7 Tips For Jewelry Care And Cleaning
Caring for your jewelry properly ensures it will last a lifetime. Establishing a cleaning routine for your jewelry is the best way to keep it looking pristine.
1. Know when to take it off
Put your ring in a safe place any time you are doing outdoor activities like working out, hiking, swimming, or working with your hands. These activities can damage your ring.
2. Keep it clean
Create an at-home cleaning schedule with one of our ring cleaning solutions! We recommend this at least once a month.
3. Check-ups
Visit our showroom every 6 months for a complimentary cleaning and maintenance check. We’ll ensure you aren’t at risk of losing any stones.
4. No Zzzzzing
Take off your jewelry before you sleep to avoid prongs snagging on loose threads and putting any pressure on bezel-set stones. Snagged prongs can put your stones at risk of falling out.
5. Keep the sparkle
Remove your rings when using lotions and take them off before you shower. Thick and oily products quickly cloud your gemstones, so do your best to avoid them.
6. Safe places
Put your ring in a safe place any time you take it off. Ring dishes next to sinks and on your nightstand (plus a jewelry safe) are great ideas!
7. Know your stone
Some stones require special care to keep them looking their best. Keep reading to learn about your specific stone.
Protecting Your Prongs & Bezels
While gold is a durable metal that has been used for generations to create wearable jewelry pieces, it requires specific care to maintain its beauty and strength over time.
Prong-Set Rings and Jewelry:
The prongs in these pieces hold stones securely in place. However, they are still susceptible to bending or breaking if snagged. If you find that your piece is catching on your clothing or hair, inspect the item and make sure that there are no gaps between the prong and stone. If you notice anything that looks off, please contact our team as soon as possible to have your piece inspected.
Bezel-Set Rings and Jewelry:
Bezel settings are one of the more secure options for stones, but a stone can become loose in a bezel if the item is knocked against a hard surface. If you notice the stone wiggling in the setting, don't hesitate to contact our team. We also recommend removing your rings when doing anything that requires a firm grip, such as mountain biking, skiing, or weight lifting, to avoid any misshaping of the band.
Chains and Necklaces:
Chains and necklaces often see build-up when worn regularly. We recommend removing these items when sleeping to avoid snagging or tangling overnight. We recommend cleaning your chain periodically using warm water, dish soap, and a soft brush for a deep clean, while a clean, soft cloth can help with daily maintenance.
DIY Cleaning
STEP 1
Soft Toothbrush
We recommend a soft toothbrush to avoid scratching the stone surface.
STEP 2
Dish Soap
Dish soap makes an excellent cleaning solution since it helps break down oils that can build up on stones and gold with daily wear.
STEP 3
Warm Water
Warm water is the best cleaning option to avoid overheating stones.
Gemstone & Diamond Cleaning Specifics
Precious Gemstones
Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are safe to clean using the instructions above and are safe in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Sarah O. cleaning products are also safe to use on these gems. Emeralds can be cleaned using warm water and a soft brush. Avoid contact with any alcohol-based cleaners or harsh detergents. Exposure to these chemicals can change the color of your gemstone.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
Semi-precious gemstones are often more susceptible to heated cleaning (like steam cleaning) since they can change color, crack, or break when exposed to high temperatures. Our standard cleaning recommendations or an ultrasonic cleaner are great ways to get a deep clean while avoiding any heated settings. Stones such as Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Citrine, Garnet, and Peridot are especially susceptible to heat cleaning.
