Fix These Common Jewelry Problems With Our Help
Basic Jewelry Care
Fine jewelry is a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last a lifetime. However, proper care is required to assure the lasting qualities of your jewelry. Below are some simple, basic guidelines for the care and cleaning of your fine jewelry:
Basic Jewelry Care
Fine jewelry is a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last a lifetime. However, proper care is required to assure the lasting qualities of your jewelry. Below are some simple, basic guidelines for the care and cleaning of your fine jewelry:
Chemical Damage
This is a gold ring that has been affected by exposure to chlorine. Chlorine causes a chemical reaction to take place between the chlorine and the alloy metals in gold jewelry and certain jewelry items actually disintegrate over time. If a ring is cleaned with chlorine bleach, the ring may turn black and develop small hairline cracks, even a few hours later. Research has shown that when a 14k white gold ring is placed in common household chlorine bleach for 36 hours, the end result was complete disintegration.
Damaged Prongs
When prongs are damaged, there is a risk of losing your stones. Prongs can be bent, worn, broken, and cracked. Bent prongs are caused by the prong being pried from its place through snagging. In severe cases, prongs can be broken off. When this happens, it is best to seek out a jeweler right away. Prongs can also become worn over time from everyday wear. Below, we have included pictures of damaged prongs.
Before and after picture of a ring that has worn, damaged prongs that have been re-tipped.
Before and after picture of a ring that has worn, damaged prongs that have been re-tipped.
Damaged Prongs
When prongs are damaged, there is a risk of losing your stones. Prongs can be bent, worn, broken, and cracked. Bent prongs are caused by the prong being pried from its place through snagging. In severe cases, prongs can be broken off. When this happens, it is best to seek out a jeweler right away. Prongs can also become worn over time from everyday wear. Below, we have included pictures of damaged prongs.
Bent Prongs
Here are a few ways to prevent your prongs from damage:
Worn Shanks
Worn shanks can cause several problems for you. When a jeweler says shank, they mean the band of your ring located at the bottom. If your ring’s shank is too thin, it can cause your ring to bend, break, and crack. Rings that have become bent, depending on the thickness of the shank, can be rounded out without any soldering required. However, if there is a crack in the shank, you will need to have the shank soldered. If the right amount of pressure is applied, your rings can also break at weak points in the ring. These weak areas are usually from the shank being too thin. Below, we will explain some ways for you to avoid these scenarios with your jewelry.
Below is a picture of a ring that has a worn shank. This occurs over time from everyday wear. Fortunately, this is something that can be repaired! You can have your rings back to the condition they were when you purchased them by having the shanks rebuilt. In this process, we remove the worn piece and replace it with an entirely new piece.
Ring with broken and cracked shank
Ring with broken and cracked shank
Worn Shanks
Worn shanks can cause several problems for you. When a jeweler says shank, they mean the band of your ring located at the bottom. If your ring’s shank is too thin, it can cause your ring to bend, break, and crack. Rings that have become bent, depending on the thickness of the shank, can be rounded out without any soldering required. However, if there is a crack in the shank, you will need to have the shank soldered. If the right amount of pressure is applied, your rings can also break at weak points in the ring. These weak areas are usually from the shank being too thin. Below, we will explain some ways for you to avoid these scenarios with your jewelry.
Below is a picture of a ring that has a worn shank. This occurs over time from everyday wear. Fortunately, this is something that can be repaired! You can have your rings back to the condition they were when you purchased them by having the shanks rebuilt. In this process, we remove the worn piece and replace it with an entirely new piece.
Ring that has been rebuilt
Here are some tips to prevent your jewelry from cracking, breaking, and becoming too thin:
Proper Ring Sizing
Ring that is too large
Having your rings sized to the proper size can prevent problems down the road. To find the correct size that you need, visit your local jeweler and they will be able to size your finger properly. If you currently have a ring that you think might not be the right size for you, there are some ways to check yourself. Your ring should be comfortable on your hand so that it slides on with a little resistance and will not come off your hand if you sling it. If someone else is able to take your ring off of your hand with ease, it is too large! Your ring is too small if it is cutting off your circulation or is too difficult to get off your finger.
Proper Ring Sizing
Ring that is too large
Having your rings sized to the proper size can prevent problems down the road. To find the correct size that you need, visit your local jeweler and they will be able to size your finger properly. If you currently have a ring that you think might not be the right size for you, there are some ways to check yourself. Your ring should be comfortable on your hand so that it slides on with a little resistance and will not come off your hand if you sling it. If someone else is able to take your ring off of your hand with ease, it is too large! Your ring is too small if it is cutting off your circulation or is too difficult to get off your finger.
