Put Jewelry On Last, Take It Off First

This simple rule prevents most jewelry damage. Apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and makeup before putting on jewelry. Chemicals in beauty products can dull stones, damage settings, and cause discoloration. When undressing, remove jewelry first to avoid snagging on clothing.

Daily Inspection Routine

Spend 30 seconds each day checking your jewelry for:

• Loose Stones: Gently tap the piece and listen for rattling. Wiggle stones gently—they shouldn't move.
• Bent Prongs: Look for prongs that appear bent, broken, or don't fully cover the stone's edges.
• Chain Links: Check for broken, stretched, or worn links that could snap.
• Clasps: Ensure clasps close securely and aren't bent or damaged.
• Worn Areas: Look for thin spots on ring shanks, especially the underside.

Quick Daily Cleaning

For daily-wear pieces like engagement rings:

• Keep a soft jewelry cloth at your bathroom sink
• After washing hands, gently wipe your ring to remove soap residue and oils
• Use a soft toothbrush with warm soapy water for quick cleaning
• Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth
• This 1-minute routine keeps diamonds sparkling between deep cleanings

When to Remove Jewelry

Always remove jewelry when:

• Exercising or doing sports: Impact can loosen stones or bend settings
• Swimming or bathing: Chlorine damages gold and platinum; hot tubs are especially harmful
• Cleaning or gardening: Harsh chemicals and abrasives cause damage
• Applying beauty products: Hairspray, perfume, and lotions leave films that dull stones
• Sleeping: Prevents snagging on bedding and reduces wear on pronged settings
• Cooking: Food particles get trapped, and heat can damage certain stones
• Working with hands: Protect from impacts, abrasions, and catching on materials

Safe Wearing Habits

• Remove rings when washing hands in public restrooms—easy to forget and leave behind
• Check jewelry after removing clothing, especially over-the-head sweaters that can catch chains
• Avoid touching stones with fingers—oils transfer quickly and reduce brilliance
• Be mindful of hand movements when wearing cocktail rings to prevent catching on surfaces
• Rotate pieces rather than wearing the same items daily to reduce wear

Special Considerations for Engagement Rings

Engagement rings receive the most wear and need extra attention:

• Check prongs monthly—they wear faster than other parts
• Remove when applying hand lotion (the #1 cause of dull diamonds)
• Avoid wearing while sleeping to prevent prong damage
• Get professional inspections every 6 months
• Consider a silicone ring for gym, manual work, or active activities

General Safe Cleaning Method

This method works for most jewelry (exceptions noted below):

1. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water
2. Add 2-3 drops of mild dish soap (Dawn is recommended)
3. Let jewelry soak for 5-10 minutes
4. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub, paying attention to the back of stones and crevices
5. Rinse under warm running water (plug the drain!)
6. Dry with a lint-free cloth
7. Allow to air dry completely before storing

Cleaning by Metal Type

Gold (14K, 18K, Yellow, White, Rose):

• Use warm soapy water method
• Can use commercial jewelry cleaners designed for gold
• Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for plain gold and most gold with diamonds
• White gold may need rhodium re-plating every 1-2 years to maintain bright white finish
• Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach

Platinum:

• Very durable—warm soapy water works well
• Ultrasonic cleaners are safe
• Develops a natural patina over time (can be polished out if preferred)
• Can be professionally cleaned more aggressively than gold
• Safe with most chemicals except chlorine

Sterling Silver:

• Tarnishes naturally—this is normal oxidation
• Use silver polishing cloth for light tarnish
• For heavy tarnish, use commercial silver cleaner or silver dip
• Warm soapy water for routine cleaning
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if stones are present
• Store in anti-tarnish bags or with anti-tarnish strips

Cleaning by Stone Type

Diamonds:

• Safest stones to clean—can handle most methods
• Warm soapy water with soft brush is excellent
• Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe (avoid if fracture-filled)
• Commercial ammonia-based diamond cleaners work well
• Professional steam cleaning is safe
• Diamonds attract oils—clean frequently for maximum sparkle

Sapphires & Rubies (Corundum):

• Very hard and durable (9 on Mohs scale)
• Warm soapy water is safe
• Ultrasonic cleaners generally safe (avoid for fracture-filled or dyed stones)
• Steam cleaning typically safe
• Avoid harsh chemicals

