Megan Diamonds & Co.: The Ultimate Guide to Jewelry Care

Gold jewelry is exceptional not only for its beauty but also for its durability. Few accessories last for decades or even bring joy to the next generation. However, traces of time will inevitably appear on any piece of jewelry, as long as it is worn often and with love—and that's exactly as it should be.

As experts, Megan Diamonds & Co. has prepared a comprehensive guide for you on how to protect your jewelry from damage and provide it with the appropriate care that will help it last for many years to come. Our guide covers the care of gold jewelry, pearls, diamonds and precious stones, silver, and answers to other frequently asked questions.

Recommendations for the Care of Gold Jewelry

Gold is soft in its pure form, which is why alloys of gold and other metals are used in jewelry. Megan Diamonds & Co.'s jewelry is made of high-quality gold alloys that stand out for their durability in everyday wear. Just follow a few general principles, and your gold jewelry will truly last a lifetime.

Avoid Mechanical Stress and Damage

The biggest risk to jewelry is excessive load. Rough handling, pressure, impact, pulling (e.g., snagging a chain), bending, abrasion, and other causes of physical damage can compromise your jewelry. Therefore, we recommend always taking off your jewelry before engaging in sports, manual work, and any activity where there is a risk of excessive strain. This advice is doubly important for jewelry with precious stones and pearls that can be damaged or loosened from their setting by violent impacts, as well as jewelry with delicate constructions, such as tennis bracelets, mineral jewelry, or pearl strings.

Always Handle Jewelry with Care: Pay attention to careful handling when putting on and fastening jewelry, as the fastening mechanism is particularly sensitive to pulling and bending. If something loosens, moves, or stops working properly over time, it is better to bring the jewelry for professional repair rather than attempting to fix it yourself.

Store Jewelry Safely Before Sleeping: We recommend putting away jewelry with finer structures before going to bed. You can unknowingly scratch your ring, misplace your earrings, or tangle your necklace on the pillow—these issues can be easily avoided with proper storage.

Protect Jewelry from Cosmetics and Other Products

Chemical damage can occur if certain substances react with the metals in the gold alloy, causing discoloration or dulling. Avoid exposing jewelry to hazardous substances, such as cleaning agents, hairsprays, perfumes, and aggressive chemicals.

Minimize Cosmetic Residue: When applying creams, body cosmetics, and makeup, we recommend allowing everything to absorb for at least 10 minutes before putting on your jewelry. This helps prevent cosmetic residues from tarnishing the jewelry over time.

Avoid Wearing Jewelry in Water: It is particularly important to avoid wearing jewelry in chlorinated, thermal, and saltwater environments. Additionally, remove your jewelry before bathing and showering at home to keep gold and gemstones in excellent condition.

Remember This Simple Rule: Jewelry should be put on last and taken off first. This practice will save you time and effort in maintaining your jewelry's condition.

Store Your Jewelry in a Suitable Environment

The best choice for storing gold jewelry is in a jewelry box. Gold should be kept dry on a soft, smooth surface, so the pieces do not touch each other and cause scratches. Closed jewelry boxes with separate compartments are ideal, and soft cases and travel jewelry boxes are suitable for traveling.

Ensure Proper Storage for Pearls: Pearls need to breathe, so store them separately in a breathable soft package rather than a completely closed box. Jewelry with gems and pearls should not be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or sudden temperature changes.

Prevent Jewelry Oxidation: Ensure your jewelry does not remain in a humid environment. While gold itself is not susceptible to moisture, the other metals in the alloy can oxidize due to moisture. These changes are usually temporary, and as part of our service, we can restore the jewelry to its original form. At home, we recommend polishing the jewelry with a special cloth designed to prevent gold oxidation.

Clean Your Jewelry Regularly, But Carefully

Cleaning gold jewelry at home should be done regularly but with care. Using mild soapy water and a soft brush can help maintain the jewelry's shine and remove any dirt or residue that may have accumulated over time. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the jewelry.

Caring for Pearls

Pearls are delicate and require special care to maintain their luster and beauty. Follow these recommendations to ensure your pearls remain radiant and pristine.

Avoid Exposure to Chemicals

Pearls are particularly sensitive to chemicals found in cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays. These substances can damage the pearl's surface and cause it to lose its shine. Always put on your pearls after applying makeup and perfumes, and remove them before using any hair products.

Clean Pearls Gently

After wearing, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove any traces of body oils or cosmetics. Avoid using any abrasive materials or harsh cleaning agents, as these can scratch or damage the pearls.

Store Pearls Properly

Store pearls separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. A soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal. Pearls should be stored in a breathable environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Regular Professional Cleaning

For a more thorough cleaning, consider having your pearls professionally cleaned periodically. This ensures that they remain in optimal condition and continue to shine brilliantly.

Caring for Diamonds and Precious Stones

Diamonds and other precious stones are durable but still require proper care to maintain their brilliance and beauty.

Regular Cleaning

Clean your diamonds and precious stones regularly to remove any dirt or oils that may dull their sparkle. Use a mild solution of soapy water and a soft brush to gently clean the stones. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals, such as bleach and chlorine, can damage the setting and the stone itself. Avoid exposing your diamond and gemstone jewelry to these substances.

Store Separately

Store diamond and gemstone jewelry separately to prevent scratches and damage. Use individual pouches or compartments in a jewelry box to keep each piece safe.

Professional Inspection

Have your diamond and gemstone jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler regularly. This ensures that the settings are secure and that the stones are free from damage.

Caring for Silver

Silver jewelry requires special care to prevent tarnishing and maintain its shine.

Regular Cleaning

Clean your silver jewelry regularly with a soft cloth and a mild silver polish. This helps to remove any tarnish and restore the jewelry's natural shine. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the silver.

Avoid Exposure to Moisture and Chemicals

Moisture and chemicals can cause silver to tarnish. Avoid wearing silver jewelry in chlorinated water or when using cleaning products. Store silver jewelry in a dry, airtight environment to prevent tarnishing.

Use Anti-Tarnish Strips

Use anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to help prevent silver from tarnishing. These strips absorb moisture and chemicals, keeping your silver jewelry looking its best.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Clean My Jewelry?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear your jewelry. For pieces that are worn daily, a weekly cleaning routine is recommended. For jewelry that is worn less frequently, a monthly cleaning should suffice.

Can I Use Ultrasonic Cleaners?

Ultrasonic cleaners can be effective for cleaning certain types of jewelry, but they are not suitable for all pieces. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners for jewelry with delicate settings, pearls, or certain gemstones that can be damaged by the vibrations. Always consult a professional jeweler before using an ultrasonic cleaner.

How Can I Prevent Jewelry from Scratching?

Prevent scratches by storing each piece of jewelry separately in a soft pouch or compartmentalized jewelry box. Avoid stacking jewelry or allowing pieces to come into contact with one another.

Conclusion

By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your Megan Diamonds & Co. jewelry remains beautiful and cherished for many years to come. Whether it's gold, pearls, diamonds, precious stones, or silver, each piece deserves the utmost care and attention to preserve its brilliance and significance. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and mindful handling are key to maintaining the allure and value of your treasured jewelry.

At Megan Diamonds & Co., we are committed to providing you with the finest jewelry and the knowledge to care for it properly. Should you have any further questions or require additional advice, our team of experts is always here to assist you. Enjoy your exquisite jewelry and let it continue to bring joy and elegance to your life.