Caring for Your Jewelry: Simple Tips to Keep It Sparkling

Fine jewelry is made to be worn and loved, and a little care keeps it looking beautiful for years. Here are the simple habits we recommend to our own family.

Why diamonds get cloudy

Diamonds naturally attract oils and lotion. A thin film of hand cream, sunscreen or soap on the back of the stone blocks light, so it looks less sparkly. The good news: it's easy to fix.

Gentle cleaning at home

For diamonds set in gold or platinum, this simple method works well:

1. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak the jewelry for about 20–30 minutes.
3. Gently brush around the stone and under the setting with a soft toothbrush, especially the back of the diamond, where grime collects.
4. Rinse under warm running water. Close the sink drain first!
5. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine, and skip abrasive powders or toothpaste, which can scratch metal. Pearls, opals, emeralds and other softer or treated gems need gentler care. Ask us before cleaning them.

When to take it off

• Swimming: Chlorine in pools and hot tubs can damage gold alloys over time, and cold water can make fingers shrink so rings slip off. In Miami, that goes for the beach too!
• Cleaning and gardening: Chemicals and rough work can scratch metal or loosen stones.
• The gym: Heavy weights can bend bands and prongs.
• Applying lotion or sunscreen: Put your rings on after it's absorbed.

Storing your pieces

Diamonds can scratch other jewelry, and even other diamonds. Store pieces separately in a lined jewelry box or individual soft pouches. Fasten necklaces and bracelets so they don't tangle. When you travel, use a small padded travel case.

Metal-specific tips

• White gold: It's usually plated with rhodium for a bright white finish. If it starts to look a little warm, it can be re-plated.
• Platinum: Over time it develops a soft, satiny patina. Some people love it; we can polish it back to a shine.
• Yellow and rose gold: A polishing cloth brings back their glow between cleanings.

Learn more in our gold & platinum metals guide.

Check your prongs

Prongs hold your diamond in place, and they can wear or bend with daily life. Signs to watch for: a stone that seems to move, a prong that snags on clothing, or a clicking sound when you tap the ring gently. If you notice any of these, stop wearing it and bring it in.

We recommend a professional check-up and cleaning regularly, especially for rings you wear every day.

Insurance and paperwork

Keep your receipt, grading report and any appraisal in a safe place, and consider insuring valuable pieces. Not sure how to read your diamond's report? See how to read a GIA report.

Bring it by

Come visit us in Downtown Miami and we'll take a look at your jewelry, check the settings and help keep it sparkling.

Quick answers

Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home? They work well for many diamonds in solid settings, but vibration can loosen stones or harm some gemstones. When in doubt, ask us first.

How often should I clean my ring? A gentle soak every week or two keeps a daily-wear ring bright.