Caring For White Gold Jewelry
Oftentimes, we spend more time searching for and purchasing fine
diamond jewelry than we spend caring for it. While diamonds may be
the hardest material known to man, the metals and other gemstones
associated
with them are not so fortunate. Each gemstone and metal
has its own strengths and weaknesses. This article will explore how
to wear, clean and store diamonds, silver and gold, and
semi-precious stones.
When not to wear fine diamond jewelry or gemstones
Don't wear fine diamond jewelry while getting dressed, doing dishes,
doing housecleaning, soaking in a spa or hot tub, or while taking a
shower. Spas and hot tubs Many personal care products such as hair
spray, lotions, perfumes, and disinfectants such as iodine may
discolor gemstones or loosen settings. Many gemstones are
oil-treated and should not come in contact with soap or detergent.
When getting dressed, let all lotions, perfumes and hair spray dry
completely before putting on gemstone or diamond jewelry.
How to clean fine diamond jewelry
Use a polishing cloth to clean sterling silver and
14kt goldjewelry. Some soft gemstones such as turquoise, freshwater pearls,
and emeralds should never go into commercial jewelry cleaning
solutions.
Be sure to carefully check the instructions prior to
placing any jewelry with stones into cleaning solutions.
When in doubt, use only a clean, soft, dry cloth to clean your fine
jewelry, especially pearls, they are extremely delicate and fragile.
Even when cleaning harder gems, don't use abrasive cleansers or
coarse brushes because they may scratch gold or silver.
A note of warning: a dirty piece of jewelry should be checked after
cleaning to make sure the diamonds and semi-precious gemstones are
still fastened securely. Oftentimes bent prongs or weakened settings
are hidden by dirt, and a clean piece of jewelry may have loose
stones. Also be sure to not clean your jewelry over the sink, in
case you dislodge stones while cleaning.
If you're worried about damaging your fine diamond jewelry, take it
to a jeweler for cleaning. He or she can ascertain if a stone is
loose before cleaning.
How to store fine diamond jewelry
A sturdy jewelry case is the best way to store jewelry. A jewelry
armoire will have hooks that allow necklaces and chains to hang,
reducing the chances of them tangling and weakening. The case should
be lined with soft material and have compartments allowing your fine
jewelry pieces to be stored separately.
All of your jewelry, but fine diamond jewelry in particular, should
be stored in compartments or in plastic Ziploc bags. The bags will
slow down the tarnishing of silver and gold. Diamonds, being the
hardest stone, will scratch or even chip other gemstones. If your
jewelry box doesn't provide separation, then use soft cloth to
create layers.
Emeralds are almost always treated to improve clarity, and the wrong
cleaning treatment, such as sonic cleaning, can leave them looking
duller than before cleaning.
Considering the money spent on fine diamond jewelry, it's worth the
care you put into it to make it last and become heirloom pieces. By
caring for your fine diamond jewelry in the right way, you will
preserve its beauty and value for years to come.
By Theodore Thomas