Fine Jewelry Care and Preventative Maintenance

Caring for your fine jewelry ensures its longevity and keeps it looking beautiful for years to come.  Here are some tips for how to care for your fine jewelry.

Have Your Jewelry Regularly Cleaned and Inspected

Regular cleaning and inspection are critical components of preventative maintenance for fine jewelry. We strongly recommend having your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every six months. This routine helps keep your jewelry in top condition and reduces the risk of stone loss.

When you bring your jewelry to be inspected at Koser Jewelers, we will start by examining it under magnification. We check to see that all of the prongs are in good shape and that all diamonds and gemstones are secure within their settings. We would also look for any other possible issues, such as chips, cracks, or weak spots. 

If repairs or restorations are needed, we will discuss them with you, provide an estimate, and share any other necessary information. If your jewelry is in good condition, we will clean and polish it, a process that generally takes only a few minutes and is free of charge.

Remove Your Jewelry During Certain Activities 

We know that you buy jewelry to wear, and we believe you should be able to wear and enjoy it as often as you like. However, there are certain times when it is safest to remove your jewelry. Examples of times when you should consider removing your jewelry include swimming, gardening, cooking, cleaning, or moving heavy objects. 

As always, it is important to ensure that your jewelry is not exposed to anything that could damage it. Gold, silver, and gemstones can all be damaged when exposed to chemicals, such as chlorine or household cleaners. Many gemstones can also be harmed when subjected to extreme heat and sudden temperature changes. 

Pearls, in particular, are very susceptible to damage from many everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, and perfume. If you wear pearls regularly, you probably already know the “last on, first off” rule, which means that pearls should be the last item you put on when getting dressed and the first thing off when undressing. Following this rule reduces the risk of exposing your pearls to anything that could harm them.

Store Your Jewelry Safely

Proper storage is vital for the care and maintenance of jewelry. Avoid leaving your precious items on tables or countertops. Instead, keep your jewelry in a secure place, preferably in a jewelry box with dividers to prevent pieces from damaging each other.

It is also best practice to store your valuables inside a fire-resistant safe. We recommend this for several reasons:

• Protection from Fire: Fire-resistant safes are designed to withstand high temperatures, protecting your valuable jewelry from being damaged or destroyed in the event of a fire.
• Theft Deterrence: Safes provide a secure place to store jewelry, making it more difficult for thieves to access your valuables.
• Organizational Benefits: A safe can help you keep your jewelry organized and in good condition, reducing the risk of loss or damage from everyday handling.
• Insurance Requirements: Some insurance policies may require valuable items to be stored in a safe to be fully covered.

How to Prevent Silver Jewelry From Tarnishing

If you own silver jewelry, you’ve probably noticed that it can lose its luster over time. It is normal for silver jewelry to tarnish, but there are some ways to prevent it. Here are some tips for keeping your silver jewelry beautiful for longer.

• Store in Airtight Bags: Silver tarnishes when exposed to oxygen and sulfur particles in the air. Use ziplock bags or other airtight containers, and store each item individually to prevent scratches.
• Use Anti-Tarnish Slips: Add anti-tarnish slips to your storage containers. These slips are affordable and available at most jewelry stores or online.
• Wear It: Surprisingly, wearing your silver jewelry can prevent tarnishing as oils from your skin help maintain its shine. Incorporate your silver pieces into your wardrobe and store them properly when not in use.
• Use Polishing Cloths: If your silver jewelry starts to lose its luster, use a polishing cloth designed for silver. You can also bring your items to a fine jewelry store for professional polishing.

By following these fine jewelry care instructions, you can ensure your precious pieces remain beautiful and in excellent condition for many years.