It can be frustrating for a favorite piece of jewelry to become soiled and not know how to clean it. Or for a lovely piece of sterling silver to tarnish and be fearful to clean it.
Here's a quick and easy guide, courtesy of
Tiffany, to help care for your precious metals, semi-precious, and precious gemstones.
General Care
Over time, fine
jewelry can become a treasured family heirloom if it is cared for properly.
Dust, pollution and daily wear all conspire to cloud the brilliance of
gemstones. The surface of gold, platinum and silver jewelry can become dulled.
Timeworn prongs and clasps can result in the loss of a stone or an entire piece
of jewelry.
Professional cleanings are recommended as often as once a year.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver, one of the most beautiful and lustrous of all metals will tarnish over time.
With proper care, your silver will retain its beauty and character for many
generations to come. Other options are rhodium which protects the silver from tarnish.
The First Rule Of Silver Care
Sterling silver
tarnishes, especially when exposed to salt air and products containing sulfur,
such as rubber bands and some papers. However, silver that is regularly used
typically needs less care. Use or wear
your silver every day.
Washing Silver
Wash silver by hand in warm water with a mild detergent. Because
many food acids and gases in the air can have a corrosive effect, we suggest
that you wash your silver immediately after use. To avoid spotting, it is important
to dry your silver immediately after washing.
Gold, Platinum
Between
professional servicing, most gold and platinum jewelry can be maintained with a
non-abrasive cleaner. Examine your jewelry regularly to make sure settings are
snug and clasps and joints are secure.
Avoid exposing gold jewelry to household bleach, which will quickly cause gold
to discolor and possibly disintegrate.
Jewelry storage is important as well. Use a protective box, case, or tarnish-resistant
pouch. Between wearings, place it back in its original
case or another suitably lined box or pouch.
Gemstones
Certain basic
precautions should be taken with all of your jewelry. However, some gemstones,
as outlined in this section, require special care.
Take care to protect your jewelry from impact against hard surfaces and avoid
contact with abrasive surfaces. Even a diamond can chip if hit with enough
force or at just the right angle. Many stones such as amethyst, emerald,
kunzite, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite and tourmaline are very delicate and
easily abraded. Enamel can also chip or scratch when struck. Gemstones can
scratch other gemstones and wear away at precious metals. Therefore, avoid
stacking those rings and bracelets that would be vulnerable to such abrasion.
Extreme temperatures, perfumes, cosmetics, ultrasonic cleaning and household
chemicals can also damage jewelry.
To clean diamonds, use a mild solution of six parts water to one part ammonia
and apply with a soft bristle brush.
If worn often, pearls should be cleaned and restrung professionally once a
year. Between cleanings, wipe pearls gently with a damp cloth.
Leather
External elements such as excessive heat or moisture can affect the overall
look of your accessory. Following proper care and storage guidelines will
ensure the longevity of this exceptional product. When not in use, store your
item in the protective dust bag provided.
Calf And Grain Leather
Leather has
inherent slight variations and imperfections, which are normal and add to the
beauty of each piece. The grain leather is treated naturally, so color and
texture may change over time, darkening and softening to create an elegant
patina. If scuffs or bruises occur, rub the affected area with a soft, dry
white cloth.
Now wear that jewelry and look stunning!
