
Maintenance Tips:
- Gold is soft and can scratch easily - store separately
- Higher karat gold (18K, 22K) requires extra care
- Polish with a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine
- White gold may need re-plating every 1-2 years
Silver Jewelry Care
Tarnish Prevention:
- Store in airtight bags with anti-tarnish strips
- Wear frequently - body oils help prevent tarnish
- Keep away from rubber, wool, and felt
Cleaning Tarnished Silver:
- Use a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish
- For heavy tarnish, use silver cleaning solution
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely
- Never use toothpaste or baking soda - too abrasive
Gemstone Care
Soft Stones (Pearls, Opals, Turquoise):
- Clean with a damp soft cloth only
- Store wrapped in soft cloth, not plastic
- Keep away from heat and direct sunlight
- Apply perfume and cosmetics before putting on
Hard Stones (Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds):
- Clean with warm soapy water and soft brush
- Emeralds may have oil treatments - avoid ultrasonic cleaners
- Check settings regularly as stones can loosen
Pearl Care
Special Requirements:
- Wipe with soft damp cloth after each wear
- Store flat to prevent stretching of silk thread
- Restring annually if worn frequently
- Keep away from cosmetics, perfume, and hairspray
- Never submerge in water or use ultrasonic cleaners
Storage Guidelines
| Jewelry Type | Best Storage Method | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Diamonds | Individual boxes or pouches | Contact with other diamonds |
| Gold Chains | Hang or lay flat | Tangling and knotting |
| Silver | Anti-tarnish bags | Humid environments |
| Pearls | Soft cloth pouch | Airtight containers |
| Watches | Watch box or pillow | Extreme temperatures |
When to Seek Professional Help
- Loose stones or damaged settings
- Broken clasps or chains
- Deep scratches or dents
- Discoloration that won't clean off
- Annual inspections for valuable pieces
DIY Cleaning Solution Recipe
Safe for Most Jewelry:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon mild dish soap
- Soft toothbrush (baby toothbrush ideal)
- Lint-free cloth for drying
Note: Not suitable for soft stones, pearls, or antique jewelry
Insurance & Documentation
- Keep all receipts and certificates
- Photograph jewelry for insurance purposes
- Update appraisals every 3-5 years
- Store documents separately from jewelry
Contact Our Experts
Have questions about caring for your specific piece? Our jewelry care experts are here to help:
- Email: care@caratx.com
- Phone: 1-800-CARATX1
- Live Chat: Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM EST