Maintaining the Magic
Every piece of jewelry from Martin Binder Jeweler is meticulously created using the rarest and most precious materials known to earth. Using the proper steps to care for your jewelry will be vital to its longevity. Maintaining the beauty and health of each piece will allow you to pass them down as priceless heirlooms for generations to come. A good place to start? Try not to wear your fine jewelry while performing strenuous activities, including exercise and housework. These are some of the most common situations that result in extensive damage.
Silver Jewelry
Air exposure can tarnish your delicate silver pieces. To avoid tarnish, wear your silver pieces frequently. Keep the brilliance intact by storing silver within individual, air-tight bags. Toss a silica gel packet in for even better protection.
To clean your silver jewelry, we recommend polishing over washing. Liquid polish can be messy, so opt for silver polish wipes instead. These will dissolve tarnish and leave a protective coating. If you decide to use a liquid solution, avoid pairing it with a paper towel or tissue. The fibers in these can scratch the surface. A non-abrasive cloth will be much more effective.
Sterling silver is an alloyed metal, typically made of 92.5% pure silver. These pieces can be cleaned effectively with a solution of warm water and a mild bar soap. Skip the liquid soap, as it can leave a film on the surface, dulling your silver.
Gold Jewelry
Gold is a softer, more delicate metal. Harder materials may cause scratches and dents, so it’s best to keep your gold away from silver and other gemstones.
No matter what type of gold piece you own… Engagement ring, bracelet, gold initial locket or wedding ring jackets, the cleaning process is simple and universal. Gold can be cleaned with a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Soak for 15 minutes, rinse under running water and buff dry with a soft cloth.
It’s common for 14K white gold jewelry to appear dull with time. If you see this happening, drop off your white gold jewelry at Martin Binder to have them rhodium-plated and polished. This will accentuate their brilliance.
Gemstones
Gemstones are classified as either porous or non porous. Each classification has specific instructions for care. To best identify the type, we suggest doing a quick Google search. Non porous gemstones, such as diamonds, can be cleaned by soaking them in water with a few drops of soap, then gently grazing dirt or debris off with a soft brush.
Porous gemstones, such as turquoise jewelry, should never be soaked for a long period of time. These gemstones are more sensitive and can lose their shine when not treated properly. Instead, brush the gemstone with a solution of soap and a minimal amount of water, then wipe clean.
Pearls
Pearls are born in the water, so they naturally benefit from absorbing the oils of your skin. For this reason, we recommend wearing your pearls often. However, they are naturally porous and can lose their luster easily.
Since pearls thrive from moisture, they do not need to be stored in airtight containers. However, if they are stored in a dry environment, they may crack. Try keeping them in a soft-lined, compartmentalized jewelry box instead. Pearls are an organic gem material and can be susceptible to dents and scratches.
Pearls are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and extreme humidity. Avoid letting your pearls come into contact with bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, makeup, perfume or hairspray. These substances can cause damage to the shiny exterior of your pearl jewelry.
To clean your pearls, dip a small, fresh makeup brush in a mixture of water and shampoo and glaze over each pearl. From your blue Akoya pearl necklace to Honora earrings, these steps will help to maintain the luster of your pearls for generations to come.
Treasure Each Piece
Like most investments, your jewelry will require routine care and cleaning. All these methods will prolong the lifespan of your pieces. However, we are more than happy to take that responsibility off your hands. If you ever need assistance in the cleaning or care of your Martin Binder Jewelry, just stop by for a visit.
We’re Here to Help
We offer free jewelry cleaning and inspection for the life of your piece. As a rule of thumb, you should have each piece cleaned and inspected 1-2 times a year. Be sure to keep up with your jewelry maintenance. It makes a world of difference when it comes time to pass your piece down to the next generation.
