Training Your Fine Jewelry:

The first thing you should do is to give your fine jewelry its own little space for when it is not being worn and train it to stay there. Jewelry  items do not live or party well together. Much of the damage, other than wear,  that is done to jewelry happens in jewelry boxes. Stones scratch each other and  the metals around them. Chains get caught in tangles that almost always cause  some sort of damage.

Cleaning Your Fine Jewelry:

The best way to clean your fine jewelry is with a soft (used)  toothbrush and a mild dish detergent. If the pieces are very dirty, you can soak them in detergent and water. We do not recommend the use of harsh cleaners such  as chlorine bleach or ammonia. It is not advisable to use toothpaste either. Many contain a mild abrasive which will remove some metal and cause a dull  finish. Items can be repolished by any competent jeweler on occasion, but this  process also removes small amounts of metal and so should be used sparingly.

Checking Prongs & Stones:

If the stone moves in the setting, put it in some kind of small bag  or container and take it to your nearest qualified jeweler. The small bag prevents loss of the stone should it fall out. Loose stones are also more easily  chipped or broken. Another good indicator of a loose prong is if the piece is constantly getting caught in clothing or hair by a prong.

Checking for Wear and Tear:

Over time, gold and silver will wear down. This can happen over  months or years. The solution to this type of problem is the use of heavier metal in the prongs, the use of platinum for the setting or the use of a bezel  setting to secure the stone. Prongs should be checked occasionally and if thin  they should be replaced. The bands on rings can also become quite thin and  eventually need replacing. The thinner the band to begin with the faster this will happen.

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