Jewelry Care and Cleaning

The harder the gem, the less vulnerable it is to potential damage.

A diamond is the hardest gem known to man, and that's one reason why "it is forever." The only thing that can cut a diamond is a diamond.

The gem-trade standard called the Mohs Scale, developed in the early 19th century and tells us the hardness. The scale is structured so that material rated at each higher number can scratch substances with lower numbers. Diamonds are rated the highest, at 10; rubies and sapphires are Mohs 9; emeralds and topaz, 8; and garnets, tourmalines and quartz, 7. Anything softer than a 7 can be scratched, including opal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, pearl. 

Gold, silver, and platinum are only Mohs 2-1/2 to 4, which means that they require special care when wearing, storing, and cleaning. 

Here are some do's when it comes to jewelry 

Check for loose stones often by gently tapping the piece with your finger near your ear. 

Get pearls restrung every two years or annually if you wear your pearls often. 

Clean fine jewelry often to maintain its sparkle and beauty. How often is often? Once a month would be a good start. All fine jewelry can be safely cleaned by soaking for 10 minutes in warm soapy water (using a non-detergent soap). Use a soft brush on harder gems to loosen any dirt around the prongs. To reduce greasy build-up on diamond jewelry, dip it in plain alcohol or vodka before soaking.

Here are some don'ts when it comes to jewelry 

Do not wear fine jewelry when doing housework or gardening. It is easy for it to get lost and the sweat makes it harder to clean the jewelry later.

Do not heap your jewelry into one drawer. I know it seems easier, especially when your tired but, remember a diamond ring can scratch that pearl necklace. Keep them separate and ideally wrapped in velvet, paper, or silk.

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