Jewelry Care

So, how long is long?

For those of you who are like me and have a hard time figuring out necklace lengths from descriptions, here's a little chart to help visualize what that 18" necklace is really going to look like.

And, while we're at it...

Try to protect any jewelry from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures and sunlight.

• Store jewelry separately so it doesn't scratch other jewelry.
  
  
• When doing household tasks such as gardening and cleaning, be certain to remove rings.
  
  
• Put your jewelry on after washing and applying any makeup/hair spray.
  
  
• Never wear jewelry while swimming in a swimming pool. The chlorine can cause damage to various gemstones and gold. Gemstones may become loose in their settings (and possibly fall out).
  
  
• Avoid storing your jewelry next to a heating vent, window sill or on a car dashboard.
  
  
• Store jewelry away from sunlight as the sun may fade the gemstones.
  
  
• Always store bead necklaces (such as lapis, pearls, etc) flat as silk stretches over time.

If you have bead necklaces such as lapis or pearls, store them flat as silk stretches over time. Most jewelers will restring necklaces or reset stones (for a fee).

Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth or a Sunshine Cloth. If you store silver in plastic bags with an interlocking seal, it will be less prone to tarnish. (Do NOT store pearls in plastic bags!)