Jewelry Care Guide

Faceted gemstones, such as amethyst, aquamarine, tanzanite, and other transparent stones, are admired for their brilliance and vivid color. Because each gemstone varies in hardness and composition, they require thoughtful care to preserve their sparkle and integrity.

• Handle with Care: Gemstones exhibit different levels of hardness, with some more prone to scratching or chipping than others. Avoid wearing gemstone jewelry during activities that may expose it to impact or abrasion, and remove pieces before engaging in physical activity.
  
  
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Natural gemstones are sensitive to chemicals found in perfumes, cosmetics, and household cleaners. Apply these products before putting on your gemstone jewelry to prevent potential damage or dulling of the surface.
  
  
• Store Properly: To prevent scratches, store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box. Avoid storing pieces together, as friction can cause surface wear. Keep gemstones away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can fade or discolor certain stones over time.
  
  
• Clean with Care: Clean gently using a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt or residue from wear. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean cloth. Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as some gemstones (such as emerald, opal, tanzanite, and many treated or fracture-filled stones) can be damaged or discolored by heat or vibration. Harder stones, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, spinels, and topaz, are generally safe with these methods, but caution is always advised.

Opals are mesmerizing gemstones, prized for their iridescent play-of-color. With a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6.5, they are relatively delicate and require mindful care to preserve their beauty.

General Care Guidelines for All Opals:

• Handle with Care: Avoid impact, rough surfaces, and sharp objects that could scratch or chip your opal.
  
  
• Avoid Chemical Exposure: Keep opals away from household cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes. Remove jewelry before using these products.
  
  
• Moisture Management: Store in a stable, moderate environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or areas with significant temperature changes. Opals can react to extremes in temperature or humidity, so keeping them in a consistent environment helps preserve their structure and prevent surface stress or cracking over time.
  
  
• Clean with Care: Clean gently using a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or oils accumulated from wear. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners as they can harm the opal's surface.

Specific Notes by Opal Type:

• Boulder Opals: Boulder opals feature veins of opal embedded within ironstone, which provides natural stability. They are generally durable, but can still experience stress over time if exposed to large temperature or humidity changes, even in storage. Store in a stable environment, and handle gently to preserve their color and structure.

• Crystal/Jelly Opals: Crystal or jelly opals are translucent and delicate. They can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Gentle handling, stable storage, and avoiding exposure to water or chemicals will help preserve their clarity and vibrant play-of-color.

• Ethiopian Opals: Ethiopian opals are hydrophane, meaning they are porous and can absorb water, oils, or other substances. This property makes them especially vibrant, but it also means that cleaning and storage require extra care. Always wipe gently after wear, avoid prolonged contact with moisture or chemicals, and store in a stable, moderate environment to maintain their natural beauty.

• Mexican Opals: Mexican opals, including varieties like Cantera and Leopard opals, are prized for their vivid colors and unique patterns. They may contain higher water content and can be sensitive to changes in humidity. Keep them stored in a consistent environment, away from direct sunlight and heat, and handle gently to protect their color and surface.

• White Opals: White opals are known for their milky body color and flashes of color. While less porous than some opal types, they still benefit from stable storage conditions and careful handling. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures to maintain their appearance.

Pearls are organic gems, cherished for their luminous surface and timeless elegance. Because they are softer than most gemstones, pearls require extra care to preserve their radiance.

• Handle with Care: Pearls are relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so handle them with care to avoid scratches and damage. Put your pearl jewelry on last when getting dressed and remove it first when undressing to prevent accidental snags.
  
  
• Avoid Contact with Chemicals: Pearls can be susceptible to damage from chemicals present in perfumes, cosmetics, hairspray, and even household cleaners. Always apply these products before putting on your pearl jewelry.
  
  
• Store Properly: Store your pearl jewelry separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. Keep them in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing pearls in airtight containers, as they benefit from a touch of humidity to maintain their luster.
  
