How to Care for Your Jewelry

A few simple habits keep gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry looking bright for years.

Everyday habits

• Put your jewelry on last, after perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup. Let them dry completely first.
• Remove it before you swim, shower, clean, or exercise. Chlorine, salt water, and household chemicals can damage metal and stones.
• Take it off when you sleep, and before heavy work with your hands.
• Do not leave it in extreme heat or direct sunlight.
• Keep it away from harsh chemicals, including bleach and strong cleaners.

How to clean it at home

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
2. Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, especially around stones and under settings.
3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Make sure it is completely dry before you store it.
4. For silver, wipe with a polishing cloth to remove light tarnish.

Pearls and other soft or porous stones should only be wiped with a soft damp cloth, not soaked. If you are not sure how to clean a stone, ask us first.

How to store it

• Keep each piece in the pouch or box it came in, or in a soft-lined jewelry box, so pieces do not scratch each other.
• Fasten necklace clasps and bracelet clasps before storing, to prevent tangles.
• Store silver in a dry place. A sealed pouch slows tarnish.

When to visit a jeweler

Rings and pendants take a lot of wear. We recommend having stone settings checked from time to time, and sooner if a stone looks loose, a prong looks worn, or a clasp feels weak. A quick check is far cheaper than replacing a lost stone. See the repair services we offer in NYC, including cleaning, polishing, prong re-tipping, ring sizing, and rhodium plating for white gold.