Short answer
Most jewelry damage I see isn't from an accident — it's from years of small, avoidable wear that regular care would have prevented. Take rings off before applying lotion, sunscreen, or hairspray, since these products build up a film on stones and metal that dulls sparkle and is genuinely difficult to remove once it hardens.
Everyday habits that protect jewelry
Take rings off before applying lotion, sunscreen, or hairspray, since these products build up a film on stones and metal that dulls sparkle and is genuinely difficult to remove once it hardens. The same goes for swimming pools and hot tubs, where chlorine can damage certain metals and settings over time, and for heavy manual work, gym sessions, or gardening, where impact and grit both pose risks.
Store pieces separately, ideally in individual soft pouches or a lined jewelry box, since diamonds are hard enough to scratch other jewelry, including other diamonds, if pieces are tossed together loosely in a drawer.
Cleaning at home safely
- Soak the piece for 20-30 minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on the underside of the stone where oil and residue collect most.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth; avoid paper towels, which can leave fibers caught in prongs.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners at home for pieces with treated stones, emeralds, opals, or other soft or fracture-filled gems, since vibration can worsen existing inclusions or fractures.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage certain metal alloys and treated stones.
What to check periodically
Every six months or so, look closely at your prongs, ideally with a jeweler's loupe or strong magnifying glass, checking that they're still snug against the stone with no visible gaps or wear. A loose prong is the single most common cause of lost stones, and it's almost always preventable with a quick, inexpensive professional check.
Also check the band or shank for thinning, especially on rings worn daily for many years, since metal does wear down gradually with friction and can eventually crack if left unaddressed.
When to see a professional
Have your jeweler professionally clean and inspect fine pieces at least once a year, using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner suited to the specific stones involved, and have prongs re-tipped or tightened as needed before they fail rather than after. This is a genuinely inexpensive form of insurance against a much costlier loss.
If a stone ever feels loose when you gently tap the piece near your ear, stop wearing it and get it checked immediately — this is one of the clearest and most reliable warning signs of an impending lost stone.
What to remember
- Remove rings before lotion, swimming, and manual work to prevent buildup and damage.
- Clean at home with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners on treated stones.
- Check prongs every six months; a loose prong is the top cause of lost stones.
- Get a professional cleaning and inspection at least once a year.
Frequently asked questions
- What should you know about everyday habits that protect jewelry?
- Take rings off before applying lotion, sunscreen, or hairspray, since these products build up a film on stones and metal that dulls sparkle and is genuinely difficult to remove once it hardens.
- What should you know about cleaning at home safely?
- Soak the piece for 20-30 minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on the underside of the stone where oil and residue collect most. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth; avoid paper towels, which can leave fibers caught in prongs.
- What to check periodically?
- Every six months or so, look closely at your prongs, ideally with a jeweler's loupe or strong magnifying glass, checking that they're still snug against the stone with no visible gaps or wear. A loose prong is the single most common cause of lost stones, and it's almost always preventable with a quick, inexpensive professional check.
- When to see a professional?
- Have your jeweler professionally clean and inspect fine pieces at least once a year, using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner suited to the specific stones involved, and have prongs re-tipped or tightened as needed before they fail rather than after. This is a genuinely inexpensive form of insurance against a much costlier loss.