Jewelry Care Guide

To purchase truly fine jewelry is to make a lifelong investment. Caring for the jewelry you have purchased a key element to preserving that investment. Follow our guide to care for your jewelry at home and remember to bring the jewelry you wear frequently in every six months to have the stones and prongs checked for safety and security.

And remember, we are always happy to clean your jewelry any time you come into the store. Clean jewelry is beautiful jewelry.

Storage

When you aren't wearing your jewelry, be sure to protect it by putting it in its own compartment in your jewelry box.

When it isn't properly stored, gemstones and other gem quality pieces can damage each other. For example, diamonds will scratch all other gemstones including rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Most gemstones will scratch metals, including gold, silver and platinum. Pearls deserve special attention. Separate them into their own silk or cotton pouch and be sure they are clean and dry before storing.

Wear

Rings, regularly worn, need periodic cleaning to remove the film caused by cosmetics, soap, and skin oil that may cloud the ring's beauty. Diamonds, for example, have an affinity for grease and literally collect oils in dishwater. Remove rings before routine household chores and clean rings regularly.

Activity which might subject a gemstone to sharp blows-such as gardening, working with hand tools, or playing sports-may also damage a gemstone. Diamonds are also susceptible to damage from an impact, which might cause them to chip or crack.

Put jewelry on after you apply hair spray or cosmetics. Chemicals present in either may cause damage, especially to cultured pearls. Wipe your pearls with a soft chamois or flannel cloth after each wearing to remove your skin's oils and salts.

A few colored gemstones, such as kunzite, may fade when worn in sunlight or in a tanning booth. Few watches are waterproof, though many are water resistant. If moisture or dust has penetrated the case of your watch, have it checked only by an authorized technician. Attempts by an untrained repairperson may seriously damage the watch and invalidate factory warranties.

Cleaning

In most cases, routine home care of your fine jewelry supplemented with regular care by your AGS jeweler can result in a lifetime of pleasurable wear. Gasser's provides cleaning as a free service along with a complimentary check-up to be certain the gemstones are secure and safe in their settings.

Home Jewelry Care

A mild soap and water solution used with a soft brush is effective for most home jewelry care needs. Check with your AGS jeweler, however, before using commercial cleaning products. Chemicals in some products can damage certain gems, such as pearls, even if they are considered to be mild. Even soft brushes used in applying cleansers can do damage to pearls. Soapy water cleans your pearls, but avoid getting the string wet since it will stretch or break.

There are polishing cloths specifically for karat gold or sterling silver. Do not use paper towels; they can scratch the metal.

Home Ultrasonic Cleaners

Home ultrasonic cleaners are best used for karat gold jewelry without gemstones. The ultrasonic may also be suitable for some diamond-set jewelry; however, the intense vibrations can loosen gems. DO NOT use the ultrasonic on porous gems such as lapis, coral, pearl or dyed gemstones.

Protection

Depending on the frequency of wear, visit your AGS jeweler at least twice a year for a professional cleaning. They will check the prongs for wear and security as well as the gemstone itself for any damage or needed re-polishing. For pearls, it is necessary to re-string them periodically to protect against breakage and possible loss.

You can trust in your AGS jeweler to advise you on proper care and wear of your jewelry. Taking care of your gems and jewelry will add to your appreciation of their lasting beauty and value.