What Kind of Maintenance Does My Jewelry Need?

Written By Allie Perry October 11, 2024

The tricksy little hobbitses over at DeBeers have spent decades instilling in all of us the mantra that “A Diamond is Forever”.  They’ve used that slogan in every ad since 1948, and it was literally named the “Slogan of the Century” in 1999, so you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard it.

Frances Garrett wrote this tagline to encapsulate the beauty of diamonds and impress upon people the security and eternal romance that diamonds were thought to offer. The campaign was meant to drive up diamond sales in a post-depression world, and it successfully changed how people looked at diamonds. They became synonymous with wealth and became very desirable.

But the slogan has led me to have more conversations than I can count with customers who believed that “forever” meant their diamonds wouldn’t break or get scratched. It also confused people into thinking their jewelry would last forever, which in turn led them to neglect basic maintenance.

Diamonds can definitely break! A statement that could have saved the customer who told me they found a stone but knew it wasn’t a diamond because they smashed it with a hammer and it broke. That’s not how it works, friend. Hit a diamond the right way, and in the right place, and you can cleave it in two or shatter it altogether. If you’ve ever broken the pointy corner of a square, pear, or marquise shaped diamond, you already learned this the hard way.

Diamonds can get scratched, too, and they can get chipped and abraided if they come in contact with something hard enough, usually other diamonds. This is why correctly storing your diamonds and gemstone jewelry is so important.

The most important thing you can do for your jewelry is to get it checked regularly, and perform any necessary maintenance to keep it secure and looking its best. I’d recommend getting your jewelry checked by a qualified professional (i.e. not the teenager who works part-time at the kiosk in the mall) at least once a year, and more frequently for pieces you wear every day.

What Types of Regular Jewelry Maintenance Are There?

1. Cleaning and Polishing Over time, dirt, oils, and lotions build up on your jewelry, especially on pieces you wear every day. Regular cleaning helps restore their shine. Depending on the material, this can involve simple at-home methods (like mild soap and water) or professional cleaning with specialized tools. Polishing is another key step, especially for silver and gold jewelry, which can lose their luster due to normal wear and tear.
2. Prong Inspection and Re-tipping For jewelry with gemstones, the prongs holding the stones in place can wear down over time. This can happen with any jewelry, but it’s especially common in rings and bracelets since they see the most incidental contact when they’re being worn. A prong inspection ensures your stones remain secure, and re-tipping the prongs prevents them from loosening or falling out.
3. Resizing If your ring no longer fits comfortably, you may need to have it resized. This is a common need due to weight fluctuations or changes in body temperature that affect finger size. Regular checks on your ring's fit ensure that it's neither too loose nor too tight.
4. Clasp and Chain Repair Necklaces and bracelets are prone to clasp issues or broken chains. Regular maintenance can prevent the frustration of losing a favorite piece because of a broken clasp or weak chain link.
5. Rhodium Plating White gold jewelry often has a rhodium plating that enhances its shine and gives it that white, silvery look. Over time, this plating wears off, and re-plating is needed to restore its brilliance.

How to Know When You Need Jewelry Maintenance

Your jewelry will tell you when it needs professional attention, so pay attention. Here's what to watch for:

• Loose Stones: If you can feel or hear stones shifting in their settings, it’s time for a prong inspection.
• Scratches and Dullness: Over time, frequent wear causes surfaces to dull, especially on soft metals like gold.
• Discoloration: Tarnishing, especially in silver and white gold, is a telltale sign that your jewelry needs professional cleaning or re-plating.
• Difficult Clasps: If your necklace or bracelet clasp feels loose or difficult to secure, it could snap or break with more wear. It could also trick you into thinking your jewelry is secured appropriately when it isn’t, potentially causing you to lose the piece.
• Discomfort in Fit: Rings that feel too tight or too loose should be resized promptly to avoid them slipping off or causing circulation issues.

Who Should You Go to for Jewelry Maintenance?

It’s crucial to trust your jewelry with a professional jeweler who specializes in repair and maintenance. Look for experienced jewelers who use high-quality tools and materials. If you have fine or antique jewelry, find a jeweler who is experienced in handling delicate or older pieces. Many jewelers offer routine inspections and professional cleaning, often free of charge if you purchased the jewelry from them. I know it’s tempting to go with the person who quotes you the lowest cost, but this can be dangerous with jewelry repair. You are likely to get what you pay for, and you’ll be better off trusting a jeweler who has good reviews or who you heard about by positive word of mouth, regardless of what their repair costs are.

What Are the Benefits of Preventative Jewelry Maintenance?

Just like with your car or home, getting preventative maintenance on your jewelry is key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements down the road. Here are a few benefits of getting your jewelry regularly checked:

1. Catch Issues Early: Regular inspections allow jewelers to spot small problems—like worn prongs or weakened clasps—before they result in the loss of a stone or a broken necklace.
2. Prolong Longevity: Consistent cleaning and care extend the life of your jewelry, preserving its appearance and structural integrity.
3. Maintain Value: Well-maintained jewelry retains its value over time. If you ever plan to sell or pass on a piece as an heirloom, its condition will play a significant role in its appraisal.
4. Peace of Mind: Regular check-ups prevent the worry of losing a stone or damaging an expensive piece of jewelry unexpectedly. Knowing your treasured pieces are secure offers peace of mind every time you wear them.

Jewelry maintenance isn’t just about keeping your pieces looking beautiful—it’s about ensuring they’re safe to wear and last for years to come. Regular inspections, cleanings, and professional care can save you from heartache and expensive repairs down the line. So whether it’s a family heirloom or your everyday jewelry, make maintenance a priority and set up a reminder in your calendar to get it done!