Emeralds:

• Very delicate—special care required
• ONLY use warm soapy water with soft cloth—no brushing
• NEVER use ultrasonic cleaners (will destroy the stone)
• NEVER steam clean
• Most emeralds are oiled/treated—cleaning removes this treatment
• Professional re-oiling needed periodically
• Avoid temperature changes

Pearls (Natural & Cultured):

• Most delicate—extreme care needed
• Wipe with damp, soft cloth only
• NEVER soak in water (weakens the thread)
• NEVER use any cleaners, soaps, or chemicals
• Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning
• Apply perfume and hairspray before putting on pearls
• Wipe after wearing to remove body oils and acids
• Restring annually if worn frequently

Opals:

• Contain water—very delicate
• Quickly wipe with damp cloth only
• Never soak or use chemicals
• Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning
• Avoid temperature extremes and dry environments
• Store with damp cotton to prevent drying

Soft Stones (Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Topaz, Peridot, Amethyst):

• Warm soapy water with gentle cloth (no brushing)
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners (can cause fractures)
• No steam cleaning
• Handle gently—these stones chip and scratch easily

What to Avoid

• Toothpaste: Too abrasive—scratches metals and soft stones
• Baking soda: Abrasive and can damage softer stones
• Vinegar: Too acidic for many stones and metals
• Household cleaners: Contain harsh chemicals that damage jewelry
• Paper towels: Surprisingly abrasive—use soft cloths only
• Hot water: Can crack stones with inclusions or cause thermal shock

The Golden Rules of Jewelry Storage

1. Separate pieces to prevent scratching: Diamonds (10 on Mohs) scratch everything, including other diamonds
2. Keep jewelry dry: Moisture causes tarnish and can damage certain stones
3. Avoid temperature extremes: Heat and cold can damage stones and metals
4. Store away from sunlight: UV rays can fade colored gemstones over time
5. Keep chemicals away: Even stored perfumes and cleaning products emit vapors that can tarnish

Storage Solutions by Jewelry Type

Rings:

• Ring rolls or ring boxes with individual slots
• Never store rings touching each other (diamonds scratch metals)
• Ring dishes for daily-wear items (but don't leave near sinks!)
• Soft pouches for individual high-value rings
• Consider ring sizers for loose rings to prevent loss

Necklaces & Chains:

• Hang on hooks or necklace stands to prevent tangling
• For travel: lay flat and secure with plastic wrap between layers
• Store delicate chains in individual pouches
• Always fasten clasps to prevent tangling
• Avoid hanging heavy pendants (stretches chains over time)

Bracelets & Bangles:

• Lay flat in padded boxes or trays
• Soft pouches for individual pieces
• Bracelet stands work well for bangles
• Keep stretchy bead bracelets lying flat (prevents string wear)

Earrings:

• Earring books or organizers with holes
• Keep pairs together (nothing worse than losing one!)
• Store posts with backs attached
• Travel earring cases with individual compartments
• Ice cube trays work surprisingly well for organization

Storage Environment

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature: Room temperature (60-75°F) with minimal fluctuation
• Humidity: Moderate (40-60%)—not too dry, not too damp
• Location: Dark, cool place away from windows and heat sources
• Avoid: Bathrooms (too humid), attics (temperature swings), basements (potential moisture)

Jewelry Box Selection

A quality jewelry box should have:

• Fabric-lined compartments (velvet or felt)
• Divided sections to separate pieces
• Ring rolls or specialized ring storage
• Necklace hooks or hangers
• Tarnish-resistant lining for silver
• Lock if storing valuable items
• Consider a box with anti-tarnish lining for silver pieces

Safe Storage for Valuables

For high-value jewelry:

• Home safe: Fireproof, waterproof, bolted down
• Safety deposit box: Bank storage for pieces worn infrequently
• Hidden home storage: Avoid obvious locations like bedroom drawers
• Document everything: Photos, appraisals, receipts in separate location
• Insurance: Itemized coverage for high-value pieces

Travel Storage

When traveling with jewelry:

• Use a travel jewelry case with secure compartments
• Carry on luggage only—never check valuable jewelry
• Keep in hotel safe (photograph items first)
• Bring only what you'll actually wear
• Consider leaving heirloom pieces at home
• Pack copy of insurance policy and appraisals
• Photograph jewelry on your person in case of loss

