JEWELRY CARE
Keeping Your Treasures in Top Condition
The jewelry you purchase from Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry looks spectacular when you first receive it. But how do you keep it looking beautiful? It only takes a bit of routine care. All gems and jewelry – especially the ones worn every day – need a little TLC to stay beautiful. Different stones and metals require different care; however, here are some simple tips for cleaning and maintaining your jewelry.
Diamonds
Even though they’re the hardest substance on Earth, diamonds can be chipped, so it’s important to have a jeweler inspect them once a year. If possible, avoid wearing your diamond jewelry to the gym or to other locations where they may be subject to harsh physical conditions. Take special care with your diamond ring around water, as it can become loose and slip off. And try not to wear your ring in chlorinated water, because chlorine can eventually damage the metal in the setting. Clean your diamond regularly. A simple plan to keep your diamond jewelry looking beautiful is to soak the diamond in an ammonia-based jewelry cleaner overnight, once or twice weekly. In the morning, remove the diamond from the cleaner and brush it with a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any leftover dirt. Take extra care to brush the back of the diamond as this will be the area that has collected the most oil and dirt. Finally, don’t store your diamond jewelry next to other jewelry pieces because it can scratch other pieces. A fabric-lined jewelry case with separate compartments is ideal, but you can also keep it in a separate pouch or wrap it with in soft fabric or tissue paper.
Gold with Diamonds
Soak for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush (a soft toothbrush works well). Rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Platinum or Palladium with Diamonds
Soak for 20 minutes in a solution of one cup warm water and 1/4 cup ammonia. Then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with warm water, and lay on a tissue to dry.
Pearls
Rub each pearl individually with a soft, clean cotton cloth dampened with a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid. (Soaking strands of pearls can cause the string to stretch.) Let air-dry overnight.
Silver
Rinse in warm water and pat dry. If silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid. Do not use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which will scratch. Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.
Maintenance Tips
Prongs can wear thin and diamonds may fall out. Chains and pearl strands weaken with wear. Let us professionally inspect and repair your jewelry every six months to ensure it stays in top condition. Chlorine can weaken gold. Avoid wearing in swimming pools and hot tubs. Avoid wearing chains when sleeping. Always lay them out flat when not being worn. When dressing, put your pearls on last. Hair products, cosmetics, and perfume can eat away the nacre (outside coating) of pearls and damage their luster.
