When you have special jewelry, you want to ensure it is cared for and lasts a lifetime. From pricey pieces to sentimental accessories, you want to avoid issues with any jewelry you consider valuable. There are a few mistakes many people make, which inevitably lead to jewelry repairs. Bob Colombo, the expert jeweler at Jewelry Clinic in Rochester, NY, shares a brief guide on how to avoid common errors with your precious jewelry.

How to Avoid Mistakes That Lead to Jewelry Repairs

Visit the Jewelry Store

Engagement rings, necklaces, watches, and other jewelry should be serviced by jewelers periodically to extend the life of each piece. Jewelry services include professional cleaning and checking for any damage or loose components. When you bring in your jewelry for annual maintenance, your stones look as good as new, and you don’t risk losing any gems from broken or loose prongs. Don’t worry if you didn’t buy your piece there; most jewelry stores are glad to assist in jewelry repair and maintenance.

At-Home Cleaning

Dirt, food, lotion, and other daily products your jewelry comes in contact with will cake on your pieces, making them look worn. Without regular at-home cleaning, your settings and stones can suffer damage. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off surface dirt or a mild dish detergent on a soft toothbrush to gently cleanse each piece. Avoid cleaners with alcohol, lemon, or other acidic elements that will damage the stones. Do not use toothpaste; it is too abrasive and can wear down metal while leaving a residue under your gems.

No Jewelry in Showers

Hard water and soap scum have adverse effects on your jewelry, even costume jewelry. Body washes, shampoo, and other products find their way into the mountings of your pieces and prove difficult to remove. These products also contain chemicals that will wear down your metal and stones a lot quicker. To keep all of your jewelry in top shape, remove it before bathing.

When you need jewelry repair in the Rochester, NY, area, visit Bob at Jewelry Clinic. With more than 38 years of experience and personalized service for every customer, this expert jeweler does all of his work on the premises and can help any piece from any manufacturer. From gold, silver, or platinum repair to ring sizing or bracelet repair, Bob is ready to assist. Call (585) 232-5920 or visit the website. Check out the store’s reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and Google+.