Jewelry may become tarnished or damaged over time, and professional jewelers can help restore its quality. Some jewelry companies offer in-store repair services and maintenance tips to keep your jewelry looking good and functioning properly. Here are some tips and tricks for maintaining your jewelry if it becomes dirty, damaged, or unwearable:
Get Your Rings Sized
Making sure that your rings are sized correctly keeps them from falling off or twisting while wearing them. This helps prevent loss and damage from friction. If you have been gifted a new ring or have gained or lost weight, resizing it allows you to wear it comfortably and safely. This increases the ring’s value and prevents the ring from getting lost. If you have heirloom jewelry that doesn’t fit, take it to a jewelry store to have it sized so you can wear it and pass it down to the next generation.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
Regular cleaning helps jewelry maintain its appearance and shine over time. Cleaning the metals and stones also protects the materials’ quality and durability. If you notice tarnishing or debris buildup around your jewelry’s detailing, take your pieces to professional jewelers to get them polished and cleaned. If you clean your jewelry at home, mix a small amount of a gentle cleanser with warm water in a dish. Place your jewelry in the bowl for several minutes, allowing the grime and buildup to loosen and fall away more easily. Scrub the jewelry gently with a soft brush to remove any remaining dirt. To prevent scratches, confirm that you have jewelry made of solid gold and hard stones before scrubbing it.
Remove Your Jewelry
To protect your jewelry from physical or chemical damage, remove it before participating in activities like vigorous exercise or cleaning. Jewelry can be scratched during workouts or tarnished by sweat. Some household cleaning agents may cause a filmy buildup on stones’ surfaces. These activities may reduce the shine and quality of your accessories over time. Wearing your jewelry during physical activities also increases the chances of the pieces falling off or getting lost.
Get Your Prongs and Chains Repaired
Broken or missing prongs may cause your jewelry’s stones to become loose in their settings. Jewelry stores will repair or replace the worn prongs to make sure the stones are held in place securely. If your bracelet or necklace has a broken chain, jewelry stores can reconnect the links and restore the accessory’s security and functionality.
Replace Your Stones
Missing or damaged diamonds reduce the safety and quality of jewelry pieces like rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Some jewelry stores offer warranty protection for diamonds. This allows you to replace your missing stone at no cost. If you want a larger or smaller stone than your original diamond, jewelry professionals will adjust the settings to accommodate the replacement stone.
Get Your Watch Repaired
Because watches are an everyday accessory, these pieces experience more wear and tear than other jewelry types. Jewelry professionals can handle a range of watch repairs, such as battery changes and complete services. If your watch battery dies, some jewelers offer free battery replacements. Other watch repair services you can choose from include replacing the band, glass, crown, and stem. Jewelers also clean and polish the glass and metal surfaces of the watch to remove and prevent oil buildup.
Remount and Refurbish Heirloom Pieces
If you have colored stones or diamonds that you want placed in different settings or jewelry pieces, professional jewelry stores can create a custom piece based on the stones. This enables you to upgrade your old jewelry and store free-standing jewels safely. If you have worn or tarnished heirloom jewelry, jewelers will restore the pieces to their original shine. They can also revitalize the jewelry and recreate the old design with new materials that are easy to maintain. This helps protect the heirloom pieces from damage and extends their lifespan.
Visit Reputable Jewelers for Repairs
Reputable jewelers offer repair and maintenance services for jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches. These professionals understand the types of metals and stones used in jewelry and how to care for them properly without causing damage. Their repair and maintenance services keep your jewelry in good condition so you can wear it comfortably for years. Ask your jeweler about their warranties to determine whether they offer customers free replacements and repairs. Contact a reputable jewelry store today to learn more about their jewelry care and restoration services.