It's a simple fact that no matter how careful you are, your jewelry is going to look dull, dirty, or scratched at some point. The pieces you wear most often, like your wedding ring or your favorite bracelet, are most prone to damage and debris. Keep your jewelry looking clean and shiny with a combination of regular proper care and professional jewelry polishing and cleaning.
Why Should I Have My Jewelry Professionally Cleaned?
Professional jewelers are the experts when it comes to taking care of your fine jewelry. They know exactly what to do, and even more importantly, what not to do. Leaving the cleaning and polishing of your fine jewelry to the professionals is a smart move. It eliminates the risk of damaging your special and expensive pieces with do-it-yourself cleaning products and techniques. Plus, the results of professional methods look amazing!
What Types of Jewelry Should Be Professionally Cleaned?
All types of fine jewelry should be professionally cleaned and polished on a regular basis. Certain metals and gemstones require professional attention to stay looking their best and to lower the risk of damage from cleaning. Expert knowledge and care are especially needed to safely preserve the look of antique and vintage jewelry.
When Should My Jewelry Be Cleaned?
How often you have your jewelry cleaned depends on a few factors, like the type of metal or gemstone. The pieces you wear regularly will need attention more frequently than a special item you wear only once in a while. It also depends on how you take care of and store your items. Fine jewelry should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, but every six months is better. Too much dirt, oil, or debris can cause skin irritation, dullness, and metal discolorations. Your jewelry's condition can even lead to scratched or loose stones.
A professional jeweler does more than just clean and polish your jewelry when you bring it in. The first step they take is to inspect your item for any damage. They want to make sure your precious stones, like diamonds, are safe and secure. Repairs will need to be made before the cleaning proceeds so as not to further damage your jewelry.
The next step depends on the cleaning method that is best for your piece. Many jewelers use ultrasonic cleaning systems, gentle cleansers, and soft cloths to remove dirt and debris. Then, if possible, they polish your jewelry on a high-speed wheel and finish off the item with steam cleaning to blast the last bit of debris off and restore shine.
What Is an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner?
If you've seen an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner on the market before, then you may be wondering if they work well and if they're worth the investment. Ultrasonic cleaners work in two ways. First, you submerge the jewelry in a cleaning solution. Then, ultrasound waves gently vibrate the jewelry in order to shake off dirt and debris.
You can buy one of these to use at home, but they probably won't work as well as a professional-grade machine. You also need to know which items can and can't be cleaned in this way. Just using this cleaning method skips professional inspection, polishing, and steam cleaning, so your jewelry won't look as nice as if you had taken it to a jeweler.
How Can I Help Keep My Jewelry Clean?
There are some easy things you can do to help reduce the amount of dirt and damage on your jewelry. A good rule is to always remove your jewelry if you're going to be in contact with water. Chlorine, salt, and hard-water deposits are all bad for the surface of your fine jewelry. Household cleaners and soaps shouldn't come into contact with your jewelry either. Remember to put your jewelry on after you apply beauty products, lotions, and hair spray.
Wiping certain jewelry pieces, like pearls, with a soft cloth before storing them helps, too. The next time you stop in and see your jeweler, feel free to ask what else you can do to help keep your jewelry cleaner between professional visits. They'll even be able to give you some pointers on your finest jewelry and heirloom pieces that are so meaningful to you.
How Should I Store My Fine Jewelry?
Store jewelry a clean, cool, and dry place as moisture, sunlight, and heat can cause damage. Store your items in their original boxes or in a fabric-lined jewelry case. Felt lining and pouches will help to absorb excess moisture. A jewelry drawer or case with compartments and dividers is essential to keep items from jumbling together. Pieces become entangled and can scratch each other when dropped all together in one place.
Why Is My White Gold Jewelry Turning Yellow?
Platinum and palladium are bright white metals that will never discolor, even after years of wear. White gold, however, is a different story. This white metal is actually a combination of yellow gold and certain alloys. It naturally has a creamier and warmer look than other white metals. Many white gold items are rhodium plated so that they'll have a brighter appearance like that of platinum.
When this plating begins to wear off, you may think that your white gold is turning yellow. What's really happening is the true color of the metal underneath is now showing. Rhodium plating is not permanent, so this type of white gold jewelry will require regular upkeep. The rate at which the plating comes off depends on the jewelry wearer. To restore your white gold item to its original shine, you'll have to bring your ring to a professional jeweler to have it rhodium plated again.
Professional jewelers have the tools, materials, and knowledge to expertly clean, repair, and polish your jewelry. Rely on us to take the best care of your fine pieces so that they can last a lifetime and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our professional jewelry polishing and cleaning services.
Image via Flickr by chyap28
