Jewelry Care Guide

Jewelry is a treasured possession for many people. This guide provides an overview of the steps you can take to maintain the integrity of your jewelry collection so it can be enjoyed now and for years to come.

Regular Cleaning
The first step in preserving your jewelry’s brilliance is consistent cleaning. Different materials require different approaches, but all benefit from gentle handling. Use soft cloths or brushes and mild solutions specifically designed for the type of metal or gemstone you are cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as these can cause permanent damage.

Proper Storage
When not wearing your jewelry, store it carefully to protect it from dust, dirt, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Keeping pieces in soft-lined boxes, pouches, or separate compartments will help prevent scratches and tarnishing. Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to extend the life and beauty of your collection.

Repairs and Maintenance
Normal wear or unexpected accidents can cause minor damage, so it’s important to keep track of any repairs that may be needed. Professional jewelers can inspect prongs, clasps, and settings to ensure your jewelry remains secure and beautiful.

By following these simple jewelry care guidelines, you can feel confident that your cherished pieces will maintain their shine and elegance for many years to come.

The most important rule in taking care of jewelry is keeping it clean and free from dirt and buildup. Jewelry should be cleaned regularly with warm water and a mild soap solution. After gently cleaning each piece with a soft cloth or brush, be sure to dry it thoroughly before storing.

When not wearing your jewelry, store each piece separately in its own pouch or container to prevent scratches or other damage. Avoid exposing jewelry to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause tarnishing or discoloration over time. Never wear jewelry while swimming or bathing, chlorine and saltwater can corrode metals like gold, silver, copper, and brass. Rings should also be removed during physical activities such as gardening or sports, as softer gemstones like opal or turquoise can easily scratch or chip.

To keep your jewelry looking perfect, always handle it with clean hands and avoid contact with harsh chemicals such as bleach, hairspray, or perfumes. These substances can quickly damage the surface, dull the shine, or even permanently alter the color of your jewelry. With proper care and mindful handling, your precious pieces will remain beautiful and treasured for years to come.

Diamonds may last forever, but they still need a little care to keep their brilliance. Over time, dirt, oils, and product buildup can dull their natural sparkle. Here are some quick tips for keeping your diamonds radiant:

Remove diamond jewelry before showering
Soap and shampoo can leave behind a film that causes diamonds to look cloudy. Taking off your jewelry before bathing prevents buildup and gives your skin a chance to breathe.

Soak while you shower
While you wash, let your jewelry rest in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap. This loosens dirt and oils, making it easy to gently clean with a soft brush afterward.

By following these simple steps regularly, your diamonds will continue to shine as brilliantly as the day you first wore them.

Metal jewelry requires special care to maintain its shine and brilliance. The best way to clean most metals is with a soft cloth or brush in warm, soapy water. For silver pieces, you can also use a silver polishing cloth to restore their luster. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Take extra care with delicate metals like gold, as harsh cleaners can cause damage. If your jewelry becomes tarnished, use only mild polishes designed specifically for that type of metal.

Chemicals found in everyday products such as lotions, hairspray, and perfume can lead to discoloration or corrosion over time. To protect your jewelry, apply these products before putting on your pieces.

With regular cleaning, careful storage, and by avoiding exposure to harsh substances, your jewelry will stay beautiful and bright for years to come.

Cleaning a ring is an important part of keeping it beautiful and preserving it for years to come. However, it’s essential to clean carefully, as improper methods can damage the jewelry. The first step is to inspect the ring closely for any signs of wear, such as scratches, loose stones, or chips. If you notice damage, have it repaired before cleaning. It’s also helpful to identify the type of metal so that you can use the right cleaning method.

Once inspected, prepare a gentle solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Soak the ring for 10–15 minutes, then use a soft cloth or a small brush to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas, like between stones or around intricate details. Rinse well with lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth.

For a deeper clean, ultrasonic cleaners can be used on gold or silver rings. These machines use sound waves to safely remove buildup without harming most gemstones or delicate settings. Regular polishing with jewelry-safe cleaners will also help keep your rings sparkling and lustrous.

By cleaning and maintaining your rings regularly, you protect them from damage caused by dirt, oils, and everyday wear. With proper care, your favorite pieces will stay brilliant and meaningful for many years to come.

Cleaning a necklace is an essential step in maintaining its beauty and sparkle. To keep it looking its best, it’s important to clean and store necklaces properly. This guide will walk you through the process safely and effectively.

Warm water
Mild dish soap
Soft cloths or cotton balls
Ammonia-free glass cleaner
A soft toothbrush or brush
Optional: vinegar and baking soda (for gold with stones—avoid harsh or acid-based cleaners)

Cleaning Instructions

Soapy Rinse – Start by gently brushing away dirt with a soft toothbrush in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water until all residue is gone.

For Silver – Use a damp cloth or cotton ball with ammonia-free glass cleaner to wipe away fingerprints and smudges. Rinse and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

For Gold with Gemstones – Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of white vinegar. Dip the necklace for a few minutes, then lightly scrub with a soft brush. Rinse in cool water and dry immediately with a lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, as they can scratch the surface.

Storage Tips

Always wrap necklaces in soft tissue or a fabric pouch (like velvet) before placing them in their box or jewelry case. This prevents tangling and protects against scratches, keeping your necklace looking beautiful every time you wear it.

Your diamond jewelry is a valuable investment that deserves proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. While diamonds are known for their durability, they can still become damaged or lose their brilliance over time if not properly cared for.

Regular maintenance from a professional jeweler is essential to keep your diamond jewelry in excellent condition. Professional cleaning and polishing remove dirt, oils, and buildup that dull sparkle, restoring your diamonds to their original shine. This ensures your pieces look as stunning as the day you received them.

In addition to cleaning, a professional jeweler can inspect your jewelry for hidden issues such as loose stones, worn prongs, or weakened settings. Catching these problems early prevents more serious damage and ensures your diamonds remain secure.

Routine professional maintenance also helps prolong the life and value of your jewelry. Over time, exposure to lotions, soaps, and chemicals can cause diamonds to lose brilliance and metals to fade. Expert polishing and care remove these residues, keeping your jewelry in top condition.

At After Diamonds, we offer a convenient mail-in jewelry maintenance service that includes cleaning, polishing, and inspection. While in our care, your jewelry will receive any necessary upkeep such as prong repairs, tightening of settings, and rhodium re-coating for white gold pieces to restore their bright, reflective finish.

Our experienced jewelers have years of expertise in handling fine diamond jewelry, so you can trust us to care for your most precious pieces. We recommend sending in your jewelry every 12–18 months for maintenance. Our service costs just $75.00, with secure mail-in and return shipping included, so you can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing your diamonds are in expert hands.