Jewelry Care and Cleaning
Fine jewelry is made to last a lifetime. But to keep it looking as beautiful as it did the day you got it takes proper care. Here are a few basic tips from the Jewelers of America:
- Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place.
- Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.
- Don't jumble jewelry together in a drawer or box. Pieces can scratch each other.
- Be careful when removing jewelry to wash your hands. Do not leave it on the rim of a sink, where it can easily slip down the drain.
- See us at R. F. Moeller every six months to have your jewelry cleaned. And come in at least once a year so we can check for loose prongs, worn mountings and general wear and tear.
- Ultrasonic cleaning machines are a convenient way to clean your jewelry at home. However they can damage some pieces. Talk to us at Moeller to see whether an ultrasonic machine is a good option for your jewelry wardrobe, and if so, what model would be best for you.
Diamond Care
Diamonds aren't high maintenance. But they do need a little care. They can get smudged, soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps � even skin oils � can put a film on your diamonds and diminish their brilliance. Clean diamonds sparkle because the maximum amount of light enters the stone and returns in a fiery brilliance. It just takes some basic maintenance to keep them that way.
- Do not wear your diamonds, especially rings, when doing rough work. Even though diamonds are one of the hardest minerals, they can still be chipped by a sharp, sudden blow.
- Chlorine can damage and discolor jewelry mountings. Keep your diamond away from bleach and other household chemicals. It's also a good idea to remove your diamond jewelry before entering a chlorinated pool or hot tub.
- Clean your diamonds regularly using a commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of ammonia and water, or a mild detergent. Dip the jewelry into the solution and use a soft brush to dislodge dust or dirt from under the setting.
- Avoid touching your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle clean jewelry by its edges.