Ring indentation from a ring that had to be cut off from being too small
Removing Rings That Are Too Tight The picture above shows a lady's finger that has been affected by a ring that is too small. It is dangerous to have a ring that cuts off your circulation. If you notice your finger starting to turn from red to purple or blue, this is a sign that your ring is too tight! This can lead to emergency situations if not taken care of early on. As soon as you notice this, you can go to your local jeweler and have the ring removed. If done properly, your ring will not receive damage that is beyond repair. After all, it is your health that should come first before your jewelry!
Arthritic Options
Do you have arthritis? Do not fear! Your rings can be adjusted to the proper size needed without hurting your knuckles. The options that you have available are the adjustable shank (otherwise known as the arthritic shank), sizing beads, and ring guards. The expenses between the three are notable.
The most inexpensive way is to have a ring guard installed. Ring guards can be installed and removed with ease. (Note: Ring guards can cause scratching on your rings due to the guards being metal, but can be polished out.) Sizing beads are simply balls of metal that are placed in the corners of the shank. Depending on what size you need and what metal you have, the prices vary. The other option you have is the arthritic shank. The arthritic shank is installed by removing the current shank of your ring and then replacing it with this piece. It works by opening at the bottom of the ring so it can slide on and off with ease. Depending on what style you seek, the price will vary.
Here are some pictures of
rings with ring guards, sizing beads,
and arthritic shanks:
Ring with a ring guard
Ring with sizing beads
Ring with an arthritic shank
Ring with a different style of arthritic shank
Jewelry Cleaning and Inspection
Has your jewelry lost its luster and shine? Having your jewelry professionally cleaned brings out the best in your jewelry. There are two different methods that we use to clean our jewelry.
The first method that we use is an ultrasonic and steam machine. Ultrasonics use high vibrations combined with fluids to remove any dirt or grime. Steam machines are used to remove any films or dirt that cannot be removed by the ultrasonic alone. To use this method, there is no charge.
The other method we use is our polishing wheel. Polishing wheels are used on sterling silver, gold, and platinum. On sterling silver and gold, the wheels buff out any scratches by removing a small layer of metal. When polishing platinum, no metal is removed, it is burnished. White gold requires an extra step in the cleaning process and is, therefore, higher in cost to clean. When white gold is polished, it removes the coating called rhodium that keeps the white tones in the gold. It normally takes at least 2 years before this coating is worn away. (This time frame can vary depending on the person’s care of their jewelry.)
Keep your jewelry looking new by having it cleaned and polished. Here we will explain the processes that are used when polishing jewelry.
Sterling silver, yellow gold, and platinum cleaning process
White gold cleaning process
Here are some tips and recommendations for having your jewelry cleaned
White Gold ring that has lost the rhodium plating from wear over time and has been polished and rhodium plated
• Jewelry is inspected
• Jewelry is buffed on polishing wheels to remove any scratches
• Jewelry is then inserted in the ultrasonic machine and then steamed off
• Jewelry is inspected
• Jewelry is buffed on polishing wheels to remove any scratches
• Jewelry is rhodium plated
• Jewelry is then inserted in the ultrasonic machine and then steamed off
• The recommended time frame to have your jewelry cleaned with an ultrasonic and steam machine is no sooner than 2 weeks. (Overcleaning can cause stones to become loose)
• The recommended time frame to have your jewelry polished is every 6 months. (Overpolishing can cause the metal on your jewelry to become worn)
• Taking care of your jewelry keeps your jewelry clean longer.
• White gold jewelry should be taken care of with recommended care tips, as listed above, to save the rhodium coating. It normally takes at least 2 years before this coating is worn away. (This time frame can vary depending on the person’s care of their jewelry)
• Avoid using convenient store cleaner as some cleaners can cause jewelry to become black.
Pearls
Pearls are timeless and by taking care of them, they will stay with your family through generations. Strands of pearls can become stretched and dry-rotted over time, eventually breaking the cord. When this happens, they will need to be restrung. Our store uses only a high-quality silk cord for strength and then it is coated to prevent fraying.
Proper pearl care
Pearls with gaps in between
Properly strung pearl necklace
Here are the signs you should look for in your pearls
Here are the signs you should look for in your pearls
Properly strung pearl necklace