For many durable, untreated pieces, use a small bowl of lukewarm water with a drop of mild, lotion-free dish soap. Clean gently with a very soft brush, rinse in a separate bowl or over a fully closed drain, and pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Do not soak a piece or use this method unless you know its stones, treatments, adhesives, and finishes can safely tolerate water. Never use toothpaste, baking soda, abrasive powders, paper towels, or household chemicals.

Only after a qualified jeweler confirms that the entire piece is suitable. Ultrasonic vibration and heat can loosen stones or damage fracture-filled, treated, porous, delicate, or included gems. Steam can also harm heat-sensitive stones and adhesives.

When in doubt, use gentle hand cleaning or request professional service.

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or divided, fabric-lined box in a cool, dry place. Fasten chains before storing them and keep harder stones away from softer gems and polished metal surfaces.

Keep jewelry away from humidity, direct sunlight, extreme heat, sinks, and unsecured bathroom counters. Use an anti-tarnish strip with sterling silver, but do not let storage chemicals touch the jewelry.

Gold and platinum can scratch, dent, and develop a natural patina with wear. Store pieces separately, avoid impact and chemicals, and do not polish them aggressively at home.

Chlorine can weaken gold alloys, especially with repeated exposure. White-gold finishes may gradually change with wear and can be professionally restored. Polishing removes a small amount of metal, so it should be done only when appropriate.

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes. Store it clean and dry in a separate pouch with an anti-tarnish strip, and use a cloth specifically made for silver when light tarnish appears.

Avoid dips and abrasive cleaners unless a jeweler confirms they are safe for every stone, coating, oxidation detail, and finish in the piece.

Diamonds resist scratching, but they can still chip at vulnerable edges and can damage other jewelry. Avoid hard impacts, store diamond pieces separately, and have prongs and settings inspected regularly.

Oils and residue can dull a diamond's appearance. Gentle cleaning may be appropriate when the diamond is untreated and the setting is secure, but fracture-filled or otherwise treated diamonds need specialized care.

There is no single safe method for every gemstone. Hardness, inclusions, porosity, surface coatings, fillings, oiling, dye, heat treatment, and setting construction all matter.

Emerald, opal, turquoise, coral, amber, tanzanite, moonstone, and many other gems may require especially gentle care. Avoid ultrasonic, steam, heat, chemicals, and soaking unless the exact stone and treatment have been evaluated.

Put pearls and opals on last and take them off first. Keep them away from fragrance, cosmetics, hairspray, household chemicals, heat, prolonged water exposure, and ultrasonic or steam cleaning.

After wear, gently wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth and allow them to air-dry before storage. Store them separately from harder jewelry. Pearl strands should be inspected for stretching, fraying, or loose knots.

Enamel can chip, and plated, oxidized, brushed, matte, and other surface finishes can change with friction, polishing, chemicals, and normal wear. Avoid impact, abrasives, polishing cloths, ultrasonic cleaning, and chemical dips unless specifically approved for the piece.

Contact us before refinishing so the original design intent can be considered.

Remove jewelry before exercise, sports, swimming, bathing, sleeping, gardening, cleaning, cooking with strong chemicals, lifting heavy objects, or using tools. Rings should also be removed before applying lotion or sanitizer when residue could collect in the setting.

Never pull a chain or bracelet to free it from clothing. Stop wearing any piece that catches unexpectedly, feels misshapen, or has a loose component.

Frequently worn jewelry should generally be professionally inspected every six to twelve months, and sooner after an impact, snag, noticeable change, or exposure to harsh conditions. Delicate, high-set, antique, or heavily worn pieces may need more frequent review.

Between inspections, look for lifted prongs, moving stones, worn links, loose clasps, damaged earring backs, thinning metal, or changes in fit.

Stop wearing the piece immediately and place it in a secure container. Do not test the stone, bend the setting back, add glue, or attempt a home repair.

If a stone has fallen out, save it separately. Photograph the piece and contact The Speak Easy Co so we can help determine the safest next step.

Use a discreet travel case with separate padded compartments, keep an inventory and current photographs, and carry jewelry with you rather than placing it in checked luggage. Never leave fine jewelry unattended in a vehicle or hotel room outside a secure safe.

Before travel, confirm that clasps and settings are secure and review your insurance coverage for loss, damage, and travel.