Care and Cleaning
Care and Cleaning of your Jewelry
Your jewelry can be cleaned with mild soap and water and gently dried with a soft cloth. Take care not to apply too much pressure in one place as silver can bend. You may also use a silver polishing cloth, like the one available from JeffreyDesign, to clean up areas that may show tarnishing. Gently rub the silver parts only, never rub pearls, coral, amber, turquoise or beads with finishes that may be damaged with a polishing cloth containing chemicals (as is the silver polishing cloth).
You may use a stronger liquid silver tarnish remover only on silver parts if necessary. With great care, you could use a liquid tarnish remover on jewelry with beads and stones by using a tiny brush or cotton swab to apply only to the silver parts, avoiding contact with materials that could be damaged (as explained above) and then immediately flushing with fresh water to remove all traces of the cleaner and polishing dry with a soft clean cloth. Never dip or immerse entirely in cleaner any jewelry that is not completely silver. Never use silver cleaners (liquid or cloths) on other materials such as 'antiqued' silver, gold, cameo, opal or emerald. Be sure to read all instructions on any cleaners you intend to use.
Frequent cleaning is recommended to maintain true beauty. Salt water, chlorine in swimming pools, soap and perspiration take their toll (JeffreyDesign does not recommend wearing your jewelry while swimming or participating in other sports). Wipe your jewelry often and gently with a soft cloth to keep it clean and free of these elements which cause oxidization. When not being worn, store you silver jewelry in an airtight Ziploc bag. What tarnishes silver is oxygen, the more you keep it sealed, the less tarnishing will occur. For short periods, such as when traveling, a soft drawstring bag will help keep the item from being scratched.
Gemstone Enhancements and Treatments
The fashioning of gemstones is a skillful blend of art and science. Art is used to shape, facet and polish. Science is used to attain the finest color and appearance. As part of its commitment to consumer education, Princess T presents this comprehensive directory of gems from the well known to the rare and exotic. Our chart also highlights the known enhancement methods which helps these gems reach their full potential for beauty or improve their durability.
TIPS FOR THE CARE & HANDLING OF YOUR GEMSTONE JEWELRY
Preserving the beauty of gemstones is usually a matter of common sense and simple precaution. Maintenance most often involves properly cleaning jewelry pieces or keeping them out of harm’s way.
• Periodically take time to clean your jewelry. Gems, particularly those in rings, will collect soap film, oil and dirt between the prongs of the mounting and the gem. By cleaning your gemstones with warm water, a new and unused soft toothbrush and a gentle dishwashing liquid, you can restore lost luster and brilliance to gems and keep them looking like new. (Note: Normal care for pearls includes rinsing and gently patting dry with a soft clean cloth after wear). For specific gemstone details, see chart below.
• Avoid wearing gems during strenuous exercise. A random blow can damage the beauty of a gem. To prevent breakage, store gemstone jewelry in a safe place while engaging in activities where there's a possibility of hitting the stone.
• Handle jewelry by the mounting not the stone. Grasping jewelry by the gem can loosen a stone in its setting and create a risk of eventual loss.
• Store gemstones separately. Gems that are harder than others will scratch softer stones if they come into contact with each other.
• To help keep your new treasure in like-new condition, the Gemstone Enhancement and Treatment Chart below explains the treatment some gemstones receive and any special care requirements to keep them dazzling today—and tomorrow.
