Jewelry Care Guide
Proper care will extend the life and beauty of your jewelry. Each piece is handcrafted with care, and with a little attention, your Artisan jewelry will remain beautiful for years to come.
General Jewelry Care
Daily Care Tips
- Always put your jewelry on last after applying makeup, perfume, and hairspray
- Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping
- Store pieces individually in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratching
- Clean your jewelry regularly with a soft polishing cloth
- Avoid exposing jewelry to harsh chemicals like chlorine or cleaning products
Storage
Proper storage is essential for maintaining your jewelry's condition:
- Store each piece separately to prevent tangling and scratching
- Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Use anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to prevent oxidation
- For necklaces, hang them or lay them flat to prevent tangling
What to Avoid
Water Exposure
Remove jewelry before swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean. Chlorine and salt water can damage metals and loosen settings.
Chemicals
Keep jewelry away from household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays, which can dull the finish and damage gemstones.
Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade certain gemstones and damage delicate materials.
Physical Activity
Remove jewelry during exercise, sports, or any activity that might cause impact or excessive sweating.
Gold Jewelry Care
Cleaning Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry should be cleaned regularly to maintain its luster:
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water in a small bowl.
Soak the Jewelry
Place your gold jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
Gentle Brushing
Use a soft-bristled brush (like a baby toothbrush) to gently scrub around settings and crevices.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the jewelry under warm running water, making sure to remove all soap residue.
Dry Completely
Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing.
Note: For gold jewelry with gemstones, check the gemstone care instructions as well, as some stones require special care.
Gold Types and Special Considerations
14K & 18K Gold
Higher karat gold is softer and more susceptible to scratching. Store these pieces separately and handle with extra care.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is gold-plated silver. Clean with mild soap and water only, and avoid abrasive materials that could remove the gold layer.
Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold than gold-plated pieces. Clean gently with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
Rose Gold
The copper in rose gold can tarnish over time. Clean regularly and store in anti-tarnish bags or with anti-tarnish strips.
Silver Jewelry Care
Preventing Tarnish
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and certain substances. To prevent tarnish:
- Store silver jewelry in anti-tarnish bags or cloth
- Keep silver in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Wear your silver jewelry regularly—natural oils in your skin help prevent tarnish
- Remove silver jewelry before swimming, bathing, or using household cleaners
Cleaning Tarnished Silver
If your silver jewelry has already tarnished, here's how to clean it:
Silver Polishing Cloth
Use a silver polishing cloth specifically designed for jewelry. Gently rub the tarnished areas until the tarnish is removed.
Mild Soap Method
For light tarnish, mix mild dish soap with warm water, soak for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
Baking Soda Paste
For stubborn tarnish, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply gently with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
Caution: Do not use silver dips or harsh chemical cleaners on silver jewelry with gemstones, pearls, or oxidized/antiqued finishes, as these can damage these elements.
Gemstone Care
General Gemstone Care
Different gemstones require different care, but here are some general guidelines:
- Clean gemstone jewelry with a soft brush and mild soap in warm water
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless you're certain your gemstone is safe for this method
- Protect gemstones from sharp blows, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperature changes
- Check settings regularly to ensure stones are secure
Specific Gemstone Care
Diamonds
Hardness: 10 (Mohs scale)
While diamonds are extremely hard, they can still chip if hit at the right angle. Clean with mild soap and water, or a solution of ammonia and water (1:6 ratio).
Sapphires & Rubies
Hardness: 9 (Mohs scale)
Durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid exposing to high heat, which can alter color.
Emeralds
Hardness: 7.5-8 (Mohs scale)
Emeralds often have inclusions and can be brittle. Clean gently with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Opals
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Opals contain water and can crack if they dry out. Clean with a damp cloth only. Avoid heat, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
Turquoise
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale)
Porous and can absorb oils and chemicals. Clean with a soft, damp cloth only. Avoid water, soap, and all chemicals.
Amethyst & Quartz
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Relatively durable. Clean with mild soap and water. Prolonged sun exposure can fade amethyst's color over time.
Pearl Care
Special Care for Pearls
Pearls are organic gems that require special care:
- Pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off
- Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove oils and perspiration
- Store pearls separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, or jewelry dips on pearls
- Restring pearl necklaces every few years if worn regularly
Cleaning Pearls
For deeper cleaning when necessary:
- Mix a solution of lukewarm water with a small drop of mild, phosphate-free soap
- Dip a soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe each pearl
- Rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe the pearls again to remove soap residue
- Lay the pearl jewelry flat on a soft towel to dry completely before storing
Important: Never soak pearls in water or any cleaning solution, as this can weaken the silk thread. Avoid all chemicals, including perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics, which can damage the pearl's nacre.
Professional Jewelry Services
For the best care of your fine jewelry, we recommend professional cleaning and inspection at least once a year. Our services include:
Professional Cleaning
Our expert jewelers will clean your pieces using professional equipment and techniques to restore their original brilliance.
Inspection & Maintenance
We'll check for loose stones, worn prongs, and other potential issues to prevent loss or damage.
Repair Services
From chain repairs to stone replacement, our skilled craftspeople can restore your treasured pieces.
Restringing
We offer professional restringing services for pearl necklaces and bracelets to ensure their longevity.