Caring for Your Fine Jewelry

Fine jewelry is an investment meant to be passed down through generations. With a little care, your pieces will look as brilliant decades from now as they do today.

Daily Habits That Protect Your Jewelry

The single best habit is simple: put your jewelry on last and take it off first. Perfume, hairspray, lotions, and cleaning products all leave residue that dulls metal and gemstones over time.

Remove rings before washing your hands, doing dishes, or gardening. Chlorine in pools and hot tubs is particularly damaging to gold alloys — it can cause stress fractures that aren't visible until the metal breaks.

Cleaning at Home

For most gold and platinum jewelry with diamonds or sapphires, a gentle soak works beautifully. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm (not hot) water, let the piece soak for 20–30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with emeralds, opals, pearls, or any stone that has been treated or filled — these require professional cleaning.

Storage

Store pieces individually in soft pouches or a lined jewelry box. Diamonds can scratch other gemstones and even other diamonds, so separation matters. Keep silver in anti-tarnish bags or cloth to slow oxidation.

Professional Servicing

We recommend bringing your fine jewelry in for a professional inspection once a year. We'll check prongs, clasps, and settings for wear — catching small issues before they become costly ones. Cleaning and inspection at Grillo Jewelry is always complimentary.