Properly caring for your jewelry will keep your investments and heirlooms protected and looking their best. We have assembled some general guidelines of basic jewelry maintenance for you to follow. If, for any reason, you are uncertain after reading these guidelines, consult a jewelry professional.

Prior to cleaning examine each piece to make sure stones are secure and mountings and clasps are in good working order.

Pearls should be wiped with a soft cloth after they have been worn. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on pearls. Never get hairspray or perfume on them. Always have pearls professionally cleaned and restrung.

Use only a soft lint free cloth on enamel, never use an ultrasonic cleaning device or polish.

Foiled-backed stones and emeralds require special attention. Never clean them in commercial solutions or ultrasonic machines. Always have them cleaned by a professional.

Most hard stones including, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, amethysts, topazes may be cleaned the same way by using commercial cleaner or a homemade concoction.

If working by a sink, make sure the drain plug is in, before you start working.

Only clean one piece at a time. Even diamonds can be scratched.

To make a homemade cleaner, use one cup of warm water, two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon of ammonia. Soak the item for 15 seconds, scrub with an old toothbrush and use a soft lint free cloth to dry.

Gold, silver and platinum jewelry without stones can be cleaned with commercial cleaners or polishes. If the piece is not fragile, you may use an ultrasonic device.

Store each piece of jewelry separately.