At Calvin's Fine Jewelry, we get lots of requests from our customers on how to care for their precious jewelry. The best analogy I've heard comes from Calvin: Imagine you are going to the Oscars and you have a couture gown made. It cost thousands of dollars. It's absolutely flawless. It's the highest quality fabric, with crystal beads sewn on by hand. It's perfectly fit to your body. Now, imagine that you wear that gown every single day! It would no doubt have stains, tears, and it would definitely need to be dry-cleaned every once in a while. Your fine jewelry is no different! We use the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, but anything that is worn often will need some help every now and then. Here's a quick guide:
DO:
- Take off your jewelry when you are at home.
- Keep your jewelry in a safe place.
- Clean your jewelry often with a mild ammonia solution (Windex works wonders!)
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush to loosen dirt, but be cautious with precious gemstones.
- Use care while eating. You don't want bacteria growing on your ring!
- Be cautious about home cleaning kits. Make sure to read the instructions regarding pearls and precious gemstones.
DON'T:
- Cook, clean, or do the dishes in your rings.
- Wear your jewelry in the shower. Soap residue will make your jewelry look dingy.
- Lift weights. Metal on metal contact will damage your rings easily.
- Go to the beach or the lake with your fine jewelry. Besides being a bad environment, the possibility of losing something is increased when you're in water.
- Use home ultrasonics and steam cleaners. Some of the products on the market are alright, but use great caution. If you have a stone already loose, using an ultrasonic or steamer can sometimes cause it to fall out altogether. We use the same methods at our store, but Calvin is here to take care of any problems that may arise.
And the number one thing to remember:
- Bring your jewelry to be cleaned professionally at least once a quarter. At Calvin's, we do not charge for any maintenance. Cleaning, polishing, rhodium-plating, and making sure your stones are secure are standard processes here. No matter how cautious you are with your jewelry at home, there is nothing like having your rings taken care of by the professionals.
Remember, your fine jewelry is a treasure that is to be passed down for generations. Treat it as the heirloom it is and not simply an extension of your hand. Take care of it and it will last for years and years.
-S
