Jewelry Care
Wondering how to care for gold jewelry or clean gemstones for a lifetime-lasting personal collection? This jewelry care guide will help ensure that all your Helen Ficalora pieces remain in perfect quality for years to come. Fine jewelry deserves fine care; use these tips from Helen's own website to keep your pieces shining forever.
GENERAL CARE
Jewelry should be stored away from natural sunlight and heat in a protective jewelry box or a tarnish-resistant pouch. It can also be stored in a plastic bag made of Mylar or polyethylene. Never use polyvinyl plastic bags, as they contain sulfur compounds or rubber containers which will cause the sterling silver to tarnish faster and can also turn silver jewelry black. Proper care and cleaning can make a piece of jewelry look new. Ideally, your Helen Ficalora jewelry should be professionally cleaned once a year; keeping care of your fine pieces at home will help prevent unseen or unnoticed aging, so that deep cleans are less aggressive, time is kinder to your gold and gemstones, and your pieces dazzle for more than a lifetime.
14k solid gold is available in yellow, rose, and white and is considered the American standard. Using a mild, detergent-free soap, prepare a small bowl of lukewarm water and soak each piece before brushing with a soft toothbrush. When clean, rinse under warm running water and dry with a soft cloth. Make sure to keep your gold in an enclosed, dry container to prevent daily exposure and ensure beauty for generations.
14K GOLD FAQS:
How Much Gold Is In 14k Jewelry?
14k is the most commonly used gold for jewelry. It’s comprised of 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy and has a brighter, more yellow shine than 10k. While not as vibrant as 24k, this American jewelry staple will continue to shine for ages with the proper treatment and care.
Can You Shower With 14k Gold?
Showering with gold can reduce its shine, however, it is completely safe to wear while bathing. Just keep an eye on its sparkle, and polish when necessary! The right amount of care can keep daily exposure at bay, and lessen any effects of tarnishing over time.
The sterling silver collection is not plated and requires a bit of special attention. When it comes to swimming with jewelry, sterling silver may tarnish when exposed to chlorine, which is often used in swimming pools or public water supplies. Please do not wear your silver jewelry swimming or bathing in chlorinated water, as it may cause tarnishing. If you are not wearing your sterling silver jewelry it is best to store it in a resealable plastic bag.
STERLING SILVER FAQS:
Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Yes, when exposed to certain elements, sterling silver will tarnish. Salty air, chlorine, sweat, and humidity can all dim silver’s natural sparkle. However, caring for it to avoid tarnishing is fairly simple: read onward to find out how to keep your silver lasting forever.
How to Clean Sterling Silver:
Make a 2:1 paste with baking soda and water, and rub it into the jewelry; after it dries, remove it with a soft cloth, and admire your silver’s revival.
It may also be polished using a standard household silver polishing compound found in a grocery or hardware store.
Helen Ficalora offers a dazzling range of pavé diamonds to accompany much of their 14k collection. Knowing how to care for them will guarantee a longer, more vibrant life for your favorite jewelry. Using the right type of gem bags coupled with keeping denser gems away from each other will help guarantee a long life for your fine pieces.
GEMSTONES FAQS:
How To Clean Gemstones
To clean gemstones, apply a solution of mild soap and water with a soft toothbrush.
Use a soft cloth to dry and remove any remaining dirt or residue. When drying, the softer the cloth, the better. You can avoid streaks and microscopic scratches and scrapes by using the right cloth every time.
How To Store Gemstones
A gem jar, bag, or envelope can be used for individual gems going into a container, or for gems of the same hardness. Make sure to avoid scratches by using soft materials and keeping denser gems stored away from others.