Proper Care Of Fine Jewelry
by Christopher Saterlee
http://www.fdnyjewelry.com
Did you know that wearing your jewelry often is one of
the best ways to keep it looking its best? If the jewelry
is sterling silver or a string of pearls, wearing it will
help protect and keep it clean. Other types of jewelry
and gems require different kinds of cleaning. Knowing how
to clean and protect your precious jewelry will preserve
its beauty and your investment for years to come.
No matter what gems or metals are used in your jewelry, a
few basic guidelines apply. Avoid wearing jewelry in
situations where it can be knocked against hard surfaces.
Remove jewelry when doing dishes or showering, not so much
to prevent water damage as to avoid banging it against
things.
Although many peole might not know it, wearing your jewelry
is one of the best ways to help keep it in good condition.
Off course you should take some measures of care while
wearing your jewelry. Even if worn regularly, your silver
jewelry does need to be cleaned from time to time.
This is where it is important to study your piece of
jewelry. Does your piece have gemstones either mounted in
the jewelry piece or is otherwise attached to some
gemstones? What is good for sterling silver might not be
good for the gemstones or other items such as leather or
pearls.
Jewelers also recommend that your gold and gemstone jewelry
be cleaned by a professional once or twice a year. Besides
removing any accumulated dirt or grease on the surfaces, a
jeweler will take the time to examine settings, clasps and
fittings, and make any needed repairs. Pearls, especially
if they're worn often, should be restrung every 1-2 years
as well, since wearing them frequently can stretch the
string holding them.
Proper cleaning is as important as careful storage to keep
your jewelry looking beautiful. Cleaning methods vary from
piece to piece depending on the stones and other materials
used. There are a number of devices and products on the
market that claim to be the 'best way to clean your fine
jewelry'. They range from inexpensive cleaning solutions
to pricey electric sonic and ionic jewelry cleaners. In
most cases, investing as much as $200 in a fancy gadget to
clean your diamond ring is completely unnecessary. Here are
some hints and tips from professional jewelers on cleaning
jewelry and gems.
Instead, most jewelers recommend a few common sense
precautions to keep dirt and chemicals from harming your
stones or dulling their shine. First, remove your jewelry
while applying makeup or hair spray to avoid getting the
chemicals on the stones or metal. When you remove your
jewelry at night, wipe it carefully with a soft cloth. Once
or twice a week, brush its surface with a soft toothbrush.
One of the most traditional methods of cleaning silver
jewelry that has been passed down through generations is the
use of toothpaste. Some toothpastes contain small abrasive
particles that can scratch jewelry pieces, you should
therefore be careful when using this method.
A good approach to this technique is to consider the piece
of jewelry. If it has a soft and smooth finish the scratches
will normally show. On the other hand, if the piece has a
lot of texture the scratches should not matter to you. The
effectiveness of toothpaste as a cleaner of both oxidation
and tarnish has been proven again and again. You should use
caution when considering cleaning your jewelry in this way.
Finally, have your jewelry professionally cleaned once or
twice a year. The jeweler will take the opportunity to
examine settings to make sure that they haven't loosened,
and check your piece for wear or damage. Most jewelers will
clean fine jewelry that you've purchsed from them at no or
a nominal charge to ensure a lifetime of beauty from your
precious gems.
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