FINE JEWELRY PRODUCT CARE

Here are 5 simple tips that will help maintain the beauty of your jewelry irrespective of the metal type:
  • Always store your jewelry in individual pouches or in compartments of your jewelry box. This will help prevent scratches.
  • Refrain from wearing jewelry during swimming, sports, etc., to protect it from unnecessary damage.
  • Use soap water solution for cleaning, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
  • To remove tough grime from crevices, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Treated gemstones and diamonds will need extra care so get them verified by a professional.

Diamonds:

Diamonds are tough, but this is a precious gem that needs to be well-cared for. You can do so by keeping the following points in mind.
  • Avoid frequently touching this gem as a layer of natural oil secreted from the skin can get deposited on the surface over a period of time.
  • The back of the diamond is a haven for grease and dirt. While cleaning your jewelry with a soap water solution make sure you cover all the hard-to-reach spots with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Keep your diamond jewelry away from chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals.
  • Ultrasonic cleaners are safe to use, unless the diamond has been treated with fillings for fractures.
  • Regular inspections will help you spot if your diamond jewelry has loose settings or chipping. In such a case, do visit a professional immediately.

Lab Grown Diamonds:

Physically, chemically & optically identical to traditionally mined diamonds.
  • The process begins with tiny natural diamond sliver and is placed in a hydrogen chamber where pure carbon atoms are replicated over a few weeks/months, depending on the desired size.
  • The lab grown process allows for more substantial size stones offering great value, however lab grown diamonds are not for long term investment.

Metals:

          • Exposure to chemicals can damage or discolor precious metals. So keep your gold and silver jewelry away from chlorine, ammonia and even everyday items, such as perfumes and hairsprays.
          • Gold can be safely cleaned in a soap water solution. To give this metal a renewed shine use a soft cloth for buffering.
          • When using silver, avoid unnecessary exposure to Sulfur, peroxide and household solvents.
          • If you notice mild tarnishing on your silver jewelry, scrub it with a soft and dry cloth.
          • Get your metal jewelry professionally cleaned if you notice severe discoloration or stains.

14k Gold and 18k Gold:

Gold in its purest form is extremely soft and flexible. This makes it impractical for use in jewelry. A metal needs to be strong enough to withstand wear and tear that might occur during daily usage. This is where alloy comes into the picture.
Essentially, when two or more metals are mixed together an alloy is created. This will be stronger and easier to use in fine jewelry. When it comes to gold, various types of metals can be added to it, in order to make it sturdy. The result of this process is 14k and 18k gold.
Remember, the higher the percentage of karat (k), the higher the content of gold. But this also means it will be more malleable as well.
Some more differences between 14k and 18k gold:

14k Gold

          • Contains 58.5% gold (rest is made of other metals)
          • Lighter tone
          • Less expensive
          • Popular in USA

18k Gold

          • Contains 75% gold (rest is made of other metals)
          • Deeper tone
          • More expensive
          • Popular in Europe and South America

Varieties of Gold:

          • White Gold: This metal is a result of a combination of yellow gold with copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium). Rhodium plating is responsible for giving white gold its distinctive sheen, and also protects it from scratches.
          • Yellow Gold: It is created by combining pure gold with alloys such as silver, copper, nickel or zinc. The result is a metal that is not just lustrous, but durable as well.
          • Rose Gold: Pure gold and a copper alloy are responsible for creating this popular metal. Rose gold does not have the tendency to tarnish, however the copper present in the metal can cause allergic reactions to some.

Types of Silver:

            • Sterling Silver: This is 92.5% pure silver that is made more durable by infusing other metals into it, usually copper. Sterling silver is affordable, however bear in mind it’s still a soft metal and can get scratched easily.
            • It is essential to keep aside the jewelry prior to bathing, swimming, or washing your hands, as exposure to salt and other chemicals can cause damage.
            • This metal must be protected from excessive friction and stored in a pouch.

      • Midnight Silver: This also contains 92.5% pure silver and is especially treated to get that perfect midnight surface color. A great feature about this treatment is that it’s extremely tough, which makes it an excellent plating and coating material that shields jewelry from scratches. It also gives a brighter, more luminous finish to the piece and is highly resistant to tarnish.
      • It will fade over time, particularly if the piece comes into direct and frequent contact with your skin.
      • It is essential to keep aside the jewelry prior to bathing, swimming, or washing your hands, as exposure to salt and other chemicals can cause damage to the rhodium plating.
      • This metal must be protected from excessive friction and stored in a pouch. It has a shelf life of approximately 1 year.