Jewelry Care Guide
Discover the best practices for caring for your jewelry and ensuring that each piece remains a timeless symbol of elegance and style.
Care Guide by Material
- 14k gold is a type of gold alloy commonly used in jewelry making. The "14k" indicates that it contains 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metals, making it 58.3% pure gold. The addition of other metals, typically copper, silver, or zinc, gives it strength and durability while retaining the beautiful golden hue.
- To care for 14k gold jewelry, it's essential to keep it clean and free from dirt, oils, and lotions, which can dull its appearance over time. Gently clean 14k gold jewelry with a mild soap and warm water solution, using a soft brush or cloth to remove any grime. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, as they can scratch or damage the surface.
- When storing 14k gold jewelry, it's best to keep it in a separate compartment or soft pouch to prevent scratching or tangling with other pieces. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause it to tarnish or discolor. Periodically inspect your gold jewelry for any signs of damage or loose settings, and have it professionally cleaned and maintained if needed to ensure its longevity and shine.
- Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold alloy to a base metal core, typically brass or copper, through a mechanical bonding process. The gold layer in gold-filled jewelry is thicker than in gold-plated jewelry, making it more durable and resistant to tarnishing and wear. Gold-filled jewelry is often marked with "GF" or "1/20" to indicate its gold content.
- To care for gold-filled jewelry, it's essential to handle it with care to avoid scratching or damaging the gold layer. Clean gold-filled jewelry regularly with a mild soap and warm water solution, using a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or residue. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, as they can damage the gold layer and cause it to wear off over time.
- When storing gold-filled jewelry, keep it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store it separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching and tangling. Periodically inspect your gold-filled jewelry for any signs of wear or damage, such as flaking or discoloration, and have it professionally cleaned and maintained if needed to preserve its appearance and longevity.
- Vermeil is a type of jewelry made by coating sterling silver with a thick layer of gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick and typically consists of 10 karats or higher purity. Vermeil jewelry combines the luxurious look of gold with the affordability of sterling silver.
- To care for vermeil jewelry, it's important to handle it gently to prevent scratching or damaging the delicate gold layer. Clean vermeil jewelry regularly with a soft cloth or mild soap and warm water solution to remove dirt and oils. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can strip away the gold layer and damage the underlying silver.
- When storing vermeil jewelry, keep it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store it separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching and tangling. Avoid exposing vermeil jewelry to harsh chemicals such as chlorine or bleach, as they can tarnish the silver and dull the gold finish.
- Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is electrochemically deposited onto the surface of a base metal, such as brass or copper. This creates jewelry pieces with a gold exterior at a more affordable price compared to solid gold.
- To care for gold-plated jewelry, it's crucial to handle it with care to avoid scratching or damaging the thin layer of gold. Clean gold-plated jewelry gently with a soft cloth or mild soap and water solution to remove any dirt or oils. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can wear away the gold layer and cause it to fade or tarnish over time.
- When storing gold-plated jewelry, keep it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store it separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching and tangling. Avoid exposing gold-plated jewelry to harsh chemicals such as chlorine or bleach, as they can damage the gold layer and cause it to deteriorate.
- Sterling silver is a popular metal used in jewelry making, known for its durability, versatility, and lustrous appearance. It is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, to increase its strength.
- To care for sterling silver jewelry, it's essential to keep it clean and free from tarnish. Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air, forming a dark layer on the surface. Regularly clean sterling silver jewelry with a soft cloth or special silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish and restore its shine. For stubborn tarnish, you can use a mild silver cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water, but be gentle to avoid scratching the metal.
- When storing sterling silver jewelry, it's best to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store it in a tarnish-resistant pouch or a jewelry box lined with anti-tarnish fabric to slow down the tarnishing process. To prevent scratching, store each piece of jewelry separately or use soft jewelry pouches.
- Avoid exposing sterling silver jewelry to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, or household cleaners, as they can damage the metal and cause discoloration. Remove sterling silver jewelry before swimming, bathing, or engaging in activities that involve exposure to water and chemicals.
