Jewelry Care
Keep all your jewelry free of dirt, cosmetics, hair spray, perfume, & perspiration. Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine or certain detergents that can harm precious metals or gemstones. Be sure to remove your jewelry for any activities that could cause damage & store in a safe place such as in a soft cloth pouch to avoid scratches.
For security, regularly check that the prongs in your setting are still safely holding your stones in place. Your jewelry professional can advise you on additional information.
To Clean Your Jewelry:
Gemstones:
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Ellensburg Blue, Emerald, Garnet, Tanzanite, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, Peridot and Tourmaline are a few types of gemstones. Before storage, wipe gemstones with a clean, soft, damp cloth and gently pat dry. Avoid exposure to hair spray, perfume, chlorine and perspiration, which can dull gemstones. Use mild soap and warm water to clean most stones.
Do not use toothpaste or any other abrasive cleaner on stones or mountings. Never use boiling or hot water to clean gems. Do not wear jewelry while doing household chores. Wrap each piece in soft tissue or cloth to prevent damage during storage. The vibration from ultrasonic cleaners can loosen stones and cause damage to the gemstone. Because of the risk, we recommend caution and/or checking with a jeweler when using the ultrasonic cleaner.
Diamonds:
Even though diamonds are very durable, they require special care to keep them looking their best. We recommend that you have your diamonds cleaned professionally on a regular basis. You can also use a mild ammonia and water solution with a soft-bristled, non-metallic brush to gently scrub away dirt buildup around the prongs.
Ultrasonic cleaners are machines that clean jewelry by using sound waves. This vibration shakes off dirt, but the vibration can also loosen stones and cause damage. This shaking can also enlarge any large inclusions. Because of the risk, we recommend caution and/or checking with a jeweler when using the ultrasonic cleaner. Store your diamonds separately from other jewelry.
Pearls:
To care for your cultured pearls, avoid using chemical or alcohol cleaners, nail polish, perfume, abrasives, solvents, and polish removers while wearing them. Instead, wash your cultured pearls in very mild, soapy water and let dry. Before storing your pearls, wipe them with a soft, damp cloth to ensure that they remain free from any harmful buildup of these compounds. Easily scratched if bumped by other jewelry, cultured pearls are best stored in a cloth pouch or in a separate, lined jewelry box.
Precious Metals:
Most jewelry is easily maintained by wiping with a soft clean cloth to retain its luster and beauty. Avoid contact with perfume, soap, hairsprays and cosmetics. Most silver jewelry can be cleaned with a simple solution of two parts ammonia and one part water (preferably distilled).
Use a soft cloth to rub away tarnish after the piece has soaked for about one minute. Chlorine can damage gold, so avoid wearing gold jewelry in swimming pools or hot tubs, or while using chlorinated cleansing products like bleach. Remember to store metal chains flat to avoid kinking or breakage.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean mountings, though soap and water used with a very soft brush will take care of most of your jewelry cleaning needs.
For any inquiries regarding care for your jewelry, contact us at inquiries@kimkhap.com.