General care for your jewelry is very important. Jewelry should not be stored together since it can be scratched or tangled. Although diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, a diamond will scratch another diamond. Also, diamond and gemstone jewelry should never be worn while doing heavy work.

Visiting your jeweler a minimum of once a year is highly recommended. The jeweler will give your jewelry a professional clean and check that the setting is secure.

You can clean your jewelry at home between visits.

Please note that you should never use toothpaste to clean your jewelry. Toothpaste and other abrasive substances can stratch your jewelry.

There are three easy ways to clean jewelry at home.

1. Prepare a small bowl of warm sudsy water with a mild liquid detergent. Gently brush the jewelry with a soft toothbrush while it is in the suds. Then rinse each piece under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

2. In a small bowl, soak the jewelry in a half-and-half solution of cold water and household ammonia for thirty minutes. Lift out and gently tap around the front and back of the mounting with a small soft brush. Swish in the solution a second time, rinse and drain on tissue paper.

3. Use a brand name liquid jewelry cleaner and follow the instructions given on the label.