Jewelry Care Instructions
Congratulations on your vintage jewelry purchase from The Jewelers Circle. We know that you will love and cherish your treasure for years to come. To help you keep your new acquisition sparkling and in great condition, we’ve put together a few tips on how to care for your jewelry.
Avoid exposure to chemicals, fragrances or cosmetics
Any of these products have the potential to damage metals or stones. It is best to put on your jewelry after you have applied makeup, hair spray, lotions or perfumes.
Do not expose your jewelry piece to water
While it is okay to wear your rings when washing your hands, jewelry should be removed when showering (to avoid damage from cleansing products) or swimming. Chlorinated pool water and ocean saltwater can be damaging to metals and stones.
Do not wear your jewelry when you are doing outdoor activities
Jewelry can easily be damaged if you wear it while playing sports. Same with gardening where you also run the risk of losing your jewelry or a gemstone in the dirt. You may also want to avoid wearing your jewelry when you are doing housework, working out, cooking (heat can damage gems), or sleeping.
Keep jewelry in a cool dry dark place
Extreme heat or temperature changes can cause damage to your jewelry. Make sure that your jewelry is stored in a place where it will not be subjected to extreme heat or cold, or sudden temperature changes, either of which can cause certain gemstones to crack. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may also cause certain gems to change color.
Cleaning
Cleaning your jewelry regularly will keep it looking its best. We recommend having your pieces professionally cleaned and inspected every year. When a professional cleans your piece that person will check for any wear and tear — loose stones, damaged clasps, etc. — that may need to be repaired.
Do not use commercial chemical cleaners or have your jewelry cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner
Indeed, the vibrations may cause stones to loosen or fall out. It is also possible the metal could get dented or scratched.
You may want to carefully clean your pieces yourself in between professional cleanings. If that is the case, follow a few basic steps to keep your jewels shining. Make sure the drain is closed so that if you drop your jewel it doesn’t go into the plumbing. Before you start, check for damage. Examine your jewelry to make sure that the gems are tight in their settings.
Pro tip: if the stone wiggles in the setting, you should have it checked by a professional to make sure it is secure. Use a gentle cleanser, such as an unscented castile soap. Add a ½ teaspoon of soap to two cups of room temperature water. Take a soft toothbrush and gently go over the piece. Using a soft, damp, lint-free cloth, remove the soap and then dry the piece with another soft, lint-free cloth.
Keep the packaging that accompanied your jewelry
These boxes and pouches are perfect for storing your jewelry. By keeping each piece of jewelry in its pouch or box, you’ll avoid damaging your jewels by scratching either the stone or metal.
Pro tip: Clasp your necklace and store them in a pouch with part of the chain hanging out, close the pouch and it will prevent the chain from knotting.
When traveling, make sure that your jewelry is packed properly. Each item should be in its individual pouch and then the jewelry should all be stored together in one place in your luggage, preferably in a travel jewelry roll, or other jewelry case, so that it is not damaged by other items in your suitcase.
Special Stones
Some gemstones — pearls, opal, moonstone and emerald — require special care. Under no circumstances should any of these stones be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner because the vibrations will damage the gems.
Pearls
In the case of pearl strands, it is crucial to avoid water, otherwise the string could mold and destroy the necklace. Instead, wipe off the pearls after each wearing, with a dry and soft cloth. Pearls are also particularly susceptible to damage from perfumes, lotions and hairspray, so always put your pearls on last.
Emeralds
Due to the fissures inside of an emerald, if it bangs into something it could break. Emeralds are also enhanced with oil to fill the fissures and the oil could dry out if cleaned incorrectly.
Opals
Opals are primarily made of silica and water. They are particularly affected by temperature changes, which could cause the gem to crack or even dry out. Store them in a cool place that doesn’t get too cold. Clean opals with room temperature and slightly soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Moonstones
Moonstones like a stable temperature. Sudden temperature changes or if the moonstone is exposed to excessive heat, could cause breakage.
Proper care of your vintage jewelry will keep it just as wearable today as when it was first made.