Gemstone Care
1. All jewelry should be removed before doing housework, gardening and active sports, or gloves may be worn. Be especially careful with rings.
2. Periodically check for loose gems by gently shaking the piece or by tapping it with your finger near your ears. Prongs may be checked by trying to insert a thin piece of paper between the gem and the metal prongs. When in doubt have it professionally checked. Have all loose stones tightened before wearing the jewelry. Check clasps and fasteners often.
3. Restring necklaces regularly, at least every two years or annually with heavy use. If gems move easily along the string, it's time to have the piece restrung.
4. Do not store jewelry together. Wrap each piece in a soft pouch or cotton lined box. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires will scratch or abrade every other thing they touch.
5. Scratching and other damage can occur from improper cleaning. Do not over clean. Never use bleach or household cleaners. When in doubt do not use chemicals.
6. We recommend rubbing alcohol, a simple solution to cleaning gemstones. Put gems in a dish and immerse them in alcohol for a few minutes, use a soft brush if gems are coated with lotion, soap or dirt, then rinse with water and let air dry on a clean soft towel. The exceptions are: porous gems like emeralds which contain oil and must only be cleaned with lukewarm water and when necessary, a soft brush. Opals have a high water content and should only be cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild soap then thoroughly rinsed and dried as above.
Pearl Care
1. Keep your pearls in a chamois bag, protective pouch or softly lined box when not being worn. DO NOT store them in an airtight place.
2. Avoid storing pearls in sunlight, extreme dryness or humidity. Never expose pearls to hairsprays, cosmetics, perfumes, sun lotions or insect repellents — the acids will attack the pearls.
3. Never clean pearls using chemicals or abrasives; do not swim wearing pearls.
4. Pearls should be the last to go on and first to come off when dressing.
5. Pearls are usually strung securely with silk and are knotted between each pearl to avoid abrasion and prevent loss. If the pearls seem to travel loosely on the thread it is time to restring. If worn frequently, have pearls restrung once a year. Heavier pearls may need to be strung more often.
6. If the pearls seem to become dingy it is time for a cleaning. You can wash them gently with Woolite in warm water, being careful not to stretch the thread. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry on a towel (usually at least 24 hours).
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