Jewelry Aftercare

General Care

• Store each piece separately to avoid scratches — soft pouches or a jewelry box with compartments work well.
• Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes.
• Put jewelry on last, after you are dressed and your products have settled.
• Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use warm water with a drop of mild dish soap and pat dry immediately.
• Avoid abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners unless specifically safe for your piece.

Gold & Gold-Filled

• Clean with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Use a soft toothbrush for intricate areas.
• Pat dry with a clean cloth — never let gold air dry, as water spots can tarnish the surface.
• Polish with a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine between cleanings.
• Gold-filled is more durable than gold plate — it can handle gentle wear — but still avoid chlorine, saltwater, and heavy impact.
• Store in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratching.

Sterling Silver

• Sterling silver naturally tarnishes, especially in humid conditions. This is normal — not a defect.
• Store in an anti-tarnish pouch or a zip-lock bag when not wearing to slow tarnish buildup.
• Use a silver polishing cloth regularly to maintain brightness. Avoid paper-based cloths, which can scratch the metal.
• Remove before swimming, bathing, or applying personal care products.
• For stubborn tarnish, use a silver-specific cleaning product — never bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.

Permanent Jewelry

• Safe for daily wear — including showers, swimming in pools, and routine activity.
• The rivet point is the strongest part of the bracelet — it will not come undone on its own.
• Avoid harsh chemicals — chlorine, bleach, and strong solvents can damage the metal over time.
• TSA scanners will not affect your permanent jewelry. Inform the agent if asked to wand the area.
• Over time, the chain may develop a natural patina. This is normal and adds character. If you prefer the original shine, bring it in for a polishing.

Enamel Pieces

• Handle with care — enamel is glass and can chip or crack on impact.
• Remove before physical activity, heavy lifting, or any situation where it could be hit.
• Clean gently with a soft dry cloth. Do not use water near open seams or damaged enamel.
• Never use ultrasonic cleaners — the vibrations can crack enamel.
• Store in a soft pouch, separate from other jewelry, to prevent chipping.

When to Bring It In

Some things are better handled by a professional. Bring your jewelry in if you notice:

• Loose or shifting stones — do not wear it until it is inspected.
• Bent or lifted prongs — a prong re-tip is a quick fix that prevents stone loss.
• Broken or stretched chain — do not pull on it or try to fix it yourself.
• Clasp that no longer catches — especially important for necklaces and watches.
• Deep scratches, dents, or structural damage to precious metals.
• Enamel chips or cracks — early attention prevents further damage.

We offer jewelry services including repairs, cleaning, and polishing. Learn more about what we do.