Caring for Different Types of Jewelry

Your jewels are among your most valuable, treasured possessions and provide you with years of ongoing value and joy as you pair them with your favorite outfits and carefully select the right pieces for certain occasions. You’ll want to treat your jewelry with great care and attention to keep them sparkling and luminous. Following are some basic tips on caring for different types of jewelry.

Diamonds
We often assume that diamonds are invincible due to their extreme hardness, and in fact, they are the hardest material on earth. Be careful, though, that your diamonds do not damage or scratch your other jewels. Keep them in a soft cloth pouch so as to protect them from other pieces. Have your diamonds professionally cleaned by a jeweler once a year, if possible. At home, you can clean them in a solution of one part ammonia and 6 parts water, using a gentle brush to scrub them. Gently pat dry with a cotton cloth.

Gold
Gold can be cleaned in warm water with mild soap and a gentle brush. Gently dry with a lint-free cloth. Refraining from wearing your gold while washing the dishes or other household tasks will protect it further, as will storing it in a soft fabric pouch and avoiding contact with harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, or chlorine. Just a bit of thought toward protecting your gold will keep it shimmering and scratch-free!

Silver
One of the biggest threats to the shiny beauty of silver is its tendency to tarnish. As silver reacts with hydrogen sulfide or sulfur in the air, it takes on a darkish outer layer that diminishes its beauty. Taking a bit of time to polish your silver with a soft, lint-free cloth will help prevent this, as will storing your silver in an enclosed jewelry bag or box, minimizing its exposure to air. Try not to let your silver come in to contact with rubber or harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, or chlorine. There are also good silver cleaners sold at jewelry stores or in the jewelry sections of department stores.

Gemstones
Gemstone jewelry is such a delight to the senses with the myriad of beautiful colors and styles. All gemstones can be superficially cleaned with a soft cloth to remove dirt or grime. Emeralds are so soft that they require only the use of cloths as cleaners can be damaging to them. For sapphires and rubies, clean them with a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water and a soft brush. Gems should be stored in a soft jewelry pouch or case so it does not come into contact with other jewels in your collection. If prongs or settings come loose, have them repaired by a professional jeweler.

Pearls
Lustrous pearls are actually an organic material, not a stone. They are soft and delicate and should be handled as such. Keep your pearls away from harsh chemicals such as chlorine, perfumes, cosmetics, and ammonia. Polish them often with a soft cloth and store them in a soft jewelry bag or pouch, away from other jewels. It is a good idea to restring pearl strands from time to time as the silk threading that ties them together disintegrates over time.