Keep your jewelry looking its best with simple maintenance. The care
you provide for your jewelry will be rewarding by providing years of pleasurable
wear. Make sure you understand how jewelry should be worn, stored and properly
cleaned.
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Polishing Cloths
Sterling silver tarnishes naturally and requires occasionally cleaning.
Storing your jewelry in plastic bags with an interlocking seal when not
in use slows the tarnishing process. Never store Pearls in plastic bags.
Polish Sterling Silver, and other precious metals, brass and copper carefully
with a Sunshine Cloth. Polish both metal and gembeads carefully with a
Selvyt Polishing Cloth.
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Valuable Tips
Try to protect all jewelry from sharp blows, harsh chemicals, sunlight
and extreme temperatures.
Chlorine and related chemicals can severely discolor and damage jewelry
as well as loosen stones and settings.
Put jewelry on after using cosmetics, hair spray or perfumes to avoid
contact with substances and chemicals which may cause damage.
Remove rings when working with your hands, such as performing household
tasks, gardening and using abrasive particles.
Carefully wipe jewelry with a soft chamois or flannel cloth after each
wearing to remove oils and salts. This is especially important for pearls.
Store jewelry separately so it will not scratch other jewelry. Cultured
pearls are best stored in a special chamois pouch because of their softness.
Never store Pearls in plastic bags!
Storing beaded necklaces flat is highly recommended to reduce stretching.
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Mohs Scale
Hardness is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs Scale, developed
in the early 19th century. The higher the Mohs scale number, the harder
the stone. Diamonds are rated the highest, at 10; rubies and sapphires
are Mohs 9; emeralds and topaz, 8; and garnets, tourmalines and quartz,
7. Anything with a Mohs scale rating of 6 or less can be easily scratched,
for example: coral, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, or turquoise. Gold, silver,
and platinum have a rating of Mohs 2-1/2 to 4, meaning they require special
care when wearing, storing, or cleaning.
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Other Cleaning Methods
Soap And Water: A mild soap and water solution used with a soft brush
is effective for many home jewelry care needs. Even the mild chemicals
of commercial jewelry cleaning products may damage certain gems. Although
soap and water is the best choice for most gems and jewelry, do not use
soap and water with amber, coral, emerald, jade, kunzite, lapis lazuli,
opal, or turquoise.
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Home Jewelry Cleaner
Check with your American Gem Society jeweler prior to using a commercial
cleaning product for the first time. Dispose of any such cleaner after
3 months. A home solution of one part mild detergent, one part household
ammonia, and three parts water is also effective for many jewelry cleaning
needs. Dry the jewelry with a lint-free towel. This method of cleaning
is especially desirable for alexandrite, amethyst, andalusite, aquamarine,
citrine, diamond, garnet, iolite, moonstone, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite,
topaz, tourmaline, and zircon.
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Home Ultrasonic Cleaner
Home ultrasonic cleaners are best used for karat gold jewelry without
gemstones. The ultrasonic may also be suitable for some diamond-set jewelry.
Intense vibrations may loosen stones, so a professional annual cleaning
and security check is important. DO NOT use the home ultrasonic for amber,
coral, emerald, kunzite, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, ruby, or turquoise.
Be sure to check with your American Gem Society jeweler prior to using
a home ultrasonic cleaner. |
