Comprehensive Jewelry Care Guide

Comprehensive Jewelry Care Guide

Fine jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed every day. With proper care and regular maintenance, your jewelry can be treasured for generations. Whether your piece features diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, or precious metals, a few simple habits will help preserve its beauty and protect your investment.

Daily Wear

Jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Before wearing your jewelry, allow lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics, and sunscreens to fully dry. These products can leave residue that dulls the brilliance of diamonds and gemstones while causing precious metals to lose their natural luster over time.
Although gold and platinum are durable, they are not indestructible. Fine jewelry should always be removed before activities that expose it to unnecessary impact or pressure.
We recommend removing your jewelry before:

• Exercising or weightlifting
• Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean
• Gardening or yard work
• Cleaning with household chemicals
• Heavy lifting or manual labor
• Contact sports
• Sleeping (especially rings and earrings)

Even diamonds—the hardest natural substance on earth—can chip if struck at the right angle.

Cleaning Your Jewelry at Home

Routine cleaning helps restore brilliance and keeps your jewelry looking its best.
For most diamond and gold jewelry:

1. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Allow the jewelry to soak for 15–20 minutes.
3. Gently brush behind the stones and around the setting using a soft toothbrush.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Pat dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, bleach, chlorine, or ultrasonic cleaners unless you know your jewelry is suitable for them.
If you're unsure, we're always happy to advise you before cleaning.

Professional Cleaning & Inspection

Even well-cared-for jewelry experiences normal wear over time.
Prongs gradually wear down, settings loosen, and clasps can weaken through everyday use. These changes are often impossible to notice without magnification.
We recommend bringing your jewelry in every 6–12 months for a complimentary professional cleaning and inspection.
During an inspection we check:

• Loose diamonds or gemstones
• Worn prongs
• Bent settings
• Clasp security
• Chain wear
• Mounting integrity
• Overall condition

Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent accidental stone loss.


Diamond Jewelry

Diamonds naturally attract oils from skin, lotions, and cosmetics. This thin layer of residue is the primary reason diamonds lose their sparkle.
Regular cleaning restores the brilliance and fire that make diamonds so captivating.
While diamonds are exceptionally hard, they can scratch other jewelry—including other diamonds. Store diamond pieces separately whenever possible.

Colored Gemstones

Every gemstone has different characteristics.
While sapphires and rubies are highly durable, stones such as emeralds, opals, tanzanite, turquoise, and morganite require additional care.
To protect colored gemstones:

• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Keep away from harsh chemicals.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless approved for that specific gemstone.
• Remove jewelry during strenuous activities.

If you're unsure how to care for a particular gemstone, we'd be happy to guide you.

Pearls

Pearls are among the most delicate gemstones and require special attention.
Because pearls are organic, they can be damaged by perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics, and household chemicals.
Pearls should always be:

• Put on last
• Removed first
• Wiped clean with a soft cloth after each wear
• Stored flat in a soft pouch

Avoid soaking pearls in water or using commercial jewelry cleaners.

Gold Jewelry

Gold naturally develops small surface scratches through everyday wear. This is completely normal and part of owning fine jewelry.
Professional polishing can restore its original finish when needed.
To keep your gold jewelry looking beautiful:

• Store pieces separately.
• Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Remove jewelry before physical work.
• Clean regularly with mild soap and warm water.

White gold jewelry is finished with rhodium plating to create its bright white appearance. Over time, this finish naturally wears and may require re-plating depending on how frequently the piece is worn.

Platinum Jewelry

Unlike white gold, platinum does not lose metal when scratched.
Instead, the metal gradually shifts, creating what is known as a natural platinum patina—a soft satin finish many owners appreciate.
If you prefer the original mirror finish, platinum can easily be professionally polished.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air, moisture, and sulfur.
Regular wear often helps slow tarnishing, while proper storage significantly reduces oxidation.
Store silver jewelry in airtight bags or anti-tarnish pouches when not in use.

Proper Storage

Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your jewelry.
We recommend:

• Individual jewelry boxes or soft pouches
• Separate compartments for each piece
• Keeping chains clasped to prevent tangling
• Storing diamonds separately to avoid scratching other jewelry

Avoid leaving jewelry loose on countertops or in humid environments such as bathrooms.



Travel Tips

When traveling:

• Use a padded jewelry travel case.
• Avoid packing jewelry in checked luggage.
• Bring only pieces you'll realistically wear.
• Remove jewelry before swimming or participating in outdoor activities.

Insurance

We strongly recommend insuring valuable jewelry against loss, theft, or accidental damage.
An up-to-date jewelry appraisal helps ensure your coverage reflects current replacement value.
If you purchased your jewelry from Sky Diamond Jewelers, we're happy to assist with appraisal updates when needed.

Our Commitment

Every piece purchased from Sky Diamond Jewelers deserves exceptional care long after it leaves our showroom.
We proudly offer complimentary professional cleanings and inspections to help keep your jewelry looking beautiful and performing as intended.
If you ever have questions about caring for your jewelry, our team is always here to help.