Keep Your Jewelry Beautiful for Years to Come
Jewelry Care Guide
Fine jewelry is meant to be lived in. It marks milestones, celebrates love, and often becomes part of your everyday story.
With just a little attention, your jewelry can look just as beautiful years from now as the day you received it.
At Michael’s Jewelers, we help clients from Yardley, Langhorne, Newtown, and across Bucks County care for their jewelry with confidence. Whether it’s a beloved engagement ring or a meaningful family piece, these simple tips will help protect both its beauty and its longevity.
How to Care for Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds are incredibly durable, but daily wear can lead to buildup from lotions, soaps, and natural oils.
How to Clean Your Diamond Jewelry at Home
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap
- Let your jewelry soak for about 20 minutes
- Gently clean with a soft jewelry brush, focusing underneath the diamond
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Dry with a lint-free cloth
A quick cleaning once or twice a week helps maintain your diamond’s brightness between professional cleanings.
Caring for Colored Gemstones & Pearls
A Softer Touch for More Delicate Pieces
Most colored gemstones can be cleaned similarly to diamonds, but some require extra care.
Pearl Care
Pearls are delicate and should never be submerged in water.
- Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with mild soap and water
- Gently wipe the surface
- Lay flat to dry on a soft cloth
- Once dry, lightly polish with a soft cloth
A good rule of thumb: pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Everyday Jewelry Care Tips
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
Avoid Excessive Heat & Sunlight
Certain gemstones, like amethyst, topaz, and pearls, can fade with prolonged exposure to heat and UV light.
Remove Jewelry Before Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re gardening in Bucks County or spending a day exploring outdoors, sand and dirt can scratch metals and gemstones.
Keep Jewelry Away From Chemicals
Remove jewelry before:
- Swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools
- Cleaning with household products
- Applying perfume, hairspray, or lotions
Even precious metals like gold and platinum can be affected over time.
Use the Right Tools
A soft jewelry brush is ideal. Standard toothbrushes can sometimes be too abrasive or apply uneven pressure.
Should You Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Ultrasonic cleaners can be effective, but they aren’t right for every piece.
They may loosen stones in:
- Pavé settings
- Vintage jewelry
- Delicate gemstone pieces
If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to come into Michael’s Jewelers and have us care for your jewelry and have it cleaned professionally.
Protecting Your Pieces When You’re Not Wearing Them
Proper storage of your jewelry prevents scratches and unnecessary wear.
- Store pieces separately
- Use a padded jewelry box or soft pouch
- Keep chains clasped to prevent tangling
A little organization goes a long way in preserving and protecting your jewelry collection.
Protect Your Jewelry From Everyday Damage
Fine jewelry is designed to be worn, but certain activities can increase wear over time.
Consider removing your jewelry when:
- Sleeping
- Exercising
- Swimming
- Doing yard work or home projects
Reducing constant friction helps keep settings secure and metals looking their best.
Keeping Your Jewelry Safe on the Go
Whether you’re heading out of town or just packing for a weekend, a little preparation helps.
- Use a travel jewelry case with compartments
- Wrap pieces individually in soft cloth
- Thread necklaces through a straw to prevent tangling
Taking these simple steps when packing can save a lot of needless frustration later.
Professional Cleaning & Inspection Matters
Just like anything you wear often, fine jewelry benefits from routine care.
We recommend bringing your jewelry to Michael’s Jewelers once a year for “Jewelry Spa Day” where your pieces will be professionally cleaned, inspected and made to sparkle like the day you first acquired it..
During your visit, our specialists will:
- Inspect prongs and gemstone settings
- Check clasps and structural integrity
- Clean and polish your jewelry
- Reapply rhodium plating to white gold if needed
These small preventative steps help protect your jewelry for years to come.
Because You Wear It Every Day
Engagement Ring Care
Your engagement ring is one of the most meaningful pieces you own and likely the one you wear the most.
How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home
- Soak in warm water with mild dish soap for 20–30 minutes
- Gently brush around the setting and beneath the diamond
- Rinse thoroughly (with the drain closed)
- Dry with a soft cloth
This removes everyday buildup and keeps your ring looking fresh.
What to Avoid
- Bleach or chlorine
- Harsh chemicals or acetone
- Toothpaste or abrasive cleaners
- Hard-bristled brushes
When in doubt, bring it in. We’re always happy to help.
How Often Should You Clean Your Ring?
- At-home cleaning: every 1–2 weeks
- Professional cleaning and inspection: 2 times a year
During your visit, we’ll check your setting, clean and polish your ring, and make sure everything remains secure and as beautiful as the day you purchased it!
FAQ: Jewelry Care & Cleaning
