JEWELRY CARE

How to Care for Your Fine Jewelry: Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty

Whether it’s a custom engagement ring, a gold heirloom, or a gemstone bracelet, fine jewelry deserves intentional care. At Charlton & Lola, we craft each piece to last — and with the right maintenance, your jewelry can shine for generations.

Here are a few expert tips to help preserve your pieces:

1. Clean Your Jewelry Gently at Home

Use a soft toothbrush, warm water, and mild dish soap to clean most gold and diamond jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially on softer gemstones like opals or emeralds.

2. Store Jewelry Separately

Fine jewelry should be stored in a fabric-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches and tarnish. Keep pieces apart to protect delicate chains and stones from rubbing against one another.

3. Avoid Wearing Jewelry During Harsh Activities

Remove rings and bracelets when working out, cooking, or using cleaning products. Chlorine and harsh detergents can damage metals and loosen settings.

4. Get Regular Professional Cleanings

We recommend a professional cleaning and inspection at least once a year. This ensures your prongs are secure and stones stay beautifully set.

5. Insure Your High-Value Pieces

Protect your investment by insuring your most valuable items. This gives peace of mind and ensures you're covered in case of loss, theft, or damage.

At Charlton & Lola, we’re not just passionate about making beautiful jewelry — we’re here to help you keep it beautiful, too. For questions about jewelry care or to schedule a professional cleaning, contact us.

In General

In general, put on your jewelry after applying beauty products such as lotions and perfumes. Ideally, jewelry should be removed before swimming or working with abrasive cleaners or chemicals.

Silver

Fine silver and sterling silver are quick to oxidize and therefore require regular cleaning. To get the shine back, use a polishing cloth; a little toothpaste with a rag also works. A toothbrush and a mild detergent will easily remove signs of tarnish.

Gold

Clean your jewelry gently with a soft polishing cloth. 14k and 18k gold does not oxidize. With black rhodium gold, avoid ultrasonic cleaning or any form of liquid cleaning solution. Clean it with a mild detergent mixed with water.

Platinum

Clean your jewelry gently with a soft polishing cloth. Platinum does not oxidize. Clean it with a mild detergent mixed with water.

Diamonds & Gemstones

Clean your gemstone fine jewelry gently with a soft polishing cloth. Feel free to remove grit with a little warm water, a mild detergent and a toothbrush. For a deeper clean, do have it professionally cleaned by an ultrasonic cleaning with your local jeweler.

Pearls are of their own delicate nature and need a little more care. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are softer and, therefore, more vulnerable to acids, alkaline, and extreme humidity levels. Perspiration can also be harmful to pearls and can cause the pearl's luster to dull.

With pearls, just wipe with a soft cloth after wear. Please avoid ultrasonic machines or any form of liquid cleaning solution to maintain your pearl jewelry’s natural glow and protect it.

Avoid exposure to cosmetics, hairspray or perfume. Avoid dipping pearls in water or wearing them while bathing as water can weaken the silk thread.