Luxury Jewelry Care Essentials

No doubt you admire your engagement ring out of the blue, noticing just how much you adore it. You almost certainly appreciate your fashion jewelry when you slip it on. But no matter how much you love your pieces, it's a disappointment when your diamonds get grimy and your silver bracelet gets dented and tarnished. Jewelry isn't "fire and forget;" it's something that jewelry owners must maintain on the regular.

It's not difficult to care for your jewelry, and when there are some essential tips to keep in mind when you're planning to keep your jewelry dazzling for generations to come!

Store Your Jewelry Properly

It won't do to toss your jewelry into a box. At BARONS JEWELERS, we suggest that you invest in a jewelry box that has enough distinct compartments for the different types of jewelry you own. A fashion ring, for example, needs storage very different from a necklace. Plus, it's important to keep in mind that different materials require different care. Pearls and opals demand extremely soft, protective lining, while diamonds should be kept away from other gems. Sterling silver fashion rings, as well as bracelets and other pieces of silver jewelry, can tarnish. It's important to keep them under fabric that will protect them from the oxidizing effects of air.

Stick to Gentle Cleaning Methods

Most jewelry is durable, but that doesn't mean it's invulnerable. Ultrasonic cleaners can damage gems whose colors change under heat or pressure; soaps can cause your favorite pearl necklace to disintegrate; harsh scouring chemicals can scratch your gold ring. If you're sticking to very hard gems, such as diamonds, corundum gems (sapphire and ruby), emerald, or topaz; and your ring is made from gold, you can pick a mild dish detergent and lukewarm water. Using a baby's toothbrush, it's generally okay to clean your jewelry this way. Of course, if your pieces are made from soft gems or you have questions about their long-term condition, best to come into BARONS JEWELERS to get your jewelry serviced.

Be Careful about How You Wear Jewelry

This isn't to say that you can't wear your favorite fashion ring to work! You should enjoy your jewelry as often as you'd like. But if you're going to be in an environment where that fashion ring may get bent or subjected to chemicals, it may be ideal to keep the piece at home. Your lotions, perfumes, and makeup can also have a detrimental effect on your jewelry's sparkle and luster—these chemicals can't damage jewelry, but they can build up on the surface of metal and gemstones, causing them to become dull and dingy over time. If possible, put on your jewelry after you've already applied these things and let them dry.

The biggest piece of advice, however, is to take your jewelry into a trusted jeweler for biannual cleaning. It's better to trust the delicate work of maintaining and cleaning pieces to experts who have years of experience. If you'd like to know more about luxury jewelry care, contact BARONS JEWELERS today at (925) 278 6506, or visit our Dublin, California showroom today!