Want to make sure your favorite fine jewelry pieces are safe and sound? Check out our tips and keep your valuables safe and looking great:

• DON’T clean precious gemstones with ultrasonic chemicals yourself unless you are advised it’s safe to do so by a professional jeweler. Popular stones like topaz, turquoise and opal, for instance, might be susceptible to heat and could be damaged. When in doubt, call David Craig Jewelers!
• DO clean pearls by hand with a clean cloth and soapy water, making sure they are then dried thoroughly before wearing. Consider dipping a clean makeup brush into soapy water to help get into tiny crevices.
• DON’T risk scratching or damaging fine jewelry by simply tossing pieces into a drawer or jewelry box. Separating items into clean, dry spaces will help you avoid not just tangles but scratches or, even worse, breakage (yikes!).
• DO keep sterling silver pieces in their original store boxes or anti-tarnish bags. Sterling can react with other metals. Specially designed, gentle polishing clothes can be used. Some commercial cleaners may be too harsh – check labels before using or ask your jeweler for advice.
• DO bring white gold jewelry in for occasional rhodium plating (also known as flashing or dipping) if you want to avoid your piece turning pale yellow. Rhodium plating is the secret to that whitish luster. Call us for a quote.
• DO keep valuables like topaz and shell cameos away from excess light to avoiding fading.
• DON’T delay bringing jewelry in if you suspect loose prongs. So many customers have relayed heartbreaking stories about diamonds or gemstones that were there one day, gone the next. We’ll thoroughly inspect your ring, bracelet, earrings or necklace to ensure all is secure while also cleaning off grime and bringing gorgeous luster back.
• DO insure all your valuable jewelry! David Craig jewelers can appraise your pieces for replacement value. Check with your regular insurance agency or consider a jewelry-only insurer like Jewelers Mutual.
• DON’T wear jewelry in hot tubs or swimming pools to avoid possible loss or corrosion.

For more tips, stop in and speak to the jewelry experts at David Craig Jewelers. We’ll be happy to clean your ring for free while you’re visiting. For more information on jewelry safekeeping, check out this informative Gemological Institute of America (GIA) article.