Jewelry Care Guide

Jewelry Care Guide

At Ruthxy, we understand that fine jewelry is a timeless treasure meant to last a lifetime. With proper care, your jewelry can retain its beauty and brilliance for years to come. That’s why we’ve created this Jewelry Care Guide to help you care for your cherished pieces. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Basic Jewelry Care

All fine jewelry requires thoughtful care to maintain its quality and appearance. While certain pieces may need specific attention, most jewelry can be preserved by following these essential tips:

Caring for Fine Sterling Silver

  • Wear it often: Regular wear can prevent tarnish, as the natural oils on your skin help keep silver shiny.
  • Avoid harmful exposure: Sterling silver may darken or dull over time due to exposure to lotions, soaps, detergents, perfumes, sunlight, and household chemicals. Salt water, chlorine, and perspiration can also accelerate tarnishing. Remove your jewelry before applying creams or lotions to prevent clogging in gemstone settings.
  • Polishing and cleaning: To maintain silver's brilliance, use a non-abrasive silver polishing cloth or a liquid silver cleaner.

By incorporating these care habits, your jewelry will continue to shine and remain in excellent condition for years to come.

Caring for Lab-Created Sapphire and Precious Gemstone Jewelry

To preserve the beauty and integrity of your lab-created sapphire and gemstone jewelry, follow these precautions:

  • Avoid Impact and Abrasion: Refrain from wearing your jewelry during activities such as gardening, weightlifting, or sports, as these can cause scratches or damage.
  • Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Keep your jewelry away from sudden temperature changes, whether hot or cold.
  • Limit Chemical Exposure: Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, and household chemicals that may harm your jewelry.

Stone Settings Maintenance

  • Check Settings Regularly: Examine the stone settings to ensure the gems are securely held in place. Pay special attention to prongs, as they can bend or break with wear, increasing the risk of losing gemstones.
  • Repair When Necessary: If prongs show signs of wear or damage, have them repaired promptly by a professional jeweler.

Everyday Care Tips

  • Clean After Wear: Gently wipe your gemstones with a clean, soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove any residue.
  • Remove Before Applying Creams or Lotions: Lotions can dull gemstones or clog settings. Use a moist cotton bud to clean hard-to-reach areas, and ensure metals are thoroughly dried afterward.
  • Special Care for Pearls and Opals: These delicate gems should be stored in fabric pouches rather than plastic, as they need to "breathe."

By following these care tips, your gemstone jewelry will stay radiant and secure for years to come.

Jewelry Care: Do’s & Don’ts

To ensure your fine jewelry retains its beauty for a lifetime and beyond, follow these essential guidelines:

Do’s

  • Regularly examine your jewelry to ensure settings and clasps are secure.
  • Ensure proper sizing of your jewelry to prevent unnecessary strain or damage.
  • Use the correct cleaning products: gold cleaners for gold and silver cleaners for silver.
  • Store your jewelry appropriately in a fabric-lined case or compartmentalized box to avoid scratches.

Don’ts

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for gemstones and pearls, as it can cause fading or damage.
  • Do not store or wear silver jewelry in salty air, as it can accelerate tarnishing.
  • Never use paper towels to clean pearls or fine jewelry, as they can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid using home ultrasonic cleaners unless you're certain they are safe for your specific gemstone or jewelry piece.

When to Remove Your Jewelry

Take off your jewelry during the following activities to prevent damage:

  • Weightlifting, shoveling, or any manual labor.
  • Hand-intensive chores like cleaning, painting, or refinishing furniture.
  • Applying cosmetics, including lotion, perfume, or hairspray.
  • Doing laundry or bathing.
  • Experiencing extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature.

Jewelry Storage Tips

  • Use a fabric-lined jewelry case or a box with compartments to prevent movement and scratching.
  • If using ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.
  • Store your jewelry box in a cool, dry, and secure location to preserve its condition.

By following these do’s and don’ts, your jewelry will remain a cherished treasure for years to come.