Jewelry Care and Cleaning
Fine jewelry will bring years of wearing pleasure with proper care and cleaning – and occasional inspection by a professional jeweler. There are also some special precautions to take with more delicate gems like pearls. Good common sense is your best guide, but here are some helpful tips to keep all your fine jewelry in tip-top shape.
All Jewelry
• Avoid wearing jewelry while in contact with household chemicals, such as chlorine bleach. They can discolor or damage your jewelry mountings. • Take off your jewelry before doing rough manual work or playing sports. Gemstones could be jarred loose or chipped by a hard blow. • When you're not wearing your jewelry, be careful that pieces do not tumble against each other to avoid scratching or dulling. Ideally, store each piece in its own soft cloth pouch. • At least once a year, have a jeweler professionally clean and inspect your fine jewelry. Most jewelers offer cleaning and inspection as a complimentary service to give you a lifetime of wearing pleasure. At Shane Co., twice-a-year cleaning and inspection also helps ensure the workmanship of your purchase lasts a lifetime.
Diamonds
• Clean your diamond jewelry regularly in an ultrasonic cleaner or by hand. To make your own jewelry cleaning solution, mix one part ammonia and six parts water. • Gently scrub the diamond piece with a small soft toothbrush to loosen dirt and restore the diamond's brilliance. Always rinse after cleaning.
Rubies and Sapphires
• To clean ruby jewelry, use a lukewarm solution of water and mild dishwashing soap, or one part ammonia to six parts water. Gently brush the rubies with a small bristle brush, especially underneath the stones where dirt collects. Rinse and dry. • To clean sapphire jewelry, use a lukewarm solution of water and mild dishwashing soap, or one part ammonia to six parts water. Gently brush the sapphires with a small bristle brush, especially underneath the stones where dirt collects. Rinse and dry.
Pearls
• Wear your pearls regularly. Your body's natural oils help maintain pearls' beauty. • Apply cosmetics, lotions, perfume and hair spray before putting on your pearls. • Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them. • Remove spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth and then dry with a soft cloth. • Store pearls separately from other jewelry, preferably in a slightly damp linen cloth to prevent the pearls from drying out • Have your pearls restrung every two to five years if worn regularly or when the silk becomes dirty. • Don't wear pearls with jewelry made of metal or other material that may scratch the pearls. • Avoid contact with salt water, chlorinated water or perspiration. • Never use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine or steam cleaner.
Gold Jewelry
• Clean your gold jewelry with a mild detergent or ammonia solution (one part ammonia to six parts water). Avoid ammonia solution when cleaning pieces that contain pearls. • Use a soft brush to gently clean intricate filigree designs and under gemstones. • Do not use any kind of abrasive material that might scratch the gold. • Rinse and wipe jewelry after cleaning.
Platinum Jewelry
• Like gold, platinum will not tarnish. To maintain the luster of your platinum jewelry, simply clean it with a soft cloth and mild detergent or an ammonia solution (one part ammonia to six parts water).
Silver Jewelry
• Use the complimentary cleaning and polishing cloth included with your Shane Co. sterling silver purchase. • Use the inner polishing cloth to remove tarnish or dirt, and finish with a few rubs of the outer cloth to provide a high shine. • Alternatively, create your own cleaning solution (do not use this method with jewelry that contains gemstones). Line a bowl with aluminum foil and pour in hot, salted water. Drop your silver jewelry in and move it around with a wooden or plastic utensil to ensure all of the surfaces come in contact with the aluminum foil. When the metal has become bright again (it should only take a few minutes), remove the jewelry and rinse under the tap. Wipe gently with a towel and polish with a soft cloth.
Emerald Jewelry
• We recommend a gentle cleaning using a soft cloth and mild soapy water. • Avoid using harsh chemicals and avoid using an ultrasonic cleaner. Handle your emerald jewelry with clean hands, avoiding contact with oils and lotions. • Learn More
Opal Jewelry
• Clean your opals gently with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft toothbrush or soft cloth. Gently scrub your opals then leave them to air dry or pat dry with a soft cloth. • Do not allow your opals to be immersed in water, including while swimming and bathing. Avoid rapidly changing temperatures, including steam. • Avoid bleach, chemicals, and cleaners. Ultrasonic cleaners can crack your opals. • Opals are relatively soft and physical stress should be limited. Avoid strenuous or athletic activities where your opals can easily be cracked. • Store opals separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches. • Learn more about opals and how to care for them here.