Anti-Tarnish Solutions for Silver

• Anti-tarnish strips or tabs in storage areas
• Anti-tarnish bags or pouches (blue Pacific Silvercloth is excellent)
• Chalk or silica gel packets to control moisture
• Avoid plastic bags (trap moisture and accelerate tarnishing)
• Store silver in sealed containers when possible
• 3M Anti-Tarnish Strips last 6-12 months

Regular Professional Inspections

Frequency Guidelines:

• Engagement rings and daily-wear pieces: Every 6 months
• Special occasion jewelry: Annually
• Vintage or delicate pieces: Every 6 months
• After any impact or damage: Immediately

What professionals check:

• Prong security and wear
• Stone tightness
• Structural integrity of settings
• Chain and clasp condition
• Metal wear patterns
• Signs of stress or damage

Professional Cleaning

Deep Cleaning (Every 6-12 months):

• Ultrasonic cleaning: Uses high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt from crevices
• Steam cleaning: High-pressure steam removes stubborn deposits
• Polishing: Removes surface scratches and restores shine
• Most jewelers offer complimentary cleaning for pieces purchased from them
• Professional cleaning is much more thorough than at-home methods

Why professional cleaning matters:

• Removes buildup impossible to clean at home
• Allows expert inspection for damage
• Restores original brilliance
• Identifies potential problems before they become serious
• Prolongs jewelry lifespan

Rhodium Plating for White Gold

What it is: White gold is naturally yellowish. It's plated with rhodium (a platinum-family metal) to achieve that bright white finish.

When you need replating:

• White gold appears yellowish or dull
• Color is uneven or patchy
• You notice the underlying gold color showing through
• Typically needed every 12-24 months depending on wear

Process:

• Professional cleaning first
• Light polishing to prep surface
• Electroplating with rhodium
• Takes 1-2 hours typically
• Cost usually $50-100 per ring

Prong Retipping & Rebuilding

When you need it:

• Prongs appear thin or worn
• Prong tips are rounded instead of pointed
• Metal is visible through the prongs
• Stone is loose or moves
• Prong height is uneven

Process:

• Stone is removed (if necessary)
• New metal is added to worn prongs
• Prongs are reshaped and finished
• Stone is securely reset
• Typically $100-200 depending on complexity

Prevention: Regular inspections catch prong wear early before stones are at risk.

Refinishing & Polishing

When jewelry needs refinishing:

• Visible scratches on metal surfaces
• Dull or worn appearance
• Uneven texture or finish
• Surface damage from wear

Types of finishing:

• High polish: Mirror-like shine (most common)
• Matte/brushed: Soft, non-reflective finish
• Satin: Between matte and polish
• Florentine: Decorative cross-hatched finish
• Hammered: Textured surface finish

Important note: Polishing removes a microscopic layer of metal. Frequent polishing can thin metal over time, especially on delicate pieces.

Ring Resizing

When you might need resizing:

• Weight fluctuation
• Pregnancy (temporary swelling)
• Arthritis or joint changes
• Season changes (fingers swell in heat)
• Inherited ring that doesn't fit

What to know:

• Can typically size up or down 1-2 sizes safely
• Eternity bands and channel-set rings often can't be resized
• Some designs limit resizing options
• Cost: $50-200 depending on metal and complexity
• Takes 1-2 weeks typically

Stone Replacement

Reasons for replacement:

• Lost or damaged stone
• Upgrading center diamond
• Replacing with better quality
• Color change preference

Process:

• Match stone size and quality
• Secure setting if necessary
• Professional setting of new stone
• Quality check and cleaning

Chain Repair

Common chain repairs:

• Broken or stretched links
• Broken clasp
• Shortened or lengthened chains
• Soldering separated links

Cost: $20-80 for simple repairs; custom work costs more.

Choosing a Jeweler for Repairs

Look for:

• Certified gemologist on staff (GIA or AGS preferred)
• On-site repairs (not sent out)
• Insurance coverage for items in their care
• Written estimates before work begins
• Good reviews and established reputation
• Reasonable turnaround times
• Warranty on repair work

At Carroll's Jewelers: We offer complimentary lifetime professional cleaning and inspection on all pieces purchased from us, plus expert repair services with 4 generations of experience.