When Fine Jewelry Needs a Fine Tuning: The Whens and Hows of Jewelry Care

At Stones Jewelry we not only sell fine jewelry, we maintain and repair it for you as well.

With customers in and out, dropping off jewelry each day, we’ve noticed that there are a few myths and questions about just when and how to repair your most precious pieces. That’s why we’ve decided to dedicate this piece to our own jewelry care recommendations.

Automatic And Mechanical Watches
When it comes to watches, there’s an old wives tale that states you should have them cleaned and repaired every 5 to 7 years. We’ve found that this just isn’t so.

In order to keep your watch working at its optimal level, make sure to wind it monthly. We know that men often have several different wristwatches, and if you keep them put away in a drawer, don’t forget to maintain them this way. Watches that are let sit without attention can begin to not run properly due to the oil congealing and this perpetual lack of motion.

As for when you should have them cleaned or maintenanced, our recommendation is that you wait until a watch shows signs of needing it, such as running slow. While some companies may try to make money by telling you otherwise, a watch will usually act up when it needs attention.

Fine Gemstone Rings
To best care for rings, we recommend that you have of them checked out at least twice a year. In order to keep your gemstone securely in place, it is important to check to make sure that the prongs are not bent or loose.

Additionally, we’re happy to steam clean your pieces for free while you wait.

Pearls
Other than cleaning, the most common maintenance done on pearls is having them restrung. Over time, the string of your pearls picks up dirt, body oils and other debris that can cause it to look damaged. Also, this often silk strand the pearls are on can stretch. When any of these situations occurs, pearls can be restrung and restored to like new condition.

Our advice with pearls? We say that during your routine these should be “last on” and “first off” — When you put them on after everything else and take them off first at the end of the day, you can better avoid snags, hairsprays, lotions and make-ups, keeping them in better shape for a longer period of time.

Necklaces
Necklaces are maintained fairly easily. It can be useful to bring them in to have their clasps checked once a year, ensuring that the loops and hooks are securely in place. And whether your necklace is gold or silver, giving it a regular polishing or cleaning can go a long waits making it look brand-new.

What now?
If you have any questions about the maintenance of your pieces, don’t hesitate to bring them in. We’ll be happy to look them over, care for them for you and make any recommendations we see fit.