Jewelry Care

Diamonds

Diamonds may be the hardest substance on earth, but they can still chip. It is best to take your diamond jewelry off when you are doing activities that could be tough on your gem, such as lifting weights, or planting a garden. It is most important to have a qualified jeweler (not a salesperson) examine your diamonds twice a year, and we suggest doing it at daylight savings time. At Alexander J. Bongiorno, Creative Jeweler, we say “change your clocks, check your rocks,” It is an easy way to remember to have your jewelry inspected. Our service includes ultrasonic cleaning, prongs inspected for wear, and checking the gems for tightness. All done while you wait, and at no charge.

Another thing to keep in mind is how you wear your diamond ring around water. Try to avoid wearing your ring in chlorinated water, since over time, chlorine can damage the metal making it brittle. It is best to remove your jewelry before going in a pool or hot tub.

Finally, do not store your jewelry all together. The pieces will scratch each other and chains will tangle. A fabric-lined jewelry case with separate compartments is ideal, but you can also keep them in separate plastic bags or pouches. The main goal is to keep them from rubbing against each other so they will always look their best.

Gold

Avoid wearing chains when sleeping to prevent them from getting tangled or kinked. When not being worn, it is best to lay chains out flat and clasp the ends together to prevent tangling.

Pearls

“Last thing on, first thing off.” Pearls should be the last piece of jewelry you put on, especially if you use perfume or hair spray. Remember, spraying perfume or hair spray directly on pearls can damage their lustre.