Cherish Forever
Your Aurelia jewelry is crafted to be a lifelong companion. With the right care, its brilliance and beauty can be preserved for generations. This guide provides our expert advice on how to maintain the sparkle of your treasured pieces.
The Fundamentals of Fine Jewelry Care
Make your jewelry the final touch to your outfit, after applying lotions, perfumes, and hairspray. These products contain chemicals that can tarnish metals and damage gemstones. At the end of the day, remove your jewelry first to avoid catching it on clothing.
Remove your jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs, as chlorine can cause discoloration and structural damage. It's also wise to take off rings before cleaning with harsh detergents or bleach to protect both the metal and the gemstones.
To prevent accidental damage, always remove your jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities like exercising, gardening, or heavy lifting. This simple step protects delicate settings from impact and prevents scratches on the surface of your treasured pieces.
How to Clean Your Jewelry
Regular, gentle cleaning at home will keep your pieces looking their best. Here’s how to safely clean different materials.
Gold & Platinum
Create a simple solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with a baby-soft toothbrush. Rinse under cool water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Sterling Silver
Silver is prone to tarnishing. For light cleaning, use a dedicated silver polishing cloth. For heavier tarnish, use a reputable silver cleaning paste or solution, following the instructions carefully. Always rinse and dry thoroughly.
Diamonds & Hard Gems
For hard stones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, the same soap and water method works well. An ultrasonic cleaner can be used at home for these gems, but ensure the settings are secure and avoid using it on treated stones.
The Art of Storing Jewelry
Proper storage is crucial to prevent scratches, tangles, and tarnish. Your jewelry should rest in a safe and organized home when not being worn.
Lined Boxes
Soft Pouches
Travel CasesStore each piece separately to prevent scratching. Soft, fabric-lined jewelry boxes with individual compartments are ideal. For silver, anti-tarnish bags or cloths can significantly slow the tarnishing process. When traveling, use a dedicated travel case to keep pieces secure and untangled.
Caring for Delicate Gemstones
Not all gemstones are created equal. Porous and organic gems require special attention and should never be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Pearls
Organic & PorousOpals
Hydrated & SensitiveEmeralds
Often Treated
Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove body oils. Clean with a damp cloth only when necessary. Store them separately as they scratch easily. Avoid all chemicals.
Opals contain water and can crack if exposed to dry heat or sudden temperature changes. Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals and high heat.
Most emeralds are fracture-filled to enhance clarity. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. Clean with a soft brush, mild soap, and room temperature water.
When to See a Professional
Just like a fine watch, your jewelry benefits from an occasional professional service. We recommend an annual check-up to ensure settings are secure, especially for rings that experience daily wear. Our services include:
- Prong tightening and inspection
- Professional steam and ultrasonic cleaning
- Rhodium plating for white gold
- Pearl and bead restringing
Traveling with Your Treasures
Keep your jewelry safe and sparkling on your adventures with these simple travel tips.
Traveler's Checklist:
Use a compartmentalized travel jewelry case to prevent tangling and scratching. This keeps each piece separate and secure during transit.
Never pack valuable jewelry in checked luggage. Always keep it with you in your carry-on bag to minimize risk of loss or theft.
Consider bringing only a few versatile pieces rather than your entire collection. This simplifies packing and reduces worry.
When you're not wearing your jewelry, store it securely in your hotel room's safe for peace of mind while you are out exploring.
For peace of mind, have photos and appraisal documents of your valuable items stored digitally in the cloud or in your email.