Keep it sparkling! Fine jewelry will bring years of wearing pleasure with proper care and cleaning - and occasional inspection by a professional jeweler. There are also some special precautions to take with more delicate gems like pearls. Good common sense is your best guide, but here are some helpful tips to keep all your fine jewelry in tip-top shape. All Jewelry Avoid wearing jewelry while in contact with household chemicals, such as chlorine bleach. They can discolor or damage your jewelry mountings. Take off your jewelry before doing rough manual work or playing sports. Stones could be jarred loose or chipped by a hard blow. When you're not wearing your jewelry, be careful that pieces do not tumble against each other to avoid scratching or dulling. Ideally, store each piece in its own soft cloth pouch. At least once a year, have a jeweler professionally clean and inspect your fine jewelry. Most jewelers offer cleaning and inspection as a complimentary service to give you a lifetime of wearing pleasure. At Shane Co., twice-a-year cleaning and inspection also guarantees the workmanship of your purchase for life. Diamonds Clean your diamond jewelry regularly at home in an ultrasonic cleaner or by hand. To make your own jewelry cleaning solution, mix one part ammonia to six parts water. Gently scrub the diamond piece with a small soft toothbrush to loosen dirt and restore the diamond's brilliance. Be careful not to scratch the metal setting. Always rinse after cleaning. Rubies and Sapphires To clean rubies and sapphire jewelry at home, use a lukewarm solution of water and mild dishwashing soap, or one part ammonia to six parts water. Keep your gems brilliant by gently brushing them with a small bristle brush, especially underneath where dirt collects. Rinse and dry. Pearls The best way to help your pearls maintain their luster is to wear them regularly. Your body's natural oils aid in keeping the pearls' beauty. When necessary, wipe your pearls with a damp, soft cloth. Do not use oils or other treatments. Never clean your pearls with jewelry cleaner or in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine! A harsh cleanser can wear away the nacre. Have your pearls restrung every two to five years if worn regularly, or when the silk becomes dirty. Take your pearls to a professional jeweler for cleaning prior to restringing, which will add to the beauty and long life of your pearls. Keep your pearls away from hairspray, lotion and perfume. Chemicals in these products can damage the pearls. Make your pearls the last item you put on when getting dressed and the first item you take off. Pearls should be worn alone. If worn with other jewelry, such as a gold chain or other necklace, they may be scratched or damaged. Store your pearls separately so they won't be damaged by other jewelry. Gold Jewelry Proper care of your gold jewelry will assure a long-lasting glow. Gold is tarnish-resistant, but it can get dirty or smudged. Every so often, clean your gold jewelry with a mild detergent or ammonia solution (one part ammonia to six parts water). Do not use any kind of abrasive that might scratch the gold. Use a soft brush to gently clean intricate filigree designs and under stones. Rinse and wipe jewelry after cleaning Platinum Jewelry Like gold, platinum jewelry does not tarnish. Simply clean your platinum pieces with a soft cloth and mild detergent or ammonia solution (one part ammonia to six parts water) to maintain their luster.

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