Handle with care
By Ronda Addy

Fine jewelry like engagement and wedding rings is an investment. To maintain it, you need to care for it properly. Here are some tips on how to keep your jewelry looking like new.

Diamonds are popular, and even though they are one of the hardest materials around, they still need regular maintenance. In order for a diamond to shine, the maximum amount of light possible needs to enter the stone and be reflected. Residue from lotions, soaps and powders and natural skin oils can dull the surface of a diamond and reduce its brilliance. To keep your diamonds shiny and looking their best, clean them regularly with a commercial cleaner, a mix of ammonia and water, or a mild detergent. Just dip the piece in the solution and use a soft brush to get rid of any dirt in the setting. Don't wear your diamonds when doing rough work. You could chip them. Don't expose your diamonds to chlorine or household cleaners. The products could damage the setting. Don't mix your diamonds with other jewelry. The diamonds could scratch it. Store your diamonds in a box with divided compartments or a fabric-lined jewelry box. Have them cleaned and checked once a year by a professional.

Whether a grade or a finish covered with a shiny coat of rhodium, silver can tarnish. To prevent this from happening, clean your silver jewelry regularly and store it in a cloth pouch or a plastic bag. You may use a silver clean cloth available at most jewelry stores or a flannel or cotton t-shirt and some lukewarm, soapy water. Don't use tissue, which can scratch silver, and make sure you dry your silver completely before storing it. Silver is very pliable, so when polishing it, rub against it. Don't pull. If you see any tarnish, use a mild tarnish remover made specifically for silver. Don't expose your silver to chlorine or soak it unless you are using tarnish remover.

Gold is designed to last a long time, but like all other jewelry, it requires proper care. Clean your gold jewelry regularly with an ultrasonic cleaner. Rinse, dry and polish it with a soft cloth. Store your gold in a soft cloth away from dust, makeup, moisture and perspiration, and inspect it often for damage. Take it to a jeweler for repair. Don't expose your gold to chlorine. It can weaken the structure.

More delicate than other gemstones, pearls require special care. Don't clean them with an ultrasonic cleaner. Instead, wipe them off with a soft, damp cloth and wash them occasionally in mild soap. Store pearls in a soft pouch away from other jewelry. Body oils can damage silk or nylon thread easily, so if you have any pearl necklaces, have them restrung once a year with a knot between each pearl so if the string breaks, your pearls won't get lost.

If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your jewelry yourself, take it to a jeweler and have it done by a professional. Remember, fine jewelry is an investment. You want it to last a while, so take care of it properly. With the right care, your diamond wedding ring or strand of pearls could become a family heirloom.