Wedding Jewelry Cleaning & Storage

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Fine jewelry should be cleaned regularly. There are three good habits to develop that will guarantee that your bridal jewelry will bring you pleasure for many years:

• It's a good idea to get into the habit of removing your wedding jewelry before activities that could result to a hard blow to the stone and cause damage. Many gem stones, especially diamonds, are prone to cracks and chips.

• Always put your wedding jewelry on last. Hairsprays and cosmetics may contain chemicals that could cause damage, especially to cultured pearls. Pearls are softer than gem stones and require specific care.

• Store fine jewelry in a soft pouch or in separate compartments of a jewelry box. You want to avoid the possibility of stones rubbing against each other.

CLEANING GEMS & DIAMONDS

Always check with your jeweler on the best cleaning methods for your jewelry. Most jewelers will give you a complimentary cleaning solution. In most cases mild soap and water also works well. NOTE: Never use a soap and water solution with these stones: amber, coral, emerald, jade, kunzite, lapis, lazuli, opal, pearl, or turquoise. Check with your jeweler for cleaning instructions.

CARING FOR PEARLS

Your jeweler should provide you with an instruction sheet for caring for your pearls. Do not use soap and water to clean them or an ultra sonic cleaner. You should wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wear. Store in a soft cloth or pouch. It is good to wear pearls regularly. They need the exposure to air and moisture to maintain their luster. It is a good idea to leave them on the bathroom counter when you are showering. The steam from the shower is good for them. If your pearls are stored in a safe deposit box, or not worn that often, it is a good practice to keep a vial of water in the box.

PROTECTION

Examine your jewelry regularly. Check for loose prongs or settings. Check clasps. And check the string strength on pearls.