Jewelry Care
Your jewelry is made to be worn, loved, and passed down. With a little care and attention, each piece will stay as beautiful as the day you first put it on. Here's everything you need to know to keep your jewelry looking its best.
Cleaning Your Jewelry
Gold Soak your gold piece in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 5–10 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Finish with a polishing cloth for an extra shine.
Silver Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap and soak for 5–10 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse well, and dry thoroughly. For heavier tarnish, use a silver cleaning solution or a paste made from baking soda and water. Store silver pieces in anti-tarnish pouches, away from sunlight and moisture, to slow future tarnishing.
Diamonds & Hard Gemstones Clean with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially for stones with inclusions or fractures.
Delicate Stones — Pearls, Opals, Emeralds, Coral, Amber & Jet These stones require extra gentleness. Avoid soaking in water, and keep them away from chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners entirely. Simply wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and allow to air dry. If you have questions about caring for a specific stone in your piece, we're always happy to help.
Daily Handling Tips
A simple habit makes a big difference: follow the "last on, first off" rule. Put your jewelry on after applying makeup, lotion, and perfume — and remove it first when you're getting ready for bed or changing clothes.
Also remove your jewelry before:
- Cleaning with household chemicals
- Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean
- Exercising or playing sports
- Sunbathing or using tanning beds
Storage Recommendations
How you store your jewelry matters just as much as how you clean it.
- Keep each piece in its own box, pouch, or anti-tarnish bag to prevent scratches and tarnishing.
- Store pieces separately to avoid tangling — especially delicate chains and gemstone jewelry.
- Avoid storing jewelry in areas exposed to direct sunlight, heat, or humidity, as these can dull metals and damage certain stones over time.
Professional Maintenance
Even well-cared-for jewelry benefits from a professional eye. We recommend:
- Inspecting your pieces regularly to make sure stones are secure and settings are intact.
- Scheduling a professional cleaning once a year — or twice a year for frequently worn pieces like engagement rings or everyday necklaces.
- Bringing intricate or high-value pieces to a professional jeweler rather than cleaning them at home, to avoid accidental damage.
With a little love and the right routine, your Sally Hoffman Designs pieces will stay radiant for years — and generations — to come.