Jewelry « Back to Education

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DIAMONDS
WATCHES
Jewelry
- Metal Alloys
- Gold
- Platinum
- Rhodium
- Jewelry Care
  
  Cleaning and Storing Jewelry
  
  Cleaning Jewelry
  Gold will develop an oily build-up caused by lotions, powders, soaps, and natural skin oils. This 'skin' will detract from its overall beauty. Furthermore, chemicals in the air can slightly oxidize gold depending on the karat grade and alloys used. Contact with chlorine bleach may also damage gold jewelry over time. Platinum will be more resistant to wear. Over time, and because of its interaction with the atmosphere, it will develop a patina giving it the effect of brushed steel.
  
  Here are some methods for keeping your jewelry beautiful.
  
  1. Detergent Bath
  Use any mild liquid home detergent (such as dishwashing soap) and prepare a small bowl of warm suds. Brush the pieces with a soft toothbrush while in the sudsy bath. Follow the bath with a quick rinse under warm running water. Finally, pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  
  2. The Cold Water Soak
  Soak the jewelry in a 50% cold water / 50% ammonia solution for 30 minutes. Lift out gently and clean with a soft toothbrush. Allow the jewelry to drain on tissue paper.
  
  3. The Quick-Dip Method
  Buy a brand-name liquid jewelry cleaner. Follow the cleaning instructions on the label.
  
  4. Ultrasonic Cleaning
  Ultrasonic cleaners are small machines that clean most jewelry in less than five minutes. There are many varieties of ultrasonic cleaners available for under $100 and the process for all of them is similar; the machine uses ultra high-frequency sound waves to shake loose any dirt embedded on the jewelry. We find this method to be particularly effective, especially when a small amount the solution is slightly soapy. Always check your jewelry afterwards to ensure that none of the stones have come loose during the cleaning.
  
  Proper jewelry storage
  When you are not wearing your jewelry, it should be properly stored.
  
  Keep your precious pieces in a fabric-lined jewel case, or a compartmentalized box. If your jewelry is stored in the same area, wrap each piece individually in tissue paper. Remember, diamonds can scratch jewelry and other diamonds.
  
  Buy Books about Diamonds and Gems
  Gemnation has partnered with Amazon.com to bring you
  the most relevant diamond, gem and ring buying books and guides.
- Resizing and Finishing
PEARLS
RUBIES
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GLOSSARY

Cleaning and Storing Jewelry

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Cleaning Jewelry

Gold will develop an oily build-up caused by lotions, powders, soaps, and natural skin oils. This 'skin' will detract from its overall beauty. Furthermore, chemicals in the air can slightly oxidize gold depending on the karat grade and alloys used. Contact with chlorine bleach may also damage gold jewelry over time. Platinum will be more resistant to wear. Over time, and because of its interaction with the atmosphere, it will develop a patina giving it the effect of brushed steel.

Here are some methods for keeping your jewelry beautiful.

1. Detergent Bath
Use any mild liquid home detergent (such as dishwashing soap) and prepare a small bowl of warm suds. Brush the pieces with a soft toothbrush while in the sudsy bath. Follow the bath with a quick rinse under warm running water. Finally, pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

2. The Cold Water Soak
Soak the jewelry in a 50% cold water / 50% ammonia solution for 30 minutes. Lift out gently and clean with a soft toothbrush. Allow the jewelry to drain on tissue paper.

3. The Quick-Dip Method
Buy a brand-name liquid jewelry cleaner. Follow the cleaning instructions on the label.

4. Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaners are small machines that clean most jewelry in less than five minutes. There are many varieties of ultrasonic cleaners available for under $100 and the process for all of them is similar; the machine uses ultra high-frequency sound waves to shake loose any dirt embedded on the jewelry. We find this method to be particularly effective, especially when a small amount the solution is slightly soapy. Always check your jewelry afterwards to ensure that none of the stones have come loose during the cleaning.

Proper jewelry storage

When you are not wearing your jewelry, it should be properly stored.

Keep your precious pieces in a fabric-lined jewel case, or a compartmentalized box. If your jewelry is stored in the same area, wrap each piece individually in tissue paper. Remember, diamonds can scratch jewelry and other diamonds.