*Jewelry should be the last thing you put on. Hair spray, lotions, perfumes, or other cosmetics can permanently damage pearls, and can corrode the alloys in that lovely shiny setting.

*Over-exposure to sun can fade and weaken some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz, and pin conch-shell cameos. Pearls and other delicate materials, like ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light.

*Excessive heat and sudden temperature changes may also fracture a gem. Heat can easily remove the natural moisture some gems need to keep their beauty. Pearls, for instance, can dry out, crack and discolor. Opals can turn white or brown, develop tiny cracks, and might lose their flashing rainbow of color (play-of-color).

*Exposure to chemicals can damage and discolor precious metals (gold, silver, and platinum) and may harm some colored gems. Fine jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated swimming pool, or before using household cleaners. Chlorine bleach, another common household solvent, can pit gold alloys.

*To clean diamonds, most sapphires, and rubies, use half ammonia and half water. Clean other colored gems, including emeralds, with warm water, mild soap (no detergents), and a soft brush (unused make-up brushes are excellent). Be sure to stop the sink’s drain in case the stone comes loose from its setting. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used for diamonds, rubies, and sapphires (unless the latter two are not oil or glass filled). Soak your items in the cleaner and turn the cleaner on only the last ten seconds to shake off debris. (More than that may loosen stones.)

*Soft gems, such as pearls, can easily be scratched. Always lay the pearls on a towel to dry as the wet string can stretch and attract dirt. Don’t touch a string of pearls until they are completely dry.

*Jewelry should never be tossed into a drawer or on top of a dresser as it can scratch and fracture gems. Jewelry boxes that feature individually padded slots are ideal for storing. Sterling silver should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth. Like pearls, opals draw moisture from the air. Storing your opals or pearls in a dry area, such as a safe deposit box, can actually do more harm than good. When traveling with jewelry, protect the pieces from scratches by using a jewelry carrier.

*Have your stones checked by a jeweler at least every six months. Rings, especially, get knocked around, causing the prongs to weaken. If even one prong is weakened, you can loose a stone, or it may rub up against another stone and scratch it or damage jewelry metals.

*Have trouble removing your rings sometimes? Spray glass cleaner on your finger! (But be careful if you have an ouchie as it might burn!)

TAKE CARE OF, AND ENJOY YOUR JEWELS!