| From inexpensive baubles to family heirlooms, | | | | should not be used on fragile settings without |
| jewelry reflects new trends and the cherished | | | | having been inspected by your jeweler, as |
| moments of a woman's life. Careless treatment | | | | ultrasonic cleaners may shake loose stones from |
| of any kind of jewelry, however, shortens its life, | | | | their mounting. |
| value and beauty. Careful cleaning of jewelry | | | | A safe and gentle method for cleaning diamonds |
| extends the wear and value of a collection. | | | | starts with soaking the piece in a formula of three |
| Gemstones | | | | parts water to one part ammonia and a tiny drop |
| Gemstones are a popular choice for jewelry | | | | of mild liquid detergent such as Ivory. Use a soft |
| aficionados because of their beauty. They are also | | | | brush to remove dirt. Do not use a stiff bristled |
| some of the most durable choices for jewelry. | | | | brush as this will scratch the ring's metal setting. |
| Still, care and maintenance are important factors | | | | Rinse the diamond thoroughly in warm water and |
| to maintaining their good looks and value. Some | | | | follow up with a lint-free cloth to dry the piece. |
| gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and other | | | | Store diamonds in a fabric-lined jewelry case or in |
| single-crystal gems can be cleaned with a precise | | | | a box with separate compartments. Diamonds |
| mixture of ammonia and water to remove any | | | | may also be wrapped individually in tissue paper |
| film that may be present and to restore shine to | | | | and stored in a box. Do not store diamonds with |
| the stone. Gentle soap and warm water may also | | | | other jewelry in a drawer or jewelry case. This |
| provide a safe mixture to clean specific | | | | can result in scratching of other jewelry. Perhaps |
| gemstones. If a piece of gemstone jewelry needs | | | | most importantly, avoid leaving a diamond ring on |
| extra cleaning, it may be feasible to employ the | | | | the rim of a sink where it may slip down the |
| use of a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the | | | | drain. |
| stone. | | | | Pearls |
| When it comes to ultrasonic cleaners, be very | | | | Pearls are more fragile than most other |
| selective. Not all gemstones can be safely cleaned | | | | gemstones. They should be handled gently to |
| using this method. Opaque gemstones such as | | | | keep them in the best condition. Most of today's |
| lapis lazuli, turquoise or malachite should never be | | | | pearls are cultured pearls. That means they have |
| cleaned with ammonia or an ultrasonic cleaner. | | | | been created by the initiation of humans who |
| These stones can absorb chemicals or soap, | | | | place a bead or other object into an oyster. The |
| resulting in discoloration, due to the porous | | | | oyster then coats the bead with nacre, the patina |
| makeup of these gems. Instead, these | | | | that gives pearls their much-loved appearance. |
| gemstones should be wiped with a moist cloth. | | | | The thickness of nacre dictates the quality and |
| To avoid scratching a gemstone or another | | | | durability of the pearl. |
| softer stone near it, keep all jewelry separate | | | | An excellent rule of thumb to maintain the beauty |
| from one another. Also, remember that | | | | and value of your pearls is: your pearls should |
| gemstones are often harder than the metal it has | | | | always be the last thing you put on and the first |
| been set it. Gems can scratch the finish on gold, | | | | thing you take off when dressing. To maintain the |
| silver or platinum. | | | | luster of a pearl, avoid applying hand creams or |
| Diamonds | | | | lotions while wearing a pearl. Also, put a pearl on |
| The hardest substance known to man, diamonds, | | | | after using hairspray, makeup or perfume. When |
| need special care as they are some of the most | | | | cleaning a pearl, use mild soap mixed in warm |
| often-worn jewelry. Lotions, styling products, and | | | | water. Solutions such as ammonia or harsh |
| the grime accrued from daily wear can leave a | | | | detergents will damage a pearl, as can an |
| diamond looking dull and lifeless. Avoid waiting too | | | | ultrasonic cleaner. |
| long in between cleanings to decrease the buildup | | | | Because pearls can scratch easily, store them |
| of adverse materials. | | | | separately from other pieces of jewelry. Pearls |
| Diamonds may be hard but they should not be | | | | may also be kept in a soft bag made of chamois |
| cleaned with just any cleaner available. For | | | | for safe storage. It's a good idea to have pearl |
| diamonds in need of a really good cleaning, a | | | | necklaces restrung from time to time to ensure |
| professional ultrasonic cleaning is often necessary | | | | the silk or nylon cord connecting them is in good |
| to remove encrusted dirt. However, the method | | | | shape. |