A guide to caring for fine jewelry and watches like the priceless treasures they are

Fine jewelry is a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last generations, but proper care is required to assure the lasting qualities of your jewelry. As a standard rule, once per year is recommended for visiting your jeweler for repair “check ups,” and stop in to get your jewelry cleaned twice a year. 

These simple, basic guidelines for the care and cleaning of your fine jewelry:

• Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place.
• Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.
• Don't jumble your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case. Pieces can scratch each other.
• Be careful when removing your jewelry to wash your hands. Do not leave your jewelry on the rim of a sink where it can easily slip down the drain.
• There are many types of small machines on the market that will clean jewelry in a matter of minutes using high-frequency sound. These machines are called ultrasonic cleaners and are available in many different models and prices. Your local jeweler can tell you if an ultrasonic cleaning machine is right for your jewelry wardrobe and, if it is, recommend an appropriate model.

Summer Jewelry Care Tips

You should take care of your fine jewelry all year round, and summer months call for extra TLC when sun, sand and water activities expose jewelry to more wear and tear.

6 Summer Jewelry Care & Cleaning Tips

1. No chlorine or salt water! Remove all jewelry before going into a hot tub or swimming pool or salt water. Chlorine or salt water can damage and discolor metals such as gold and platinum and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
2. Don't wear jewelry when applying sunscreen, lotions, and when in the shower. These products cause a film to form on your jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy.
3. Wipe jewelry after wearing. Use a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe jewelry after wearing to remove any summer lotions. This will enhance the jewelry’s luster and will ensure that it is clean before storage.
4. Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place.
5. Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers to prevent pieces from scratching each other.
6. After the summer season, take it to a reputable jeweler for a professionally cleaning to maintain the luster and sparkle of your precious jewelry.