While our jewelry was created to last a lifetime, there are some factors that can contribute to the everyday wear and tear of your fine jewelry. Routine inspections for wear, frequent cleanings, and resizing are all critical components of keeping your favorite pieces in top shape. Not only will this maintain their value, but it will allow you to identify any potential issues that would be a concern down in the future – for example, noticing a loose prong before the loss of a center stone. By choosing to properly care for your jewelry, you will ensure that it lasts for generations to come.
Diamond Care
Diamonds can last forever, but to stay looking as sparkly and beautiful as when you first got them, you must clean them with care! Diamond cleaners usually contain ammonia and water. Using a soft brush, you can remove dust or dirt from under the setting. When in doubt, bring it to Grogan Jewelers!
Gemstone Care
Gemstone care is very different from diamond care. Gemstones, unlike diamonds, are sensitive to temperature changes. Although it depends on which kind of gemstone you have, if you have an active lifestyle, it might be best to refrain from wearing it during the day. Gemstones, unlike diamonds, can be easily cleaned using a soft, damp cloth.
Be careful using ultrasonic cleaners, as only certain gemstones can handle the ultrasonic vibrations.
Learn More About Gemstone Care
Antique Jewelry Care
Here's the number one rule with antique jewelry- don’t clean it right away! Any piece that’s at least 100 years old (the definition of antique for jewelry) will need special care. This might seem strange because the stones and metals used in jewelry haven’t changed much over the years, but there are some things to consider first before taking out your cleaning equipment.
Learn More About Cleaning and Caring for Antique Jewelry
General Jewelry Care and Repair
Because of the high value and rarity of certain jewelry, some people like to store their jewelry in a safe when not in use. If you have individual gemstones, a soft pouch is good for keeping them from coming in contact with other hard surfaces that may harm them.
In addition to performing regular checks with your jeweler, be sure to take great care of your best pieces. Daily wear and tear can be accelerated by factors such as exposure to light and heat, which can damage or fade delicate materials and gemstones.
You should also exercise caution when working with chemicals, whether in the household or in a professional setting. Cleaning solutions and beauty products like lotion and hairspray can permanently damage porous gems or delicate pieces.
Be sure that you are properly storing your jewelry. Velvet-lined boxes with padded compartments and storage solutions for pieces of all sizes are the best option.
Silver jewelry can be cleaned with a silver polishing cloth, with or without special silver cleaning solution. Store silver jewelry in a cool, dry place, preferably in a soft piece of felt or cloth.
Ask one of our sales representatives about getting a jewelry box for all of your valued treasures. If you would like to have your jewelry professionally cleaned, bring it in to Grogan Jewelers and we will have your jewelry looking shiny and new!