Product Care
General Care
Over time, fine jewelry can become a treasured family heirloom
if it is cared for properly. Dust, pollution and daily wear all
conspire to cloud the brilliance of gemstones. The surface of
gold, platinum and silver jewelry can become dulled. Timeworn
prongs and clasps can result in the loss of a stone or an entire
piece of jewelry.
Professional cleanings are recommended as often as twice a year. We encourage you to bring your Breckenridge Jewelers jewelry back to us for professional servicing. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of jewelry care, including cleaning gemstones, repairing clasps and earring backs.
Professional cleanings are recommended as often as twice a year. We encourage you to bring your Breckenridge Jewelers jewelry back to us for professional servicing. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of jewelry care, including cleaning gemstones, repairing clasps and earring backs.
Sterling Silver
Breckenridge Jewelers uses sterling silver, one of the most beautiful and lustrous
of all metals. With proper care, your silver will retain its beauty and
character for many generations to come.
Begin by using a soft cloth or sponge to apply the polish. Rub each piece gently but firmly lengthwise, using straight, even strokes. You may use a small brush (like a toothbrush with natural bristles) for decorative trim or borders. Wash in sudsy water, being sure to remove all the polish. Rinse well in warm water, dry thoroughly and buff gently with a soft cloth.
Bags made of "Pacific" cloth are also very effective in preventing tarnish.
The First Rule Of Silver Care
Sterling silver tarnishes, especially when exposed to salt air and products containing sulfur, such as rubber bands and some papers. However, silver that is regularly used typically needs less care, so Breckenridge Jewelers strongly encourages you to use or wear your silver every day.Washing Silver
Breckenridge Jewelers recommends washing silver by hand in warm water with a mild detergent. To avoid spotting, it is important to dry your silver immediately after washing.Polishing Silver
Use Breckenridge Jewelers silver polish or another quality brand. Some "dip" polishes contain harsh chemicals and should be avoided. Electrolytic cleaning (aluminum foil, salt and baking soda in a water base) is not recommended.Begin by using a soft cloth or sponge to apply the polish. Rub each piece gently but firmly lengthwise, using straight, even strokes. You may use a small brush (like a toothbrush with natural bristles) for decorative trim or borders. Wash in sudsy water, being sure to remove all the polish. Rinse well in warm water, dry thoroughly and buff gently with a soft cloth.
Special Considerations
An "oxidized" finish is the deliberate blackening of crevices in the ornamentation of a silver object to make its decorative details stand out more clearly. Take care as this finish can be removed by overzealous cleaning and polishing.Storing Silver
Once cleaned and polished, silver must be kept dry and properly stored. Our Breckenridge Jewelers jewelry bags will protect it from abrasion and offer a degree of tarnish prevention.Bags made of "Pacific" cloth are also very effective in preventing tarnish.
Gold, Platinum
Between professional servicing, most gold and platinum jewelry can be
maintained with a non-abrasive cleaner. Examine your jewelry regularly to
make sure settings are snug and clasps and joinings are secure.
Avoid exposing gold jewelry to household bleach, which will quickly cause gold to discolor and possibly disintegrate.
Jewelry storage is important as well. At the time of purchase, all Breckenridge Jewelers jewelry is wrapped in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. Between wearings, we recommend that you place it back in its original case or another suitably lined box or pouch.
Avoid exposing gold jewelry to household bleach, which will quickly cause gold to discolor and possibly disintegrate.
Jewelry storage is important as well. At the time of purchase, all Breckenridge Jewelers jewelry is wrapped in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. Between wearings, we recommend that you place it back in its original case or another suitably lined box or pouch.
Gemstones
Certain basic precautions should be taken with all of your jewelry.
However, some gemstones, as outlined in this section, require
special care.
Take care to protect your jewelry from impact against hard surfaces and
avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Even a diamond can chip if hit
with enough force or at just the right angle. Many stones such as amethyst,
emerald, kunzite, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite and tourmaline are very
delicate and easily abraded. Enamel can also chip or scratch when struck.
Gemstones can scratch other gemstones and wear away at precious
metals. Therefore, avoid stacking those rings and bracelets that would be
vulnerable to such abrasion. Extreme temperatures, perfumes, cosmetics,
ultrasonic cleaning and household chemicals can also damage jewelry.
To clean diamonds, use a mild solution of six parts water to one part
ammonia and apply with a soft bristle brush.
If worn often, pearls should be cleaned and restrung professionally once a year. Between cleanings, wipe pearls gently with a damp cloth.