Care
Caring for Your Fine Jewelry
A few easy habits keep gold bright and stones clean. Our at-home care routine, step by step.
Fine jewelry is made to be worn, and worn often. Skin oils, lotion, cologne and everyday dust settle into chain links and behind diamonds, slowly dulling the shine. The good news is that a few minutes of care every couple of weeks keeps your pieces looking the way they did the day they arrived.
The Two-Week Clean
All you need is a small bowl, warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush.
- Fill the bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild, unscented dish soap.
- Soak your piece for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen built-up oil and residue.
- Brush gently, paying attention to the back of stone settings and the spaces between links, where most grime collects.
- Rinse under clean running water with the drain closed or a strainer underneath.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, then let the piece air-dry completely before storing it.
What to Avoid
- Chlorine and bleach: pool and hot tub water can weaken gold alloys over time. Take your jewelry off before you swim.
- Harsh cleaners: toothpaste, baking soda and household sprays are abrasive and can scratch gold and dull polished surfaces.
- Ultrasonic machines at home: the vibration can loosen small pavé stones. Leave ultrasonic cleaning to a professional who can check settings first.
- Heavy workouts: lifting and contact sports put stress on clasps and prongs. Remove chains and rings before the gym.
Chains Need Extra Attention
Never pull on a chain to take it off, and never sleep in heavy chains. Both put stress on the clasp and the links closest to it. Fasten the clasp before storing a chain and lay it flat or hang it so it cannot kink. If a link starts to stiffen or the clasp feels loose, bring it in early; small repairs are simple and inexpensive.
Sterling Silver Care
Silver naturally tarnishes when it meets air and moisture. Wearing it regularly actually slows that process. Between wears, store silver in an airtight bag with an anti-tarnish strip, and use a dedicated silver polishing cloth to bring back the shine. Avoid polishing cloths on plated or iced areas.
Smart Storage
Diamonds are hard enough to scratch gold, other gemstones and even other diamonds. Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box with individual compartments. When traveling, use a zip case with separate slots so chains do not tangle and stones do not rub against each other.
Make It the Last Thing On
Put your jewelry on after you style your hair, apply lotion and spray fragrance. Take it off first at the end of the day. This simple habit keeps most of the film that dulls diamonds off your pieces.
When to See a Professional
Every six to twelve months, have your jewelry professionally inspected. A jeweler will check prongs and settings, tighten loose stones, and give your piece a deep clean and polish. With our Lifetime Care program, these visits are complimentary for every Website-16 piece. If you ever notice a stone moving or a prong catching on fabric, stop wearing the piece and contact us right away.
