The Definitive Guide to Basic Jewelry Care
Many people ask us:
"Is alcohol disinfection okay?"
"Can I wash my hands while wearing it?"
"How do I maintain it if it gets dull or dirty?"
"My diamonds are losing their sparkle..."
I'm sure many of you have had similar experiences.
To ensure a comfortable future, I will share easy and inexpensive maintenance methods. My advice is based on 20 years of personal experimentation and knowledge of the jewelry industry.
[The Reason for Maintenance-Free ▶︎ Handwashing Edition]
[Revival ▶︎ Maintenance Method ▶︎ Baking Soda Edition]
① Daily handwashing + alcohol disinfection is the easiest!
② Wearing your accessories daily keeps them cleaner
③ Diamonds: wash with dish soap + brush
① Treat your accessories as part of your body and care for them in the same way. There's no need to set aside special time. This is the easiest way! Start doing this from the moment you purchase them. If you're starting this practice later, you'll need to thoroughly remove any oil build-up. If years of oil have accumulated in layers, a single handwash won't remove it. In that case, gently rub with baking soda. It will become sparkling clean (for rings with stones, do not let baking soda touch the stones, as it may dull their surface. For rings with stones, please request cleaning from the manufacturer or a specialist).
② The cause of dullness in materials and stones is the oxidation/sulfation that occurs over time when oil remains on the surface. Oil includes our skin's sebum, cosmetics, sunscreen, and hand cream. By using your accessories daily and following step ①, you can remove a day's worth of oil, dust, and dirt! We clean our bodies when we get home, don't we? Treat your belongings the same way. The key is to wash your hands, then wipe the accessories with a clean towel or soft cloth before removing them. Then place them in their designated spot.
③ Diamonds have an "oleophilic" property, meaning they attract sebum and oils. A film of oil prevents light from entering the diamond, making it appear dull. Submerge it in lukewarm water ▶︎ add a few drops of dish soap + soak for 3 minutes ▶︎ gently brush the details with a soft toothbrush. It will regain its new-like sparkle.
Which stones are okay for daily use and dish soap? Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. These stones have a Mohs hardness of 9 or more. In recent years, many new stones have been registered, and many have low Mohs hardness, leading to frequent damage during daily use. For stones with low Mohs hardness, gently wipe them with a cloth.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world's most trusted gem research and education institution.
“Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)” is NG as a cheap alternative to alcohol disinfectant (ethanol). It can cause blackening due to chlorine. Always use real ethanol (alcohol content approximately 70% or more). If you are unsure of the ingredients, remove your accessories just in case.
