JEWELRY CARE
Each piece of your jewelry should be handled carefully, regularly cleaned and serviced, as detailed when purchased, to ensure enjoyment for future generations.
Never allow gemstones or jewelry pieces to come into contact with each other as only gemstones and materials of equal or greater hardness* can cause harm to your jewelry.
Each jewelry piece should be stored individually in its own packaging either received when purchased or ask your jeweler for assistance.
JEWELRY SERVICE AND RESTORATION
Over time, your jewelry will require professional cleaning and servicing as frequent wear will cause debris, oil and chemicals to buildup and metal surfaces to dull. This will detract from its beauty and brilliance. Debris, oil and chemical buildup coupled with forceful contact may eventually cause gemstones to loosen or even be lost. Contact your local jeweler for a professional cleaning minimally
once a year.
All pearls, as well as diamond and colored gemstone beads, on silk cord should be brought in for restringing every one to three years depending on frequency of wear.
Other Common Chemicals and Solutions to Avoid
Besides chlorine bleach, denatured alcohol, turpentine, acetone, and ammonia can cause harm. These chemicals can dull or even pit the surface on softer gemstones. Petroleum based products can actually "melt" amber if allowed to remain on the stone and they can do significant damage to pearls.
Gems requiring special care:
Opals require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use chemicals and avoid heat. Don't put your opal ring on the window sill when washing your hands or the dishes as strong sunlight can dry out the water in opals which could cause hazing or color change.
Pearls. Protect from scratches; perfumes and household chemicals which can wear away the nacre or cause color change.
Soft stones like lapis, malachite, turquoise, amber and opals can easily be scratched by pin stems and the edges of other jewelry. Protect pieces with these gemstones by wrapping them in jeweler's tissue and storing separately.
Michael Fischer is the owner of Prime Time Fine Jewelry located in Solana Beach. For more information, please call, 858. 259.1819 or send an email to info@primetimefinejewelry.com.
