Now That You Own It . . .
Here's How to Take Care of It.
COLORED GEMSTONES
Ask your jeweler to suggest what method to use for cleaning your gemstones. There are so many different gemstones in so many settings that a personalized answer works best in this case.
KARAT GOLD JEWELRY
Fine gold jewelry needs some TLC to retain its lasting beauty.
However you store your karat gold jewelry, remember that it scratches easily and so should be kept in individual compartments, bags or tissue paper wrapping. The latter is the least favorite option because many a piece of fine jewelry has been accidentally discarded when mistakenly identified as a "used tissue."
Jewelry doesn't "mix" well with showers or baths. The soap and shampoos you use while showering or bathing can, over time, create a film on your jewelry, thereby reducing its brilliant appearance.
Use one of the many over-the-counter commercial cleaners available for you to clean your jewelry at home. Ask one of us at Kingston Fine Jewelry to recommend one for you.
Use a soft jeweler's cloth (chamois or other) to polish your jewelry without scratching it.
Consider the use of ultrasonic cleaners. Ask your jeweler if such a machine is appropriate for your particular pieces of jewelry.
A few drops of ammonia mixed with soap and water can be used as an alternative to a commercial jewelry cleaner, for removing tarnish from your pieces.
When using a brush for cleaning, use only one with soft bristles (e.g., a soft toothbrush or eyebrow brush). After soaping, rinse with tepid water.
Remove grease from gold jewelry by dipping the jewelry into rubbing alcohol.
Put your jewelry on after you apply makeup and perfume.
Store jewelry in a dry place.
CULTURED PEARLS
Cultured pearls are amongst the loveliest of fine jewelry and amongst the most delicate. Handle with care and treat gently.
When storing or traveling with pearls, store them in such a way that they do not rub up against one another, or up against other jewelry pieces. Hard metal edges or stones may easily scratch your pearls.
Store pearls in tissue paper or chamois cloth.
Have your pearls professionally restrung, once a year. The string or cord on which pearls are strung may become weakened by makeup and regular wear and tear. Individually knotting pearls is the best way to ensure that they are protected should the string break.
Never use abrasives or chemicals to clean your pearls. Instead, wash them in a mild soap solutions mixed with warm water. This will help to keep a film from building up which will dull their luster.
Remember, that we are here at Kingston Fine Jewelry are available to answer any questions you may have about the cleaning and care of your fine jewelry.
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