If you’re still more comfortable staying close to home, now might be a great time to show your jewelry some love! Here are some easy-to-do tips.
It starts with taking inventory.
Take out that jewelry box and make a list of everything you own. You might actually find some treasures you haven’t worn in a while. But, you also might find some treasures you no longer love. Separate those and store them properly (more about that below) and consider what you might like to do with them. Perhaps it’s time to turn something you no longer wear into something you will! Even though our Seven Fields store is open again, we feel it’s best to set a private appointment to reimagine and redesign something that is truly special! OR you can contact us at info@mosesjewelers.com and we’ll set a convenient time to chat!
While you’re taking inventory, check to make sure you have an up to date appraisal. Fine jewelry will change in value, and for those pieces you have insured, you want to make sure the value is current if it’s lost or stolen. Need a new appraisal? Set an appointment to get that accomplished through a private meeting with us.
Treat your jewelry to Spa Day!
Take some time to clean your jewelry the proper way. It can make a world of difference in keeping its beauty and ensuring it will be there for future generations. Here are some guidelines. After all, at Moses Jewelers we want to “share the care”!
Identify your gemstones before cleaning.
You can find a gemstone care guide here for advice on what gemstones you can clean safely.
The Safest Cleaning Methods Are Easy!
- Most colored gemstones and diamonds can be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap such as Dawn (no detergents) and a soft brush. Soak your jewelry in a small bowl. Pearls are considered a softer gem that can be scratched easily. Clean your pearls in warm, slightly soapy water, with a very soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and lay your pearls to dry on a towel or chamois. Since silk thread will stretch, it's best to let the pearls sit until the strand is completely dry. Vintage and antique jewelry should be handled delicately and can be cleaned with just water and a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Have an electric toothbrush with pulsed water? That can be great to use as well, along with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions since you risk losing loose stones – or even an entire piece of jewelry - if you rinse directly in the sink. And, for safety sake, if you're cleaning your jewelry over a sink, be sure the drain isn’t open!
- Let it dry. After that, you can also polish carefully with a lint-free cloth.
Storage made simple.
Jewelry should not be tossed into a drawer or left on the top of your dresser. If you do that you can expect to damage those precious gemstones and scratch your metals.
Most jewelry pieces come in a box or pouch from our store, and you can feel free to use those as your storage. But, a jewelry box that features individually padded slots for rings and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets might be the best option. Plus, you’ll be able to easily pick the pieces you want to wear without having to open separate pouches or boxes.
- Sterling silver should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth.
- Diamond jewelry is delicate and can scratch easily. When you store it, keep it separated from other jewelry pieces. A fabric-lined jewelry case with individual compartments is ideal, but you can also keep them in their own pouches or wrapped in tissue paper or soft fabric.
- Gold chains can tangle quite easily. Always store them on a flat surface to avoid tangling.
- Pearls or opal gemstones will draw moisture from the air, so make sure to store them in a dry area!
Most important: Keep your jewelry away from any chemicals! These can damage or discolor precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum and may harm some colored gems. Everyday items like hairspray, lotion, perfume or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate gemstones.
Remember, your jewelry is precious and while it’s great to do some in-home spa treatments, just remember it should be checked every six months at our store and cleaned frequently.
Contact us with any questions at info@mosesjewelers.com, or feel free to text us right from the website!
