Jewelry Care
Your cherished jewelry pieces deserve and require occasional tender loving care. We always encourage you to visit Lauray’s for complimentary cleaning and inspection services, even for pieces not purchased from us. However, if time is short, here are some home care tips to ensure your jewelry remains in pristine condition.
Begin with a thorough inventory.
Take a moment to review your jewelry collection. You might rediscover some hidden treasures that have been overlooked. Consider setting aside pieces you no longer wear for potential redesign. Feel free to stop by or schedule an appointment with us, and let's create something beautiful together!
Diamonds & Colored Gemstones
While diamonds are incredibly durable, they can still chip. It's advisable to remove diamond jewelry during strenuous activities or when exposed to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine. Most colored gemstones and diamonds can be safely cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush.
Pearls & Vintage
“Last thing on, first thing off.” Handle pearls delicately and avoid exposing them to perfumes or hairspray, as these substances can damage their luster. Clean pearls gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Vintage and antique jewelry should be handled with care and cleaned using water and a lint-free cloth.
Gold
Gold jewelry responds well to gentle buffing with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can tarnish lower gold purities.
Platinum
Although platinum is highly durable, it can still be prone to scratching. Store platinum jewelry separately in a velvet pouch and avoid heavy cleaning solutions. Buffing with a soft cloth and mild soapy solution is recommended.
Sterling Silver
To maintain its brilliance, avoid exposing sterling silver to moisture, peroxide, or household solvents. Buff the metal with a soft, dry cloth to brighten it up. For tarnished pieces, use a gentle sterling silver cleaner or bring them to us for restoration.
Additional Tips
Ultrasonics: If using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine, exercise caution as overuse can harm your jewelry. Follow user instructions carefully, especially when dealing with jewelry containing tiny diamonds.
Chlorine and Chemicals: Everyday products like hairspray, lotion, perfume, and some cosmetics can cause permanent damage to certain gems and metals. Remove your jewelry before swimming in a chlorinated pool, and be cautious with household solvents.
Regular Inspection: Schedule a bi-yearly inspection for your fine jewelry to address potential issues. This proactive approach can save you from future jewelry complications, as we can check prongs, gemstones, clasps, and provide a thorough cleaning. Consider it a spa day for your jewelry!
Traveling: If you’re traveling, invest in a flexible, soft jewelry travel case or pouch.
Light and Heat: Protect your colored gemstone jewelry from excessive exposure to light and heat, which can lead to fading and damage over time. Pearls, in particular, can bleach under prolonged exposure to sunlight, and other gems may darken.
Sand and Soil: We are in Hot Springs after all! Abrasive substances like sand and soil can act like coarse sandpaper on gemstones and precious metals. Before gardening or going to “take the waters’, remove your jewelry and store it in a safe place.
Nighttime and Activities: Remove your jewelry at night and during rigorous activities to prevent scratching and wear. Precious metals can easily scratch.
At Lauray’s, we understand the value of your jewelry and are committed to helping you keep it in the most perfect condition for generations to come.
Other Tips and Tricks
An electric toothbrush with pulsed water can effectively clean many fine jewelry pieces. Rinse jewelry in a glass of water to avoid losing stones down the drain. Polish dry jewelry carefully with a lint-free cloth.
When not in use, lay chains flat and clasp ends together to prevent tangling. You can prevent the tangling of bracelets and necklaces by threading them through a straw!