Use caution when spring cleaning While spring-cleaning can do wonders for your home and garden, it may prove hazardous to your jewelry. Fine jewelry can last you a lifetime if you follow the care and cleaning techniques below. By properly caring for and cleaning your gemstones, your valuable jewelry will be around for your grandchildren to enjoy. Smart Gardening Gardening gloves may catch the prongs of your ring settings, and a small gemstone could easily disappear in gardening debris. Leave your jewelry in a safe location in your home before beginning your yard work. Household Chores Sinks, faucets, washing machines, and dryers can scratch or gouge your jewelry. Chemicals and abrasive surfaces can also scratch and discolor gemstones and gold. Even diamonds can be chipped when they strike a hard surface. Consider placing your jewelry in a safe spot when you’re doing household chores. Keep in mind that anywhere near a sink is not a safe spot, because your jewelry could easily fall down the drain or get caught in the garbage disposal. General Tips Keep your jewelry in a box with compartments and dividers or wrap each piece when you aren’t wearing it. If you throw all of your jewelry together into a jewelry box or drawer, you may scratch each piece, taking away its luster and shine. How do I care for my jewelry? Diamonds: As the most durable gemstone and the hardest substance on earth, diamonds make excellent jewelry. Many types of cleaning methods are acceptable- warm, soapy water, ultrasonic cleaning, steamers, etc. Diamonds are not indestructible; however, and can scratch or crack if hit against other hard objects, especially other diamonds. If your diamond is fracture filled or clarity enhances, avoid heat and chemicals. Emeralds: Although they are relatively hard gemstones, emeralds can be brittle and require extra care. Clean emeralds with a soft, damp cloth, warm water, and a soft brush. Do not use ultrasonic cleaning devices, steamers, or heat. Be especially careful when wearing emeralds- hitting the stone against hard edges is one of the main causes of damage. Rubies and Sapphires: Both of these durable gemstones for jewelry, making almost any cleaning technique acceptable. Warm, soapy water is the most preferred cleaning method, although ultrasonic cleaning and steamers are acceptable as well. If you have a fracture in your ruby or sapphire or own a star sapphire, do not use mechanical cleaning methods. Although these are two of the most durable gemstones, they can be damaged from hitting hard surfaces, rubbing against diamonds, or careless handling. Opals: Softer and more fragile than most crystalline gems, opals need special care. Opals contain 3 to 20 percent water, and they can crack by simply moving them from a warm home to frigid winter air. Opals can be cleaned with a soft dry cloth or a damp, moist one. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, heat, or any chemicals. Store opals in padded cloth bags. Avoid dry conditions. Pearls: Pearls should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth after each wear, removing any acid left by perspiration. Avoid contact with cosmetics, hairsprays, deodorants, and household chemicals so as not to diminish their luster. Pearls should be put on after applying makeup, perfume, or hairspray. For a more thorough cleaning, use mild, non-detergent soap and warm water. Rinse with clear water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Never clean pearls with jewelry cleaners or home ultrasonic machines. Have your pearls periodically cleaned by your jeweler, and have your jeweler inspect the string, as it will deteriorate over time. As with opals, avoid dry conditions when storing pearls. Appraisal vs. inspection: What’s the difference? An appraisal contains a complete and accurate description and value of your jewelry so that we can provide adequate insurance coverage. It lays the groundwork for future inspections. There are two primary reasons periodic inspections are required: Values of jewelry often increase. In order to make sure you are properly covered, you’ll want to know the current replacement value of your jewelry. Your jeweler will inspect for loose stones, worn prongs or mountings, and general wear and tear, thus preventing further damage or the possibility of a loss. An inspection is also an excellent time to have your jewelry cleaned, as dirt buildup can hasten wear. If you are going to a jeweler who didn’t perform the initial appraisal, he or she may need to perform another appraisal. Be sure to inquire if there is a fee.