Most damage we see at the bench was avoidable. Here is how to clean, store and check fine jewelry safely — and, just as important, what never to do.
This routine is for plain gold, platinum and securely set diamonds only. The next section lists what must never touch it.
| Never | Why |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic on pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, coral | Vibration cracks porous and fracture-filled stones and loosens settings |
| Bleach, chlorine or pool water on gold | Attacks the alloy — shanks and prongs can snap without warning |
| Toothpaste or baking soda as a polish | Abrasive — leaves a haze of micro-scratches on gold and soft stones |
| Perfume, hairspray or lotion on pearls | Dissolves the nacre; the loss is permanent |
| Over-polishing an antique | Erases patina and crisp detail — and with them, value. See the eras guide |
| Storing everything in one box | Diamonds scratch every other stone, including each other |
Both are durable; platinum develops a soft matte patina many owners like. Higher karat gold is softer — see the karats guide and platinum vs white gold. White gold is rhodium-plated and the plating wears; re-plating restores it.
Diamond, sapphire and ruby handle daily wear well. They still chip on a hard knock — the girdle is the vulnerable edge. Soapy water is all they need.
The delicate group. Emeralds are usually oiled, opals hold water, pearls are organic. Damp cloth only, never ultrasonic, never soaking. More in the gemstone guide.
Tarnish is normal. A silver cloth handles light tarnish; anti-tarnish strips in storage prevent it. Do not use dips on pieces with stones or oxidised detail.
Water resistance from decades ago is not water resistance today. Keep vintage cases dry and service mechanical movements periodically — see the watch guide.
Jewelry goes on last and comes off first: after lotion and perfume, before cleaning, gardening, gym and swimming. That single habit prevents most damage.
Once a year, have prongs, clasps and settings checked on anything you wear daily. Take a piece in sooner if you notice a stone that moves or clicks, a prong that catches on fabric, a clasp that opens on its own, or a ring that has gone oval.
Repairs, sizing and stone tightening are handled by our workshop at BizakAid — mail-in, insured both ways, with the price quoted before any work starts. For value rather than repair, we issue written appraisals.
Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. Not for pearls, opals, emeralds or anything glued or fragile.
Only on plain gold or platinum with securely set diamonds. Never on pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, coral, antique or fracture-filled stones.
Once a year for anything worn daily. Most stone losses are preventable and cost far less to fix than to replace.
Usually not. Patina is part of an antique’s value, and over-polishing softens crisp detail and can reduce what a piece is worth.
Separately — each piece in its own pouch or lined compartment, so harder stones cannot scratch softer ones. Keep pearls out of dry heat and airtight bags.
Send a photo. We will tell you whether it is safe to wear, what it needs, and what it is worth — in writing, by mail, nationwide.