Custom Jewelry Care: Expert Tips to Keep Your Pieces Sparkling

Fine jewelry is more than just a luxury - it’s personal, emotional, and often handcrafted to reflect your story. When you invest in custom jewelry, proper care ensures that your pieces remain as radiant and secure as the day you received them.

At Tom’s Diamonds, we see every ring, necklace, and bracelet as a lifelong keepsake. Whether you wear your jewelry daily or only for special occasions, learning how to clean and maintain it correctly can make a world of difference.

Here’s how to keep your custom jewelry looking brilliant from simple at-home cleaning to professional maintenance that protects your diamonds and settings for years to come.

Professional Care: Visit Your Jeweler Twice a Year

One of the best-kept secrets to long-lasting jewelry is regular professional care. Bringing your custom pieces into the store twice a year allows a jeweler to:

• Inspect prongs and settings to ensure your diamonds and gemstones are secure.

• Perform a deep cleaning that restores brilliance and removes buildup from everyday wear.

• Catch potential issues early — such as worn prongs or loose stones — before they cause loss or damage.

Regular inspections and cleanings are especially important for engagement rings and everyday jewelry, which tend to experience the most wear and tear.

At Tom’s Diamonds, these appointments are quick, simple, and one of the best ways to protect your investment over time.

At-Home Cleaning: Gentle and Effective

Between professional visits, a little mindful care goes a long way. Cleaning your jewelry at home is safe and easy when done correctly.

• Here’s how to clean your jewelry at home:

• Fill a small bowl with warm water (not hot).

• Add a drop or two of mild dish soap — less is more.

• Gently scrub the jewelry using a soft, clean toothbrush, paying attention to the back of the setting where buildup collects.

• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue.

• Dry gently with a soft paper towel or lint-free cloth.

This simple routine removes oils, lotions, and everyday residue without harming your metal or gemstones.

Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners Unless You’re Experienced

While ultrasonic cleaners can seem like a quick fix, they’re not always the safest option for custom pieces. These machines use high-frequency vibrations to shake loose dirt, but they can also loosen prongs or cause small stones to fall out - especially if a setting is already slightly worn.

If you’re not fully confident in checking for loose diamonds or inspecting settings under magnification, it’s best to leave ultrasonic cleaning to a professional. Jewelers have the tools and expertise to use these devices safely without risking damage.

Everyday Jewelry Care Habits

Beyond cleaning, how you wear and store your jewelry matters. A few simple habits can preserve shine and structure for decades:

• Remove your jewelry when showering, swimming, or exercising. Chlorine, sweat, and soap can dull metals and loosen stones.

• Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, acetone, and perfumes near your jewelry.

• Store pieces separately in a soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouches to prevent scratching.

• Check for loose stones periodically. If a diamond or gemstone shifts slightly when touched, bring it in for tightening immediately.

By following these steps, your jewelry not only stays beautiful but also structurally sound.

Professional Maintenance Tips

Over time, metals may show small scratches and settings can shift slightly. Professional polishing and tightening restore brilliance and ensure your jewelry remains secure.

• White gold may need periodic re-rhodium plating to maintain its bright color.

• Platinum and yellow gold benefit from gentle polishing to smooth fine wear marks.

• For pieces with pavé or halo settings, jewelers can check micro-prongs to prevent tiny diamonds from loosening.

Routine care extends the life of your jewelry and preserves its original craftsmanship.

Keep Your Jewelry Clean With Us

Your custom jewelry is designed to last for generations — but even the finest craftsmanship needs regular attention. By combining gentle at-home cleaning with professional inspections twice a year, you’ll protect your settings, enhance your sparkle, and ensure your pieces continue to tell your story for decades.

At Tom’s Diamonds, we’re here to keep every custom piece as beautiful and brilliant as the day it was created.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How often should I clean my custom jewelry at home?

  Once every two to four weeks is ideal for regular wear. Use warm water, a touch of dish soap, and a soft toothbrush for safe, effective cleaning.

• Q: How often should I bring my jewelry in for professional cleaning?

  Every six months. Professional cleaning not only restores shine but allows jewelers to inspect your prongs and settings to prevent damage or loss.

• Q: Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner for my diamond ring?

  Only if you are confident in checking for loose stones. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid at-home ultrasonic cleaning, as vibration can loosen diamonds or fragile settings.

• Q: What should I avoid when cleaning my jewelry?

  Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, toothpaste, and excessive soap. These can leave residue or cause micro-scratches on metal and gemstones.

  Schedule your complimentary jewelry cleaning and inspection with us - because brilliance begins with care.