Jewelry Care Guide

There is nothing like a shiny new piece of jewelry that’s never been worn. But over time, our jewelry (especially our rings) can lose its luster and gain unwanted dirt. When cleaning jewelry at home, it’s essential to do it properly. Your jewelry is an investment that will last for generations when properly cared for. Here are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning and caring for your jewelry.

Take your jewelry off before bed, cleaning, and showering.

We know how hard it is to part with pieces that carry so much meaning, but trust us, daily exposure to solvents, lotions, soaps can add up. Your jewelry can snag or get bent if you wear it to bed. It’s not worth it!

Jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off every day. 

Use a silver polishing cloth or cleaner specifically made for silver. Silver is very soft, so care must be taken. Some people like the darker tarnish that develops in small nooks and crannies in silver jewelry, as it adds depth and character. Some people want their silver looking pure and pristine–like a mirror!

Use a professional cleaning solution with a small bristle brush. An ultrasonic cleaner on a low setting will also loosen dirt and grime.

Want to learn more ? Check out these two blog posts for a more in-depth look at jewelry care.

While it’s true that many pieces can be safely cleaned at home, your jewelry should be checked and cleaned every 6-12 months by a professional jeweler.

Below are the type of cleanings that Nelson Coleman offers:

Check & Brighten

This is our basic cleaning service, which can be performed as often as needed, typically while you wait. Our jewelry experts will examine your piece under a loupe to check for any loose stones. If the stones are secure, we will proceed with an ultrasonic cleaning and a hot steam treatment. For certain pieces that require special care, such as emerald, pearl, and opal jewelry, we will use a hand cleaning method with warm water. If we notice any issues, we will inform you about them and discuss their potential risks so you can make an informed decision regarding care.

Spa Treatment

The next type of cleaning includes a polish and should be done once per year (no more than that because polishing removes a tiny amount of metal). At Nelson Coleman Jewelers, we call this a “spa.” Our jeweler will examine your piece and take his time and expertise to polish it. This service starts at $10 for yellow gold and $20 for platinum.*

For white gold, this service starts at $50* because white gold gets plated with rhodium after it is polished. This is because white gold isn’t really ‘white.’ It’s mixed with other white metal alloys that make the gold appear whiter, but white gold never looks bright white until it is dipped in rhodium, a metal from the platinum family. At Nelson Coleman Jewelers, when we rhodium a ring, we do a heavy dip so that you only need an annual polish.  

For pieces with a finish (i.e., brushed, matte), the finish must be reapplied as polishing removes it. This typically results in an additional charge of $15.*

Signature Service

The third type of cleaning, our Signature Service, is a comprehensive care package that includes any tightening of stones or necessary repairs in addition to the Spa Treatment listed above. At Nelson Coleman, we charge $40-$75* to tighten up to 20 stones on a ring. This service ensures that your precious jewelry is not only clean but also in perfect condition. 

As a member of Jewelers of America, Nelson Coleman Jewelers pledges to adhere to a high standard of ethics and quality. We have transparent pricing and fully and accurately describe our products and services to our clients. High-quality work is worth the yearly expenditure because replacing stones and prongs can be expensive!

*Pricing may be subject to change.