Jewelry Care

Your jewelry has been handcrafted with quality materials to last a lifetime.  With the proper care you can ensure longevity. Jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. It should never be worn to go swimming, or to do yard work, cleaning, or any other strenuous activity.

Sterling Silver is an alloy containing metals that react with chemicals found in air and produce tarnish. High moisture levels, exposure to sunlight and contaminants such as salt water increase this reaction. Protect your sterling jewelry by storing it in airtight packages, use tarnish-resistant products (such as tarnish tabs or strips) that absorb harmful chemicals, and store in a cool, dry place. A tarnish-resistant pouch, strips, and polishing cloth are included with your purchase.

Gold, Platinum and Fine Silver are metals that can be worn on a daily basis. Fine Silver is softer than gold and if worn with stones in it, should be worn with some precaution. Gemstones that are an 8 and above on the Mohs Scale can be worn everyday with little or no worry, however, gemstones lower than an 8 on the Mohs Scale need to be worn with more care due to their hardness and wearability.  Protect gems like opal or turquoise by wearing them in earrings or necklaces as they are less likely to accidentally hit a hard surface, which can cause them to break or crack. If you choose to wear softer gems in a bracelet or ring, do so only for special occasions. 

Extreme Temperature Changes: Diamonds are very stable, but sudden and extreme changes in temperature can create fractures and cleavages or cause existing ones to spread. Thermal shock is the term to describe this and results from a sudden change from very warm to very cold temperatures. This sudden temperature change will damage gems such as apatite, iolite, kunzite, opal, and tanzanite.

Humidity Levels: Other gemstones are susceptible the humidity of their surroundings. Opals can lose moisture in low humidity or when exposed to heat causing them to crack or craze. Vaults and safes are usually very low in humidity and will dry out opals.  On the flip side, long exposure to water can damage some gems, such amber, azurite and malachite.

Prolonged Exposure to Heat and Light: Gemstones like citrine, amethyst, kunzite, and topaz can fade or change color from prolonged exposure to light. Long-term exposure to heat and light can damage most organic gems, like amber, pearls, jet, coral. Enamel also may be ruined by contact with heat.

Exposure to Chemicals and other Materials: Chlorine, and even perfume and makeup can damage or discolor delicate and porous gems like pearls. Chlorine can also damage gold mountings. Ammonia will damage the polish on many softer gems such as malachite, turquoise and coral. Wearing your fine jewelry while cooking can put it at risk of exposure to heat or spattering oils. Turquoise can easily absorb different liquids, including oils, which will discolor or degrade the gem.