Treatment & Care Guide

Storing your Diamonds and Gemstones

• When you remove your diamond jewelry, we recommend storing them separately from other pieces of jewelry. Due to their natural strength, diamonds can damage other metals, gemstones and even other diamonds.
• Experts suggest storing your natural diamonds in their proper boxes or soft cloth pouches to protect them from any damage.
• Store your jewelry box in a cool, dry and secure place, as moisture in the air could tarnish the metal.
• To keep your diamonds extra protected, you can have them insured against theft, damage or loss. Several insurance companies offer specific policies and coverage benefits for natural diamonds, as well as other jewelry.

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Diamond and Gemstone Care at Home

• Chlorine bleach or abrasives, such as household cleaners or toothpaste, should never be used when cleaning diamonds. These corrosive agents contain chemicals that can severely erode the metals.
• Avoid cleaning jewelry near the sink. If you need to do so, cover the sink drain in order to keep the jewelry from going down the drain. It is also good practice to use a rubber sink mat, which prevents natural diamonds from breaking or chipping if you accidentally drop them.
• The simplest solution to keeping your diamonds clean is to soak them in a gentle and mild de-greasing solution. Warm water and diluted dish soap, or an ammonia-based household cleaner, once or twice a week works wonders.
• Use a soft-bristled clean and/or new toothbrush, strictly used for jewelry cleaning, to remove any dirt.
• To renew their shine, clean the back of your diamonds, which may attract oil and grime.
• Store-bought, non-abrasive jewelry cleaners are a good alternative to brushing. Note: a natural diamond should be handled gently, and its fragile settings should not be vigorously scrubbed.
• Once finished cleaning, rinse the diamonds thoroughly with water, then dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

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Diamond and Gemstone Long Lasting Care Tips

• Avoid thick lotions and creams. They can result in residue build-up on your rings and bracelets, which can cause discoloration, especially if your jewelry is made of white gold or platinum.
• Avoid wearing your jewelry during any labor-intensive activities, such as sports, gardening or swimming. This will help to keep the diamonds secure in their settings and prevent natural oils from your hands from building up around the stones.
• Remove your rings while cooking, as food and other oils may get stuck in or discolor your jewelry.
• Take note that perfume, sunscreen, hairspray, detergents and bleach contain harsh abrasive solutions that can erode or dull the settings of your natural diamond.
• When removing your diamond jewelry, experts insist that you shouldn't pick them up by the stone or setting. Always pick up by the band to ensure the diamond is secure in its setting.
• In addition to taking in your jewelry for occasional inspections, be sure to stay on top of regular maintenance.
• Before wearing, always check clasps and prongs, making sure they are intact to avoid loss.
• Store your jewelry separately to avoid scratches. Place your pieces in a pouch or air-tight plastic bag, especially sterling silver and gold vermeil to prevent oxidation and tarnishing. To avoid tangling, close the plastic bag over the end of the chain and let the end dangle out slightly.
• Before bedtime, remove jewelry and lay out flat.

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Care for Diamonds and Colored Gemstones

The best way to clean your gemstones is to take your jewelry to any Fred Meyer Jewelers on a regular basis for a free cleaning and inspection. We recommend once a year. This will ensure that your gemstones are cleaned properly and checked for any damage or problems.

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Normal Gemstone Care

In between inspections, to clean your gemstones that do not require special care, you will need a bowl of warm, soapy water (mild soap, e.g. liquid dishwashing soap) and a soft brush. Soak your gemstones for 20 to 30 minutes. Gently brush them with the soft brush to remove excessive dirt, then rinse thoroughly in clean water. Always clean jewelry away from a sink and plug your drain when rinsing.

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Special Gemstone Care

Some gemstones require special care. Refer to the information listed in this guide for any special care and advice about your particular gemstones. With proper care, you can expect a lifetime of beauty and enjoyment from your gemstones.

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A Note About Gemstone Treatments

Gemstones are frequently enhanced to bring out the vibrant colors and clarity of the stone. These enhancements were known to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks and have been an accepted practice for centuries. Common treatments include heating, oil filling, and a colorless wax polish. Most treatments duplicate the results that occur in ideal natural conditions. The majority of treatments are permanent and simply require normal gemstone care.

As a general guideline you should avoid cleaning jewelry containing gemstones in harsh or abrasive chemicals or brushing them with a hard brush. Certain gemstones require special handling to preserve their dramatic appearance and longevity. For example emeralds have natural inclusions that can worsen with improper care. Caution should be taken with all gemstones to avoid contact with cosmetics and strong household chemicals.

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Gemstone List with Special Care & Advice

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While we make every attempt to accurately disclosure treatments accepted by Fred Meyer Jewelers, treatments other than those listed above are often used in the industry. Due to the indiscernible nature of these treatments, and the fact that technology and industry practice evolve rapidly, we cannot guarantee that all treatments have been detected.