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Jewelry Care & Cleaning
Making sure your jewelry keeps its sparkle is all about understanding the care it requires. It’s important to remember that not all jewelry will benefit from the exact same care, so take some time to understand the gemstones and metals your jewelry is made from before you decide on the best jewelry care routine.
Damage Prevention
The first step in caring for jewelry is always taking precautions to ensure extensive damage isn’t done in the first place. While there will always be a certain amount of wear and tear, especially on pieces you wear every day, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your fine jewelry stays in good shape for the long haul.
Keep it out of the direct sun
Just like the sun damages skin, heat and light can damage certain gemstones. Too much sunlight can fade or damage amethyst and topaz. Pearls can bleach and peel if exposed to too much sun. And some other gems, like opal, can darken if exposed to too much light.Avoid harsh chemicals
Exposure to common everyday household chemicals, like ammonia or bleach, can damage both metals and gemstones. Even chemicals that are worn on the body – like hairspray, perfumes and lotions – can affect metals and dull gemstones.To keep your jewelry looking new, it's best to put on any perfumes, lotions, or hairspray BEFORE putting on jewelry. And it's always wise to remove fine jewelry before swimming or using any type of household cleaners.
Don’t assume care is the same for all jewelry
What works for one piece of jewelry may not work for another. For example, many gemstones today have been treated, and these gemstones need special care. All treatments should be disclosed at the time of purchase. Treated gemstones may be negatively affected by heat, steam or ultrasonic cleaners and certain solvents. Follow instructions from your jeweller to keep your treated gemstone jewelry sparkling.
Cleaning
Many gemstones and diamonds can easily be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush. Clean your jewelry in a bowl of warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Dry your piece with a lint‐free cloth.
Softer gems, like pearls, can be scratched easily. Clean your pearls in warm, slightly soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and lay your pearls to dry on a towel or chamois. Since silk thread will stretch, it's best to let the pearls sit until the strand is completely dry. If you’re not sure what type of brush or soap to use, consider picking up a jewelry cleaning kit made specifically for fine jewelry.
Softer gems, like pearls, can be scratched easily. Clean your pearls in warm, slightly soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and lay your pearls to dry on a towel or chamois. Since silk thread will stretch, it's best to let the pearls sit until the strand is completely dry. If you’re not sure what type of brush or soap to use, consider picking up a jewelry cleaning kit made specifically for fine jewelry.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
While ultrasonic cleaners are great for cleaning metals, diamonds, and certain gemstones, they should not be used in the following circumstances:- On organic gems like pearls.
- Any gemstones that have been fracture‐filled with oil, resin, or glass. For instance, most emeralds are fracture‐filled and should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Gems that have been coated. A gemstone like Mystic Fire Topaz has been finished with an azotic coating and should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Certain heat‐treated gemstones.
- Any gemstones that are susceptible to heat or temperature changes, like tanzanite, iolite, opal, etc., should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Storing Your Jewelry
Proper storage of your fine jewelry pieces is very important. Gemstone, and especially pearl jewelry should never simply be tossed into a drawer or box haphazardly. It’s best to keep your diamonds stored separately as they can easily scratch other gemstones or pearls.
Most jewelry pieces come in a lined box or pouch that is perfectly acceptable for storage. However, most people use a jewelry box or valet to store their pieces.
Most jewelry pieces come in a lined box or pouch that is perfectly acceptable for storage. However, most people use a jewelry box or valet to store their pieces.
Jewelry boxes that have individual felt‐lined and padded slots for rings, necklaces and earrings will keep them organized, clean and safe. Some boxes are lined with anti‐tarnish cloth, perfect for storing sterling silver pieces.
Pearls and opals draw moisture from the air, so storing them in a safe or lockbox is not a good idea. Store pearls separately in a compartmentalized jewelry box or in a protective pouch. However, the very best way to keep pearls looking new is to wear them. Pearls will naturally absorb moisture from the air and oils from the skin, which keep them looking lustrous. The saying that "pearls want to be worn" is true!
With relatively minimal effort, your fine jewelry pieces can be cleaned, well‐cared for, safely stored and provide years and years of happy wear.
Pearls and opals draw moisture from the air, so storing them in a safe or lockbox is not a good idea. Store pearls separately in a compartmentalized jewelry box or in a protective pouch. However, the very best way to keep pearls looking new is to wear them. Pearls will naturally absorb moisture from the air and oils from the skin, which keep them looking lustrous. The saying that "pearls want to be worn" is true!
With relatively minimal effort, your fine jewelry pieces can be cleaned, well‐cared for, safely stored and provide years and years of happy wear.
Jewelry Repair
Keeping your fine jewelry looking great starts with regular inspection and cleaning. However, should your jewelry ever need repair or refurbishing, you can count on the jewelry craftsmen at Zales to treat your piece with care. Whether you need a simple clasp replacement or a complete mounting repair, we’ve got you covered. Some of the repairs and services we offer include:
Learn about the Repairs and Services available at Zales.
- Ring resizing
- Clasp repair/replacement
- Prong retipping/repair
- Rhodium plating
- Chain soldering
- Prong replacement
- ...and more.
Learn about the Repairs and Services available at Zales.
Jewelry Protection Plan
Even with the best care, regular wear and tear could mean your jewelry will need repairs occasionally. Whether it’s resetting a loose stone, repairing a broken clasp or replacing a broken chain, a jewelry protection plan can cover most common repair needs. Make sure you know what your jewelry protection plan or service agreement covers.