Enamel jewelry is crafted by fusing powdered glass to metal through a high-temperature firing process, resulting in vibrant and durable designs. This technique allows for intricate detailing and a wide array of colors, making enamel jewelry highly coveted for its artistic appeal.
To care for enamel jewelry:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Enamel can be sensitive to chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, and cosmetics. Remove enamel jewelry before applying lotions or perfumes, and clean it with mild soap and water if necessary.
- Handle with care: While enamel is durable, it can chip or crack if subjected to excessive force or pressure. Be mindful when handling and wearing enamel pieces, especially those with delicate designs or intricate detailing.
- Store properly: To prevent scratching or damage, store enamel jewelry separately from other pieces, ideally in a soft pouch or jewelry box with individual compartments. This helps minimize contact with other metal or abrasive surfaces.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures: Enamel can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme heat or cold for prolonged periods.
Gemstones come in a wide variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and care requirements. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to many gemstones:
- Cleaning: Clean gemstones regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt, oils, and residues. Mild soap or detergent can be used if needed, but avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can damage certain gemstones. After cleaning, rinse the gemstone thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Avoid Abrasion: Gemstones can be scratched or damaged by harder materials, so it's essential to store them separately from other jewelry pieces to prevent scratching. Avoid wearing gemstone jewelry while engaging in activities that may subject them to impact or abrasion, such as sports or heavy manual work.
- Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Many gemstones are sensitive to chemicals found in household cleaners, cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays. Remove gemstone jewelry before applying any chemicals or engaging in activities where exposure to chemicals is likely.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Some gemstones, such as opals and pearls, are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Avoid exposing them to extreme heat or cold, as this can cause them to crack or fracture.
- Refrain from Ultrasonic Cleaners and Steam Cleaning: While these methods are effective for cleaning some types of jewelry, they can be harmful to certain gemstones. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning machines unless you are sure they are safe for the specific gemstone.
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically inspect gemstone jewelry for any signs of damage, such as loose stones or weakened settings. Promptly address any issues by taking the jewelry to a professional jeweler for repair.
- Storage: Store gemstone jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box lined with fabric to prevent scratches and damage. Consider wrapping individual pieces of jewelry in soft tissue paper or cloth to provide additional protection.
Pearls are delicate gemstones that require special care due to their unique characteristics. By following the following care guidelines, you can help ensure that your pearls remain beautiful and lustrous for years to come.
- Gentle Cleaning: Clean pearls regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt, oils, and residues. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the nacre (the iridescent coating) of the pearl.
- Avoid Contact with Chemicals: Pearls are sensitive to acids and chemicals found in household cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes. Remove pearl jewelry before applying any chemicals or engaging in activities where exposure to chemicals is likely.
- Moisture Control: Pearls are organic gemstones formed by oysters and are composed of layers of nacre. They can be affected by changes in humidity and moisture levels. Store pearls away from extreme humidity or dryness to prevent them from drying out or becoming brittle.
- Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners and Steam Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning machines can damage the delicate surface of pearls and weaken the adhesive used to secure them to jewelry settings. Avoid using these methods to clean pearl jewelry.
- Storage: Store pearl jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box lined with fabric to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid storing pearls with other jewelry pieces that may scratch or damage their surface.
Opals are delicate gemstones that require special care due to their unique characteristics. By following the following care guidelines, you can help ensure that your opals remain beautiful and lustrous for years to come.
- Gentle Cleaning: Opals are relatively soft and can be easily scratched or damaged. Clean them gently with a soft, damp cloth or a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as they can scratch the surface of the opal.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Opals are sensitive to acids and chemicals found in household cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes. Remove opal jewelry before applying any chemicals or engaging in activities where exposure to chemicals is likely.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Opals contain water, making them sensitive to changes in temperature. Avoid exposing opals to extreme heat or cold, as this can cause them to crack or craze (develop tiny cracks on the surface).
- Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners and Steam Cleaning: Opals are porous and can absorb liquids, including water and cleaning solutions. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning machines, as they can cause damage to the opal by forcing water or cleaning solutions into its pores.
- Storage: Store opal jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box lined with fabric to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid storing opals in airtight containers or bags, as they need to breathe to prevent dehydration.