  
• Clean with Care: After each wear, gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove body oils or residue. Avoid soaking, harsh cleaners, or ultrasonic machines.

These natural stones are admired for their earthy tones and natural variations. Because they are relatively soft and porous, they require gentle handling and thoughtful care to preserve their color and integrity.

• Handle with Care: These stones can scratch or chip if struck against hard surfaces. Handle your jewelry gently and avoid contact with rough or abrasive materials.
  
  
• Avoid Contact with Chemicals: Perfumes, cosmetics, and household cleaners can discolor or damage the surface. Apply such products before wearing your jewelry to minimize exposure.
  
  
• Keep Dry: These natural stones are porous and can absorb water, oils, and other substances that may alter their color or surface. Always remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or engaging in water-related activities. After wear, gently wipe the jewelry with a soft, dry cloth to remove any moisture or residue.
  
  
• Store Properly: Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches. Keep away from direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature extremes, which can affect both the stone and metal components.
  

• Clean with Care: Regular cleaning helps maintain the elegance of these natural stones. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the surface and remove any dirt or oils accumulated from wear. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the gemstones' surface.

Sterling silver is a classic, versatile metal composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This blend gives sterling silver its durability while maintaining a beautiful, reflective shine. Proper care is essential to preserve its appearance over time.

• Handle with Care: Sterling silver is a relatively soft metal, so avoid rough handling, impact, or contact with hard surfaces during everyday wear.
  
  
• Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, and household cleaners can dull or tarnish silver. To keep your jewelry shining, apply these products first, then slip on your jewelry. Don’t forget to remove your pieces before swimming, showering, or using chlorine or saltwater—these can also cause tarnishing.
  
  
• Store Thoughtfully: When not wearing your sterling silver jewelry, keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity. Storing pieces in soft pouches or a lined jewelry box helps prevent scratches and keeps them looking fresh.
  
  
• Keep it Sparkling: A soft, lint-free cloth is perfect for gently wiping away oils and dust from everyday wear. For stubborn tarnish, a silver polishing cloth or mild silver cleaner works wonders, just be careful to not get it on soft or porous gemstones. Regular care helps your silver pieces stay as shiny and radiant as the day you got them!

Gold fill and rose gold fill jewelry are both popular alternatives to solid gold, offering both affordability and durability. Gold fill jewelry consists of a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal core, typically brass or copper. This bonding process, achieved through heat and pressure, results in jewelry pieces that are durable and long-lasting.

Rose gold fill jewelry follows the same principle as gold fill but incorporates a higher proportion of copper in the alloy, giving it a warm, pink hue characteristic of rose gold. Like gold fill, rose gold fill jewelry is composed of a thick layer of rose gold bonded to a base metal core, providing similar durability and longevity.

Both gold fill and rose gold fill jewelry offer several advantages over gold-plated or gold vermeil jewelry. They are more resistant to tarnishing and wear, thanks to the thicker layer of gold. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic for most people, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin who may react to other metals. Here's how to care for your gold fill and rose gold fill jewelry:

• Handle with Care: While gold fill and rose gold fill jewelry are durable, they can still scratch or dent if subjected to rough handling. Avoid impact with hard surfaces or sharp objects to maintain their appearance.
  
  
• Avoid Contact with Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, and household cleaners can affect the gold layer over time. Apply these products first, then slip on your jewelry. Always remove your pieces before swimming, showering, or using harsh chemicals to keep them sparkling.
  
  
• Keep Dry: Prolonged exposure to moisture can dull or damage the finish. If your jewelry does get wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth. After wearing, a quick wipe helps remove any oils or residue and keeps your jewelry looking fresh.
  
  
• Store Thoughtfully: Store jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches and damage. Opt for a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to protect them from dust and scratches. Keep your jewelry away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity, as these conditions can affect the metals' appearance over time.
  
  
• Keep it Sparkling: Use a mild soap and warm water solution with a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dirt and oils. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the gold layer. After cleaning, rinse your jewelry thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.