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Aftercare**

Fine jewelry is designed to last for several generations, however a proper care is required. Here are some general tips to keep your fine jewelry in a good condition:

  • Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place, preferably inside a fabric-lined jewelry case or wrapped in soft tissue paper.
  • Please keep in mind that if you put several jewelry pieces together, they may end up scratching each other. Diamonds, for instance, could scratch most of the gemstones, i.e. rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and in certain situations, each other.
  • Should you enter a chlorinated swimming pool or get in contact with household chemicals, please remove your jewelry in advance. Certain chemicals could damage and discolor the jewelry.
  • It is advisable to visit a jeweler at least once a year for a check up of your jewelry and every half a year for professional cleaning.

To take care of your diamond jewelry:

  • Do not do a rough work wearing diamond jewelry. Although diamonds are considered to be one of the hardest materials, they can still be chipped by a sharp, sudden blow.
  • To clean your diamond jewelry, commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of ammonia and water or a mild detergent could be used.

To take care of your colored gemstone jewelry:

  • Do not expose your gemstone jewelry to salt water or harsh chemicals as they can erode the pieces.
  • Some substances may cause jewelry to become dull. Hence, be careful with hair sprays, perfumes and colognes; wipe the jewelry after wear thoroughly with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth to remove any oils, chemicals or perspiration.
  • Sudden temperature changes could be harmful for colored gemstone jewelry as well.
  • Take extra precautions with ultrasonic cleaners as they are not suitable for all the gemstones.
  • Since a great variety of gemstones do exist we would advise you to consult your jeweler for more information after the purchase.

To take care of your gold jewelry:

  • It is advisable to remove any gold jewelry before taking a shower or a bath. Soap may be a cause of a film forming on the jewelry which will make it look dull and dingy.
  • If you want to clean your gold jewelry at home, there are many commercial cleaners available; as for gold jewelry without gemstones ultrasonic cleaning may be a good method.
  • A soft chamois cloth is an effective way to keep your gold jewelry shiny; the mix of soap, water and a few drops of ammonia could help you to remove tarnish; rubbing alcohol is a solution to grease.

To take care of your sterling silver jewelry:

  • Sterling silver could oxidize with time, therefore a proper cleaning is required from time to time. Please use a mild soap and water solution or special jewelry cleaner for silver to do so.
  • To polish your sterling silver jewelry use only a fine piece of felt or a polishing cloth; other materials as tissue paper or paper towels may scratch your jewelry.
  • Sterling silver pieces may tarnish if they are exposed to air and light during storage.

** Information from the American Gem Society and Jewelers of America was used to create this chapter.