Basic Jewelry Care Guide
Even though jewelry Taylor's sells is built to last, it will last longer with
proper care. Here we provide some good advice on caring for your jewelry. If you
have questions or jewelry that
needs professional attention,
please come in to the store or
contact
us
Diamond Care
While diamonds are the hardest minerals, they still require some care to keep
them looking their best and to protect them from loss or damage.
A regular professional cleaning is recommended. Diamond jewelry can easily
acquire a buildup of dirt, makeup and other materials that diminish its
brightness, especially if it's worn every day. Taylor's Jewelry offers
professional cleaning. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners if your diamond has a
serious crack or inclusion. The vibrations of these cleaners can enlarge such
flaws. For at home cleaning a solution of half-ammonia and half-cold water works
well. Let your diamond soak for 30 minutes, then dry it with a lint-free cloth.
Interestingly, placing your diamond in a glass of plain vodka has also been
known to effectively restore its sparkle, but don't forget where you left it!
What could possibly scratch a diamond? Another diamond. To prevent such
scratches, separate diamond jewelry in your jewelry box. Diamonds also can
scratch other gems or jewelry, especially soft items like pearls. And even
though diamonds are hard, they can be brittle, especially along thin edges. Try
not to wear your diamond when it might be struck sharply, and if you have an
especially thin cut, keep it protected.
Perhaps even more distressing than chipping a diamond is losing one. When you go
in for cleaning, ask at Taylor's to have our technician to check the setting and
make sure the stone is secure. If it seems loose, bring it in for repair
immediately. Also avoid setting diamonds in very soft metals like 24k gold,
which bends easily.
Metal Care
When it comes to caring for your metal, it's important to remember that every
metal is different. While little maintenance is needed for durable metals such
as tungsten, other metals require some attention. For instance, platinum is a
strong metal but is susceptible to scratches. Getting your platinum buffed every
six months is recommended. You can also remove build-up with jewelry cleaner or
mild soap and water. Regular polishing keeps your silver from looking tarnished.
Sterling silver is damaged less easily than regular silver.
Gold is a metal that needs gentle care. Soap film easily builds on the surface
of gold, so it's best to remove your gold jewelry before showering or using
household cleaners or chemicals. Chlorine has also been known to weaken gold,
causing it to break more easily. Placing your gold jewelry in a solution
containing a few drops of ammonia, mild detergent and warm water will bring back
its shine. Rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove grease and body oil from
gold jewelry. To return brilliance to your white gold bring it in to the store
for rhodium plating.
Gemstones
Cleaning gemstones is easy. Simply soak the piece in a bowl of warm, soapy water
for several minutes and then use a soft, non-metallic brush to remove any grime.
If you use a jewelry cleanser, make sure it is non-abrasive. Don’t use harsh
chemical cleaners, and don’t clean the item in the sink too often it ends up
down the drainpipe. Also keep in mind that some gemstones may have been treated
or enhanced by heating, oiling, irradiation or diffusion. Heated and irradiated
stones generally don’t require special care when cleaning, but diffused stones
could become lighter if scrubbed too hard. Also, the oil on an emerald can be
stripped away by cleaning, making the emerald change appearance. If this
happens, simply bring it to Taylor's for re-oiling.
Pearls
Cultured pearls are especially soft and vulnerable. When getting dressed, your
cultured pearls should be the last item you put on and the first item you take
off. Makeup, hair spray, perfume and other chemicals are very harmful to
cultured pearls. It's a good idea to wipe them with a clean, damp cloth after
each use to remove build-up, dirt and oil. Also, make sure your cultured pearls
are completely dry before putting them away. Hot water, steam, extreme
temperatures and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided as well.
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