Last on, first off
Put jewelry on after getting ready and remove it before changing for the day.
THE ORLEONE CARE GUIDE
Jewelry Care & Maintenance Guide
Simple, thoughtful care helps protect your jewelry's finish, settings and gemstones. Use this guide as a careful baseline, then seek tailored advice when a piece has delicate materials, treatments or damage.
Remove before active moments
Take pieces off before exercise, swimming, showering, cleaning, gardening or sleeping.
Avoid everyday chemicals
Keep jewelry away from perfume, lotion, hairspray, bleach, chlorine and household chemicals.
Store pieces separately
Use a lined box or soft pouch so pieces do not rub against one another.
Check before wearing
Look over prongs and stones before wearing, especially after an impact.
A CAREFUL BASELINE
Cleaning and care by material
Use a gentle method first. When a piece is treated, antique, damaged or set with a delicate stone, pause and ask a qualified jeweler for advice.
A safe home-cleaning method
- Inspect the piece before cleaning.
- Use a bowl of lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Clean gently with a very soft brush where appropriate.
- Rinse in a separate bowl, never over an open drain.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and allow it to dry fully before storage.
Choose care by material and condition
Diamond, moissanite, sapphire and ruby are often durable daily-wear choices when their settings are sound. Alexandrite, garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, morganite, moss agate and quartz varieties call for more care. Opal, moonstone, pearl and emerald need extra caution.
Durable daily-wear stones
Diamond, moissanite, sapphire and ruby are often suited to daily wear when settings are sound.
Safe cleaning: Use the gentle bowl method after inspecting the setting.
Key risks: A loose setting, fracture, treatment or prior damage can change what is appropriate.
Storage: Store separately to limit scratches and contact with harder pieces.
Ultrasonic or steam: Ask a qualified jeweler to confirm suitability before using ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
Careful daily wear
Alexandrite, garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, morganite, moss agate and quartz varieties can be worn thoughtfully, with care for their individual condition and setting.
Safe cleaning: Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a very soft brush only where the setting is secure.
Key risks: Avoid hard knocks, prolonged chemicals and assumptions about treatments or inclusions.
Storage: Keep each piece separate in a soft pouch or lined compartment.
Ultrasonic or steam: Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning unless a qualified jeweler confirms the exact piece is suitable.
Extra-care stones
Opal, moonstone, pearl and emerald need extra caution because moisture, heat, chemicals, impacts or common setting details can be less forgiving.
Safe cleaning: Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth when appropriate, then dry carefully.
Key risks: Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, high heat and abrasive brushing.
Storage: Store separately in a soft pouch away from dry heat and harder stones.
Ultrasonic or steam: Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning unless a qualified jeweler specifically advises otherwise.
Metal and finish care
Yellow and rose gold, white gold, platinum, and black gold or other surface finishes all benefit from gentle handling.
Safe cleaning: Use mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth when the setting allows.
Key risks: Abrasives, chemicals and frequent impact can affect polish, plating and surface finishes.
Storage: Keep pieces separate and dry in a lined box or soft pouch.
Ultrasonic or steam: Ask a qualified jeweler to confirm the finish and setting before machine cleaning.
Durable daily-wear stones
Diamond, moissanite, sapphire and ruby are often suited to daily wear when settings are sound.
Safe cleaning: Use the gentle bowl method after inspecting the setting.
Key risks: A loose setting, fracture, treatment or prior damage can change what is appropriate.
Storage: Store separately to limit scratches and contact with harder pieces.
Ultrasonic or steam: Ask a qualified jeweler to confirm suitability before using ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
Careful daily wear
Alexandrite, garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, morganite, moss agate and quartz varieties can be worn thoughtfully, with care for their individual condition and setting.
Safe cleaning: Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a very soft brush only where the setting is secure.
Key risks: Avoid hard knocks, prolonged chemicals and assumptions about treatments or inclusions.
Storage: Keep each piece separate in a soft pouch or lined compartment.
Ultrasonic or steam: Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning unless a qualified jeweler confirms the exact piece is suitable.
Extra-care stones
Opal, moonstone, pearl and emerald need extra caution because moisture, heat, chemicals, impacts or common setting details can be less forgiving.
Safe cleaning: Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth when appropriate, then dry carefully.
Key risks: Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, high heat and abrasive brushing.
Storage: Store separately in a soft pouch away from dry heat and harder stones.
Ultrasonic or steam: Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning unless a qualified jeweler specifically advises otherwise.
Metal and finish care
Yellow and rose gold, white gold, platinum, and black gold or other surface finishes all benefit from gentle handling.
Safe cleaning: Use mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth when the setting allows.
Key risks: Abrasives, chemicals and frequent impact can affect polish, plating and surface finishes.
Storage: Keep pieces separate and dry in a lined box or soft pouch.
Ultrasonic or steam: Ask a qualified jeweler to confirm the finish and setting before machine cleaning.
WHEN TO PAUSE
Inspection, questions and professional care
Regular checks can help you notice changes early. When something feels different, stop wearing the piece until you can get appropriate advice.
Stop wearing it and seek advice
- A stone moves, clicks or rotates.
- A prong catches fabric or looks uneven.
- The band is bent, cracked or noticeably thinner.
- Pave stones are missing or the setting has taken an impact.
- A plated or finished surface changes unexpectedly.
Set a regular inspection cadence
For a frequently worn engagement ring, consider a professional inspection every 6-12 months, and sooner after an impact or when warning signs appear.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my jewelry?
Clean only as needed, using a gentle method that suits the materials and condition of the piece. Regularly inspect the setting instead of cleaning on a fixed schedule.
Should I remove jewelry before showering or sleeping?
It is generally prudent to remove jewelry before showering or sleeping. This limits exposure to products, moisture, pressure and accidental catching.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner?
Do not assume an ultrasonic cleaner is suitable. Ask a qualified jeweler to confirm the gemstone, treatment, setting and condition before using ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
What should I do if metal looks dull or tarnished?
Start with a soft, dry cloth and avoid abrasive products. If the appearance changes unexpectedly, especially on plated or finished jewelry, seek tailored advice before polishing.
What if a stone feels loose?
Stop wearing the piece. A moving, clicking or rotating stone can indicate a setting issue that needs professional attention.
