Diamonds

Use either a mix of ammonia and water or a commercial jewelry cleaner to clean your diamond jewelry. Gently dip your jewelry into the cleaning solution and use only a soft brush to clean underneath the setting. Thoroughly rinse in tepid water. Since diamonds can damage your other jewelry, we recommend you keep your diamond jewelry in a lined case or jewelry box with dividers. Even though diamonds are extremely hard, they can be damaged if given a hard blow. Do not wear your diamond jewelry when doing rough work or when using chlorine bleach or other chemicals. Some chemicals can pit and discolor the mounting. Have A-Bryan’s Jewelers professionally clean and check your diamond jewelry at least twice a year for loose prongs and wear.

Gemstones

Discuss with your jeweler how to care for your particular gemstone jewelry. Most jewelry is suited to home cleaning with a mild soap, tepid water, and a soft brush. Other jewelry should be wiped clean with a soft cloth to remove cosmetics or perspiration, and professionally cleaned every six months by your jeweler. Store all gemstone jewelry so that individual pieces do not touch each other. Certain gemstones are harder and can scratch other softer gemstones.

Your jewelry should be the last item you put on after makeup, hair spray, perfume, facial creams or men’s colognes. All these leave a residue on your jewelry. Do not wear gemstone jewelry when doing rough work, when exposed to salt water or using chemicals, especially chlorine bleach. Your A-Bryan’s jeweler should check your gemstone jewelry at least twice a year for wear or damage.

Pearls

Clean your pearl jewelry by wiping it with a soft cloth when you take it off. Traces of perfume, hair spray, or any acid-based cosmetics should be removed as these can cause damage to the pearl’s surface. If your pearl jewelry pieces show more soil than a soft cloth can remove, wash them carefully in mild soap and tepid water, rinse, gently blot with a soft cloth, and allow to air dry. For pearl strands and bracelets, gently wash them in mild soap and tepid water, rinse, gently blot with a soft cloth, and allow to air dry being careful not to pull on the silk cord on which they are strung. We recommend you wrap them in tissue or keep them in a chamois bag as pearls are susceptible to scratches by other jewelry. Remember that pearls are organic jewels and are considered gemstones. Treat them gently. Have A-Bryan’s Jewelers professionally clean and check your pearl jewelry at least twice a year. Pearl strands will need restringing as the individual pearls become able to move freely between the knots. Bring your pearls to A-Bryan’s Jewelers for our full range of services: restringing your strand, cleaning, or inspection.

Gold & Platinum

Clean your gold or platinum jewelry with mild soap and water and a soft brush. Keep your gold from contact with chlorine. Repeated exposure to chlorine will damage the integrity of your gold jewelry, causing breakage. Dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth after cleaning. Gold can be scratched easily, so store it in a lined case or jewelry box with dividers. Even though platinum is one of the hardest metals and very durable, it does scratch. Your Jeweler can re-polish your platinum jewelry to eliminate most scratches. A-Bryan’s Jewelers can professionally steam-clean and check your gold or platinum jewelry at least twice a year for damage and wear.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver pieces (as pictured) with dark patina should only be cleaned with a sliver polishing cloth, as not to remove any of the finish. Sterling silver jewelry without stones or patina, should be cleaned with a silver polishing cloth or a silver cleaning solution, then rinse with distilled water, allowing the water to bead up, then patting dry with a soft cloth. Do not dry silver with paper or tissue as these can cause scratches. As with other jewelry, do not allow contact with chlorine or other chemicals. Store your silver in a cool, dry place away from light, which causes tarnishing and keep the jewelry from touching each other to avoid scratches. A-Bryan’s Jewelers offers complimentary cleaning and inspection of your silver jewelry. Do not wrap with rubber bands or plastic wrap as serious tarnish may develop.