Jewelry Care Guide
Beautiful jewelry is meant to be lived in, loved, and cherished for generations. With thoughtful care and regular attention, both estate treasures and newly acquired pieces can continue to reflect their beauty, craftsmanship, and the memories they represent. This guide offers practical recommendations to help you protect your jewelry and enjoy it with confidence for years to come.
Wear Guidelines
To preserve your jewelry:
• Remove rings or bracelets before cleaning or performing tasks that could impact delicate settings
• Remove pieces before sleeping, showering, swimming, or exercising
Chemicals and physical impact are the most common causes of damage to fine jewelry.
Estate & Vintage Jewelry
Many of our pieces are estate or vintage, which means they may be more delicate due to age, craftsmanship, or historic construction methods.
To care for these pieces:
• Avoid daily wear particularly with more delicate vintage items
• Remove rings during physical activity
• Handle gently around prongs and settings
Our jewelers carefully inspect and service estate pieces before sale to ensure they are safe and wearable, while preserving their historical integrity.
Cleaning Your Jewelry
For most gold and diamond jewelry:
1. Use warm water with mild dish soap
2. Gently clean with a soft toothbrush
3. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth
Important: Do not use ultrasonic cleaners for estate or vintage jewelry unless approved by a professional jeweler.
Pearls, opals, emeralds, and other delicate gemstones require special care should be cleaned by a jeweler.
Storage
To prevent scratching or damage:
• Store jewelry separately in soft pouches or a lined jewelry box
• Avoid stacking pieces together
Remember: diamonds and harder gemstones can scratch softer stones and metals, so separation is essential.
Routine Inspection
We recommend professional inspections every 6 months to check:
• Prongs and stone security
• Clasps and fastenings
• Structural integrity
Routine inspections can prevent more extensive damage and preserve the value of your jewelry.
Professional Services
If your piece requires resizing, repair, or restoration, our team is ready to assist.
We offer:
• Stone tightening and prong care
• Chain repair and clasp replacement
• Restoration of estate and vintage pieces
• Ring resizing complimentary with qualifying purchase
Our jewelers are familiar with the construction and condition of the pieces we sell and can advise on the safest and most effective care options.
Understanding Wear
Fine jewelry is precious, not indestructible.
Normal wear over time — including minor scratches or patina on estate pieces — is considered part of the jewelry’s story and does not indicate a defect.
With proper care, your jewelry will continue to sparkle beautifully for years to come.
Complimentary Biannual Inspection Invitation
As part of our commitment to our clients, we invite you to bring your Nicolaas Alexander pieces in for an annual professional inspection.
This service helps:
• Ensure stones remain secure
• Maintain structural integrity
• Preserve the beauty and longevity of your investment
To schedule an inspection or learn more, please visit our Jewelry Repair & Services page.