HomeJewelry TipsTips for Jewelry Care
- Please do not wear your jewelry in the pool or hot tub. Chlorine is BAD, BAD, BAD for your jewelry. It is important to avoid contact with chlorine cleaners also. Chlorine can literally destroy precious jewelry.
- If your finger has grown up around your ring and you can no longer get it off please don't have your friend cut it off with a pair of side cutters. We have special tools for this and never charge for this service. If someone does a poor job of cutting a ring off of your finger it could mean a more expensive repair bill, rather than just paying for the ring to be sized.
- A good way to take care of your pearls is to apply your cosmetics, hair spray and perfumes before putting them on. Chemicals and body oils can damage pearls, so it is a good idea to wipe them off with a soft cloth when you are done wearing them. Good pearls are usually strung on silk with knots between each pearl; the silk can deteriorate quickly if abused. It's labor intensive, and expensive to restring them. This is good advice for all jewelry but particularly pearls.
- Wearing two or more rings on the same finger causes unnecessary wear on all the rings. They move against each other literally rubbing the gold right off over time. You can prevent costly repair work later by wearing one ring per finger. If you like the way they look together, or if it's a set, have them soldered together so they aren't rubbing against one another.
- Store jewelry made from silver and other metals that are susceptible to tarnishing in an air-tight or zip-lock plastic bag. This will keep them from tarnishing quickly. Another trick is to store a piece of white chalk in the jewelry box with the silver. The chalk helps draw moisture and oxidizers from the air keeping your silver from tarnishing so quickly.
- Tennis Bracelets have many movable parts that get worn out over time. To be sure your tennis bracelets last longer without needing repaired it is best not to wear them 24/7. Removing necklaces and bracelets before going to bed will help reduce the need for repairs.
- You should have your jewelry cleaned and inspected by a professional Jeweler/Goldsmith two times a year. Remember, most salespeople work on commission not on jewelry. Don't rely on sales professionals for your jewelry inspections. Five minutes of your time could save a diamonds life. Stop by for free ring cleaning and inspection.
- Don't wear your gold jewelry while bathing or cleaning. The soap and water won't harm gold, but will leave a residue that will coat the jewelry, causing it to appear dingy and less lustrous. If you prevent film from forming, it will be easier to keep your jewelry beautiful and reduce cleaning time.
- Pearls are usually strung on silk and should always be kept dry. Turquoise, opals, and other softer gemstones should also be kept dry to prevent premature deterioration and damage.
- Use a chamois cloth to clean your jewelry, other fabrics may scratch gold and therefore reduce luster.
- Avoid exposing your jewelry to hard or abrasive materials, remove delicate jewelry when doing hard physical work or exercise.
- Tarnish can sometimes be removed with soap, lukewarm water and a few drops of ammonia. Use an old tooth brush to apply the solution and brush until removed. After cleaning rinse with warm water and allow to dry.
- Consult with a jeweler before using an ultrasonic cleaner; it may permanently damage some types of gemstones and jewelry.
- Apply makeup, perfume and hair products before putting on your jewelry.
- Never wear pearls to a salon/ hair appointment. It is a good idea to remove necklaces and earrings before getting your hair done. Stylists use a lot of chemicals and potions that can gum up and dull your jewelry. Softer and organic stones can be damaged by even mild chemicals. Metals can also be damaged or tarnished.
- Prior to cleaning, inspect your jewelry for defects in clasps, settings, and prongs. If any problems are found bring it to us and we'll fix it for you. Remember to have your jewelry cleaned and inspected by a professional jeweler at least twice a year.
- Most metal allergies are to nickel or one of the other alloy materials, not the gold. The best way to deal with metal allergies is to switch to a higher karat yellow gold jewelry or platinum. Sometimes clear fingernail polish can be applied to keep the metal from touching your skin, consult your jeweler first.
- Do not use commercial jewelry cleaners or tarnish removers on colored gemstones. The harsh chemicals can damage some stones and adversely affect their color. Bring them to your jeweler for cleaning.
- Diamonds are very hard, but can still be broken. If struck in the right manner they will break, so avoid wearing your jewelry during rough work or playing sports.
We restyle jewelry in house. Don't risk your precious heirlooms with anyone else. Restyle your unworn, old or broken jewelry into something new. Our quality suppliers offer thousands of mountings, or we can design a one of a kind item for you using your gold and gems.
We are competitive scrap gold buyers and will consult honestly with you about your best options for recycling your unwanted jewelry, diamonds, and scrap gold.