| Gems and
precious metals are gifts of nature, which need
special care.
The harder the gem, the
less vulnerable it is to potential damage. A diamond,
for example, is the hardest gem known to man,
and that's one reason why "it is forever."
Gold in particular, is a
soft metal, so with use it gets damaged and requires
periodic adjustments. Examples of routine maintenance
include periodic cleaning and re-tipping of loose
stones, and repair or replacement of a loose clasp.
The amount of routine maintenance
your jewellery needs depends on the item and how
often you wear your jewellery. For example, if
you wear your rings all of the time, they may
need more cleaning and repair than a necklace
that you wear only for special occasions.
Dirt in your jewellery can
cause it to wear more quickly. Talk with your
jeweller about how to clean your jewellery safely.
Most jewellery stores offer polishing and repair
services for a nominal fee.
Keeping your jewellery clean
and in good condition helps assure many years
- and generations - of enjoyment.
Here are some Do's and
Don'ts:
- DON'T wear fine
jewellery when doing housework or gardening
or while playing sports.
- DON'T heap your jewellery
into one drawer. Remember a diamond ring can
scratch that pearl necklace.
- DO keep your jewellery
pieces separate and ideally wrapped in velvet,
paper, or silk.
- DO check for loose stones
frequently by gently tapping the piece with
your finger near your ear.
- DO get pearls re-strung
every two years or annually with frequent use.
- DO clean fine jewellery
often to maintain its sparkle and beauty.
- DON'T use toothpaste
as it is abrasive and can damage softer gems
and metals.
- DO soak your jewellery
for 10 minutes in warm soapy water (using a
non-detergent soap). Use a soft brush on harder
gems to loosen any dirt around the prongs. To
reduce greasy build-up on diamond jewellery,
dip it in plain alcohol or vodka before soaking.
- DON'T pull at the gems
when you take off your jewels. Gems are exposed
easily to the skin sweat and it could loosen
the setting of the stones.
POPULAR GEMS AND THEIR
BASIC CARE
Diamond - Mechanical
cleaning baths are safe. Baths with Ammoniac or
soaps are good. Vodka is to raise the brilliance.
Ruby & Sapphire
- Clean with warm water, soap and brush. Mechanical
cleaning baths are safe.
Emerald - Clean with
warm water, soap and soft brush. Do not use mechanical
baths. Avoid chemicals. Every few years overhaul
emeralds with special oil.
Aquamarine - Warm
soapy water and soft brush is the best cleaning
method. Avoid chemicals and exaggerated cleaning.
Amethyst - Use warm
soapy water and soft brush. Ultrasonic bath is
safe. Avoid contact with oxides.
Opal - Use a soft
and dry cloth. No mechanical cleaners use. Avoid
dryness, heat and chemicals.
Lapislazuli - Use
warm soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth. No ultrasonic
bath use. Avoid chemicals.
Pearl - After wearing,
pearls have to be abraded with a soft cloth. Can
be cleaned in lukewarm soapy water.
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