Jewelry Care

Because your jewels live with you, and are precious and you cherish them, they deserve your full care. By following a few simple care tips, you will keep your jewelry pieces in pristine condition to ensure a future heirloom.

For the storage of your Patricia Marie jewelry, we provide soft felt pouches or soft lined boxes. Earring pouches have separate pockets to keep your earrings from rubbing together. Be sure to use these when you are not wearing your jewelry.

We recommend that you keep your jewelry away from chemicals. Exposure to chemicals can damage or discolor precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, iron) and may harm some colored gems. Even everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, sunscreen, perfume or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems (like turquoise). Fine jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated swimming pool or before using household cleaners. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate gems. Chlorine bleach, another common household solvent, can pit or damage gold alloys.

Most COLORED GEMS and DIAMONDS can be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap (no detergents) and a soft brush. A pulsed-water dental cleaning appliance and a soft, lint-free cloth can also be used. Be sure to rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions since you risk losing loose stones – or even an entire piece of jewelry - if you rinse directly in the sink. Please have your settings checked on a regular basis, at least once a year. 

DIAMONDS are one of the hardest substances on earth and are uniquely resistant to damage by heat or scratching.

Diamonds and other gemstones are measured by the Mohs scale. It runs from 10 (hardest) down to 1 (softest). Normally a diamond will last many lifetimes. The diamond measures at a 10 on the Mohs scale being the world’s hardest substance, but hard does not mean indestructible. If hit just the right way, they can be chipped, scratched or even split in half. Anytime that a diamond comes in contact with a hard surface, it is at risk.

PLATINUM AND SOLID GOLD: Pieces can be wiped periodically with a soft cloth or soaked in a mild solution of dishwashing soap and warm water and gently scrubbed with a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain the metal’s luster. Dry with a soft cloth.

HIGH POLISH STERLING: A sunshine cloth or liquid jewelry cleaner will keep your pieces looking shiny and clean.

TEXTURED AND MATTE FINISH STERLING: Liquid jewelry cleaner or a little toothpaste and a toothbrush will keep it free from tarnish. Use a Scotch-Brite abrasive pad to restore the matte finish by rubbing the surface of the metal in one direction.

OXIDIZED METALS: Rinse piece with warm water. Dry with a soft cloth. Do not use a liquid cleaner, it will strip the oxidized surface.

STERLING SILVER WITH A STONE OR PEARL: Do not dip piece into liquid cleaner! It may damage the stone. Use a Q-tip to apply cleaner to areas surrounding the stone (keep away from contact with the stone) and then rinse in warm water. Dry with a soft cloth.

HOLLOW CONSTRUCTED PIECES: Should not be immersed in liquid cleaning solutions. Each piece is individual. Please call us and we will be happy to advise you on the best cleaning method.

JEWELRY THAT IS STRUNG: Should never be worn in the shower, pool or ocean as this can weaken the thread that your jewelry is strung on. Depending on how often you wear your strung jewelry, we suggest having it restrung at least once a year.

RINGS: No matter what the material, a ring is not indestructible. It is the one piece of jewelry that comes in contact with everything that you handle. Whenever your ring comes in contact with a hard object there is a risk of damage to the metal and the stones. (Hard objects include but are not limited to: keys, gym equipment/weights, garden tools, etc…) Also be aware that when clapping your hands, if you have rings on both hands to be sure that they are not smashing against each other as they can both become damaged. Please have your settings checked on a regular basis, at least once a year.

PEARLS: Pearls are the world's only organic gem and are composed of calcium carbonate. This means special attention is required to ensure pearls will stay beautiful and last a lifetime. Pearls are an organic gemstone, they are somewhat different from other gemstones and precious metals. They are softer and more delicate, and they can therefore be more easily scratched, cracked, and damaged. In addition, substances such as perfume and hair spray -- and even natural body oils and perspiration -- can dull pearls' luster or cloud their brilliance. For these reasons, your pearls may require a bit of special care.

Be Careful With Cosmetics and Your Pearls

It's a good idea to apply perfume, hair spray, and other cosmetics before putting on your pearls. In this way, you can minimize the amount of these products that comes into contact with the pearls. After wearing your pearls, wipe them with a soft damp cloth to remove any traces of cosmetic products or body oils. Wiping the pearls with a soft damp cloth after you wear them will ensure that they remain free from any harmful build-ups of these compounds.

Store Your Pearls Separately

Because of their delicacy, pearls should be stored separately, away from hard jewelry items, to prevent scratches or other damage. If possible, store them wrapped in your QUADRUM soft flannel pouch or in a soft-lined container, or jewelry box.

Have Your Pearls Restrung and Knotted For Safety

To prevent strand breakage, it's a good idea to have your pearls restrung periodically.

Over time the silk will stretch, weaken, and become soiled with wear. We advise you to have your pearls cleaned and restrung at least once a year. Knotting the strand between each pearl will prevent all of the pearls from falling off the strand in the event the strand breaks. Also, knotting prevents the pearls from rubbing against one another and causing damage. A little bit of care can go a long way toward ensuring that your pearls remain safe and bright for years to come!

Patricia Marie does not cover any damage that occurs after the date of the sale. Because unforeseen accidents do happen, we strongly recommend that you insure your jewelry against loss, theft, and damage.