 |
| Each piece of CT Jewelry Design jewelry has its own unique properties and is sold to provide many years of enjoyment. This jewelry care guide outlines the basics of protecting your jewelry and keeping it in like new condition for a lifetime. View our Materials page for additional information about our jewelry or simply Contact Us if you have any questions. We will be more than happy to help you. |
Proper Care
Enjoy your jewelry and wear it often to brighten your look and your mood. Put your jewelry on after you've finished applying cosmetics, perfumes and hair products, including hairspray as it can damage the luster of your jewelry. Remove your jewelry if you're going to do any manual labor or housework. A bracelet can be easily bent or broken if caught on a hook. Gemstones can chip or crack if they're knocked against a hard surface. Harsh solvents used in cleaning are not good for any kind of jewelry and particularly harmful to pearls. It is also best to remove your earrings while you're having your hair styled. Never wear pearl earrings or a necklaces while you're having your hair colored. Some of the coloring agents contain alcohol and other chemicals that can mar the luster of the pearls.
Maintaining the Luster
To maintain the original luster of all jewelry, we recommend wiping the jewelry pieces with a dry, soft non-abrasive cloth after removing or at least once per month.
Metal Jewelry
Metal jewelry is usually quite durable, but it can be easily scratched. Clean it regularly with a dry, soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. Avoid using abrasive detergents, brushes and rough cloths that can damage the surface of metals.
Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry must be cleaned occasionally to remove tarnish. Over time silver naturally begins to develop a delicate silvery-gray patina. This is caused by oxidation and can give the piece an antique look which some may prefer, but for a bright shine use a silver polish cloth to restore the original shine. Never use an abrasive polish as it can damage the surface.
Jewelry Cleaning Solutions
There are several cleaning solutions on the market designed just for jewelry. These cleaners safely clean jewelry if the directions are followed. Use a cleaning solution only on materials designated as suitable by the cleaner's label. To avoid damage, do not use if you are not sure.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are typically safe for precious metals, diamonds, sapphires and rubies. It is not suitable for most other gems which are softer than these three stones. Pearls cannot be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine either as it will damage them.
Oxidation Protection
The best way to protect all your jewelry and sterling silver jewelry from oxidation is by keeping the piece stored in a sealed air tight plastic bag when not being worn.
Fading Protection
Long exposure to direct sunlight can cause the color of stones to fade. Avoid storing the jewelry pieces in direct sunlight.
Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine can severely damage metals and gemstones, and can cause stones to become loose in settings. Please avoid wearing jewelry in chlorinated swimming pools.
Pearls
Pearls are very vulnerable to damage and can lose their luster by chemicals in cleansers and cosmetics. An occasional gentle wipe with a slightly damp cloth will restore their shine. Never soak them in water or clean pearls in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. The process is too harsh for these delicate treasures.
Organic Gemstones
Organic gemstones such as pearls, corals and amber, along with turquoise and lapis lazuli cannot be soaked for cleaning as they are porous and absorb water. Clean this jewelry as you would pearls and avoid exposing it to chemicals and harsh cleansers.