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As a top rated Tucson jewelry store and fine jeweler I am often asked “how to care for diamond engagement rings and all types of fine jewelry” by my clients. You can read what they say about me here. Here are the three most important things you should do:

Cleaning Your Jewelry: All of your gold, diamond and precious gem jewelry can easily be cleaned with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, like a toothbrush. Did you know, that’s really all that you need? Be sure to first pull-up the sink stopper and cover the drain, so your jewelry is safe. Then gently scrub it. Do not buy consumer-grade (lower-level of professional grade) steam cleaners or ultrasonic machines because they could break your jewelry. A steam cleaner could easily dislodge smaller, loose diamonds that then fill fly all over your house, never to be found. And an ultrasonic could easily crack an emerald and other softer gems. Best to leave professional-type machines to the professionals who are trained to use them properly.

Check the Prongs: Did you know, the most important thing to do to care for your jewelry is to simply: check the prongs? Prongs are the "claws" that physically hold a diamond or gem to a ring, pendant or other type of jewelry. They should be round, not flat and fit completely over the gemstone. Also, every prong should be snug and tight on the gem. The gem should NOT wiggle, nor should there be any space between the prong and the gem. If there is any light in between any prong and your diamond or gemstone, put the piece of jewelry in a baggie immediately and contact me to schedule a repair. Unlike your teeth, well made jewelry does not need a check-up twice-per-year. However prongs, especially on rings do get banged around and can be bent out of shape. Furthermore, over time, gold and platinum prongs will wear-down and should be re-tipped. Under normal conditions and wear, have your ring checked every 2-3 years.

Caring for your Jewelry: As a knowledgeable and experienced Tucson jeweler I have serviced, repaired, cared for and cleaned thousands of pieces of Tucsonan's fine gemstone and diamond jewelry. Since diamonds and jewelry are valuable, you should protect and take good care of them. Start by keeping them stored in felt lined jewelry boxes with multiple compartments and separators. Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man and only a diamond can cut another diamond. But a diamond can also scratch another diamond. And it can easily scratch all of the other gemstones and gold you own. So it's best to keep them separate from each other.

If you’d like to learn more and are ready to own a beautiful new piece of fine jewelry, please schedule an appointment. I do sincerely appreciate it.