JEWELRY CARE GUIDE
The Insider’s Guide to Lasting Jewelry
Explore insider tricks to keep your jewels as beautiful as the day you bought them from Jewels Aficionado's gemologist and jewelry director.
Diamond Jewelry Care
Diamonds Are Eternal, But Not Invincible
Diamonds can scratch anything, even other diamonds. Always store them in individual soft pouches or lined compartments, never tossed together in a box.
To clean, soak in lukewarm water with a whisper of mild soap.
With a soft toothbrush, gently sweep behind the stone and around the prongs.
Rinse in clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Skip the bleach, harsh chemicals, and abrasive cleaners.
Colored Gemstone Jewelry Care
Handle Colored Gems With Nuance
Always store your gemstones individually.
Clean with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap and wipe with a soft cloth.
Use a soft brush only on harder gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and spinels.
For delicate gems like emeralds, opals, turquoise, and pearls, avoid brushing altogether.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, sudden temperature changes, and direct sunlight for extended periods.
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Safe to gently brush with a wet soft brush dipped in lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap.
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Safe to gently brush with a wet soft brush dipped in lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap.
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Safe to gently brush with a wet soft brush dipped in lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap.
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Only wipe with a soft cloth. Never brush.
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Wipe softly with a cloth. Avoid water soaks, brushing, and extremes of heat or humidity.
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Wipe softly with a cloth. Avoid water soaks, brushing, and extremes of heat or humidity.
Specialty Care for Omega Chains
Omega chains are stunning, structured style made from curved metal plates over a mesh core. They don’t drape like other chains, which makes them prone to bending, kinking, or denting.
Lay flat when storing, preferably in a rigid, form fitting case.
Handle delicately, never placing pressure or folding.
Wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth after each wear.
Don't fold, twist, or hand for extended periods.
Store in a hard case with padding, avoiding travel pouches unless flat and structured.
The Answers to All Your Questions
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if a stone feels loose, take the jewelry off immediately. Secure it safely and bring it in. Our jewelers will reset it before the stone risks escaping.
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Do not wear it until repaired. Clasps are usually an easy fix, and our team can restore security right away.
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This often happens to softer metals like 14k gold or thin bands. Do not try to bend it back yourself! This weakens the structure and may damage the stones. Bring it back to us and our professional cleaners will reinforce the original shape.
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Buildup of lotion, oil, and dust is common. Soak the piece in warm water with mild soap and gently clean with a soft toothbrush. Dry completely before storing.
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It’s best to remove all fine jewelry before showering, swimming, or sleeping, as water and sweat can dull metals and damage soft stones. If you prefer to keep your jewelry on, stick to pieces made of solid gold and diamonds, since colored gemstones are generally more delicate and not ideal for everyday wear.
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We recommend a professional cleaning and setting inspection once a year to maintain structure and brilliance, even if your pieces look perfect. Professional inspections catch loosened prongs or structural stress before they become losses. As part of our commitment, Jewels Aficionado offers this service complimentary with all fine jewelry pieces.
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The most overlooked form of jewelry care is ensuring your fine jewelry is appraised and insured. We recommend updating appraisals every 3–5 years. As part of our commitment, Jewels Aficionado offers this service complimentary with all fine jewelry pieces.
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We love layering our pieces, but stacking comes with rules if you want your pieces to last. For rings and bracelets, vary the thicknesses and avoid pairing delicate pavé or gemstone settings next to heavier bands to prevent scratching or loosening stones. For necklaces, mix lengths and chain styles to avoid tangling or uneven tension that can stress clasps. In all cases, rotate your pieces regularly and handle them gently to maintain their brilliance and structural integrity over time.
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To protect your jewelry, always store each piece separately, even separate your earrings. Place rings, bracelets, and necklaces in individual compartments or soft pouches to prevent scratching, tangling, or bending. When traveling, use cushioned cases or rigid boxes, never tossing jewelry loosely into bags.
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Don’t tug! Especially with an omega chain. Place it on a flat surface and gently work through the knot using a soft needle or pin. For tight knots, a drop of baby oil can help loosen it. If you cannot get it out, stop by our boutique and we will help.