How to Care for Your Jewelry at Home
Maintenance Tips for Your Fine Jewelry
Maintaining the sparkle and shine of your fine jewelry usually isn’t one of the first things you think about when you get engaged. And that’s ok - take the time to bask in the glow! But learning how to care for your jewelry at home will ensure the longevity of your piece.
Caring for your jewelry at home is simple and does not require purchasing special kits, tools, or cleaners.
Treat Your Ring With Care
First and foremost, understand that your fine jewelry (engagement rings in particular) should always be treated with the utmost care. It is undoubtedly tempting to adopt the “I’m never taking this off” mindset, but there are times when it is best to remove your ring for safekeeping. During activities such as gardening, lifting heavy objects, and swimming in salt water or chlorine water, place your ring in its box so that it does not get scratched, dented, or contaminated by debris.
The same can be said for any piece of fine jewelry that you own. Be sure to place your jewelry in a secure location like a safe if you’re traveling or in a locked locker if you’re at the gym.
Maintain Your Ring’s Sparkle
To restore the sparkle to your gems, we suggest a monthly cleaning to remove any dirt, dust, or other grime that can collect during your daily activities.
Cleaning your diamonds and other precious gems at home requires just a few items that you likely already have.
First, collect your cleaning supplies and tools:
- Dish soap
- A soft toothbrush
- A bowl of lukewarm water
- A soft cloth
Next, add a small amount of dish soap to your bowl of water. Let your ring soak in this simple solution for a few minutes to loosen up the grime.
Then take your soft toothbrush and gently brush your piece all over, paying special attention to the little nooks and crannies where dirt and dust can hide.
On rings, make sure to get underneath the stones as this is where grime can build up. On other pieces like earrings or necklaces, make sure to attend to the backings and clasps.
Finally, rinse with clean water and dry your piece with a clean, lint-free cloth to reveal your renewed dazzle!
In between cleanings, consider using a polishing cloth as part of your basic maintenance.
Jewelry Care Dos and Don’ts
Make sure to plug your sink when rinsing.
To avoid scratching, only put one piece of jewelry in the bowl at a time.
Use gentle dish soap, free of any scouring bubbles or harsh chemicals.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as baking soda or toothpaste.
Use this home-cleaning method for nonporous stones such as diamonds, moissanite, sapphire, rubies, etc.
Do not use this home-cleaning method on porous gems such as opals, emeralds, or pearls.
Store your jewelry in jewelry boxes that are softly lined and have compartments if you’re storing multiple pieces.
To avoid damage, do not store your jewelry in a manner where pieces can touch, get tangled, or move around.
When to Trust a Professional
At-home jewelry care is a great way to keep your jewelry in tip-top shape, but it does not replace professional care. We recommend having your pieces professionally inspected and cleaned every 6 months to a year to catch any issues before they become irreparable. Additionally, take your piece in right away for inspection if you accidentally hit it or notice any loosening of stones, clasp malfunctions, or other issues.
