Jewelry maintenance and care

Over the years, and with the wear and tear due to daily use, it may happen that your jewels are no longer shiny as they originally were. It also happens to find them, perhaps after having placed them for some time in the drawer, darker and opaque, or to notice some small change in color on the surface. Even beautiful, shiny gems when newly purchased may shine less than when purchased. These phenomena are completely normal, and it is easy to remedy them to restore the jewels to their beauty and their initial splendor. So here are some brief tips on how to clean your jewelry yourself.

JEWELRY MADE OF GOLD AND SILVER

Gold and silver are metals that are usually strong and easy to clean. If it is just a patina of dirt accumulated in daily use (dust, smog, soap) it is sufficient to wash them with hot water and dish soap. The jewel can be soaked in hot water for a few minutes to dissolve the hard-to-reach residues manually, and then rinsed under warm water. It is important to remember never to heat the water above 60 ° (never boiling in short) and to avoid this procedure if there are gems. Once this operation is finished, you can proceed with drying with a hairdryer (to eliminate even the smallest drops) and a non-abrasive cotton cloth, so as not to leave lines on the surface.

JEWELS WITH PRECIOUS GEMS

Precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, topazes and above all emeralds (the latter are very fragile) are gems that suffer greatly from thermal changes. This is why it is important to wash the jewelry that is equipped with gems with great care and attention. It is again possible to wash them at a temperature of about 60 ° (preferably lower) and leave them to soak for a few minutes. Subsequently, however, it is advisable to rinse them paying particular attention to the temperature of the water: there should be no thermal changes. They could in fact fracture or split the gems. Drying with a soft cotton cloth is recommended.

JEWELRY AND NECKLACES WITH PEARLS

Unlike metals and gems which are inorganic materials, pearls owe their creation to pearl molluscs (commonly called oysters), and are composed entirely of organic material. Cleaning the pearls is therefore a whole other matter. First of all, pearls are gems to be protected before they are damaged: once damaged it is not possible to repair them. It is good practice to wear them without having just used creams or perfumes that would ruin the nacre and are not to be worn in contact with other jewels that could scratch or damage them. For their cleaning we recommend lukewarm water and a neutral soap. Drying, as always, can be done with a soft cotton cloth.

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING JEWELS

When the dirt has settled for a long time and cannot be easily removed, it is necessary to use professional products specific for metals, gems or pearls. They are liquids, cloths and creams specially designed for the maintenance of jewelry, and give truly formidable results. If you are interested in purchasing these products, please contact our Customer Service at the addresses at the bottom of the page, together with an expert you can choose the best product for your jewel and choose the methods for payment and shipping to yours. address.

PROFESSIONAL POLISHING AND CLEANING

In case of very deep marks and scratches, or dirt that is impossible to reach with the tools in your home, it is necessary to work on the jewels in a professional and not a homely manner. The Cicala laboratories are equipped with all the machinery suitable for cleaning, polishing and restoring jewels. “Ordinary maintenance” is not enough to eliminate dark patinas and oxidations that inevitably arise over time on precious metals. These defects can only be eliminated through a series of steps necessary to restore the aesthetics of the precious and must be carried out by a goldsmith. Only in the laboratory are there equipment which, through ultrasonic cleaning, acids, pastes, polishing brushes and galvanic baths, eliminate even small marks, scratches or small surface dents. If you are interested in these services contact us via Live chat or at the contact details below:

Free toll-free number * 800 865 648
Office landline phone: +39 010 6981030
WhatsApp: +39 010 6981030
E-mail: support@cicala.it

* the toll-free number is free for all calls from landlines in Italy, and is active from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:30 to 20:00.