How To Care For Your Jewelry
Caring for your jewelry properly will help it look beautiful for years to come. Whether it's a daily-wear ring or a special piece you keep for occasions, a little attention goes a long way toward preserving its finish and structure. Below are some tips and common questions to help you keep your jewelry in great condition.
Everyday Care Basics
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Avoid chlorine and harsh chemicals. Chlorine, bleach, and other cleaners can damage metal over time. These substances are acidic and will wear down the finish and structure, especially on gold and silver.
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Cleaning your jewelry. For regular at-home cleaning, use a soft cloth, an old toothbrush, and a bit of baking soda or non-abrasive toothpaste. Gently polish to bring back the shine.
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Prevent pitting and tarnish. Long-term exposure to water and chemicals (even dish soap) can cause surface wear or pitting. It’s best to remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, or doing the dishes.
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Lotions and creams. These can leave residue that dulls the surface and may damage porous stones. Always apply lotions or perfumes first, and let them absorb before putting your jewelry on.
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Sports and physical activity. Remove your jewelry before workouts or physical labor. Impact can bend settings or chip stones.
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Skin chemistry and tarnish. Your skin’s pH level can affect metal over time, especially if you have more acidic skin. Tarnishing can happen even with 14k gold. This is normal and doesn't mean the metal isn’t real.
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Storage tips. For long-term storage, keep your pieces in a sealed plastic bag with a tarnish strip or in a tarnish-resistant pouch. This helps slow down oxidation and keeps your jewelry clean and dry.
Caring for Prong-Set Stones
Prong settings need regular maintenance. I recommend having the prongs checked every six months to make sure they’re secure. A local jeweler can do this quickly, often while you wait. Regular checks help prevent accidental stone loss, especially for daily-wear rings.
Warranty Details
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I offer a 6-month warranty on small stone loss for all my jewelry.
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This does not cover wear and tear, loss, theft, or damage due to accidents or impact.
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Center stones are not covered under warranty, as prongs need to be checked routinely to prevent loosening.
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If a center stone is lost due to damage or impact, a replacement can be purchased and I will happily reset it. If the stone was one of a kind, I’ll do my best to find a suitable replacement.
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Pave stones will be replaced free of charge within the 6-month warranty window. After that, a fee will apply.
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Shipping for repairs (both to and from) is the responsibility of the customer. International customers: please check customs rules before sending anything back to avoid unexpected fees.
I always recommend insuring your fine jewelry. Jewelers Mutual offers specific coverage, or you can add it to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
Does Gold Tarnish?
Yes — all gold can tarnish over time. 14k and 18k gold are alloys that include other metals (like copper or silver), which are more reactive and prone to oxidation. Water, sweat, and household chemicals can accelerate this.
Tarnishing near soldered joints is especially common and perfectly normal. A simple jewelry polishing cloth or a dip in a reputable cleaner will restore the shine. Rest assured — tarnish is not a sign that your jewelry isn’t real gold.
All of my fine jewelry is made with solid, SCS-certified recycled 14k or 18k gold unless otherwise noted. I do not use gold plating, which can wear off over time.
What Is 14k Gold Filled?
14k gold filled jewelry consists of a solid layer of 14k gold mechanically bonded to a core metal such as brass or silver. It’s a durable, long-lasting alternative to plated jewelry and is safe for most people with sensitive skin.
Gold filled jewelry won't flake or peel, and with proper care, it can last decades. I occasionally offer 14k gold filled chain options for bracelets or necklaces to help keep costs more accessible. If a piece includes gold filled material, it will be clearly noted in the product description.
If you ever have questions about caring for your jewelry or aren’t sure how to clean something safely, feel free to reach out. A little care makes a big difference when it comes to preserving your favorite pieces.
