JEWELRY CARE
We design and craft each piece with the hope that it becomes a beloved modern heirloom—worn, loved, and passed down for years to come. That said, antique and vintage jewelry often require a little extra care to preserve their beauty and integrity over time.
Below, you’ll find answers to common questions along with care tips and cleaning suggestions to help keep your pieces shining. If you ever have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact page or email us at hello@glenandeffie.com.
BEST PRACTICES
WEAR WITH CARE
We strongly recommend removing your jewelry before physical activities—such as working out or lifting heavy objects—as they can cause dents, scratches, and surface damage. Additionally, the natural salts in sweat can accelerate wear and erosion over time.
AVOID SWIMMING
Avoid wearing your modern heirlooms while swimming in pools or the ocean—chlorine and saltwater can accelerate wear, cause erosion, and dull gemstones. Antique pieces are especially vulnerable.
NO CHEMICALS
Avoid wearing your jewelry while using harsh cleaning products, dyes, or chemicals, as they can compromise the integrity of the metals and gemstones.
FINE JEWELRY
For solid gold, platinum, and diamond-set pieces.
Just because a piece is made of solid gold doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. Regular cleaning helps restore shine and reveal early signs of wear—like loose prongs or thinning bands—before they become costly repairs.
WHAT TO AVOID:
- Harsh chemicals, including bleach, ammonia, and acetone.
- Swimming pools and hot tubs (chlorine can erode metal).
- Lotions, perfumes, and hair products (these build up and dull your stones)
CLEAN AT HOME
Safe for Gold + Diamonds Only: This method mimics commercial jewelry cleaners and is great for diamonds, not for treated or soft/porous stones like opals, emeralds, etc.
STEP 1: Fill a bowl with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Let your jewelry soak for 15–20 minutes.
STEP 2: Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub around prongs and under stones. Rinse with warm water.
STEP 3: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and let air dry completely.
Pieces 100+ years old or with delicate construction/materials.
ANTIQUE JEWELRY CARE
Antique jewelry is delicate by nature—often featuring hand-cut stones, closed-back settings, and aged metals. Over-cleaning or the wrong cleaner can cause irreversible damage.
BEST FOR EVERYDAY:
Find a high-quality jewelry polishing cloth (or use the one included in our packaging) and gently rub the metal surface of your piece to remove tarnish, grime, and oils. Avoid rubbing any stones, pearls, or delicate inlays.
FOR TARNISHED METALS
When a cloth isn't enough: Simichrome Metal Polish Method (Metals Only) Note: Do not use Simichrome on stones—only on exposed metal. Test on a small area first if unsure.
STEP 1:
Apply a pea-sized amount of polish to your cloth (a little goes a long way).
STEP 2:
Gently massage into the metal surface only—avoiding all stones, pearls, and porous materials.
STEP 3:
With a clean section of your cloth, buff off all polish residue. Repeat with new clean sections until no polish remains.
Whether newly made or vintage, your ring deserves a little TLC.
RING MAINTENANCE + CARE
Think of your ring like a car—it needs routine servicing to stay in top shape. Daily wear (hand-washing, lifting, gardening, workouts) can loosen stones, scratch metal, and stress prongs. Regular checks and cleanings help catch issues early.
WE RECOMMEND
- Everyday wearers (e.g., engagement rings): professional check-up every 6 months.
- Occasional wear pieces: annually
SIGNS OF SERVICE
- Stones feel loose or spin
- Prongs look worn down or bent
- You hear a rattle when gently shaking the piece
- There’s visible grime buildup or dullness.
HOME CLEANING
- Follow the “AT HOME” method outlined above for gold and diamond jewelry.
- For other materials (opal, turquoise, etc.), stick with: a quick rinse with lukewarm water only, followed by a soft brush and dry, clean towel.
*Disclaimer: These are cleaning suggestions only. Glen & Effie is not responsible for damage incurred during at-home cleaning. When in doubt, email us at hello@glenandeffie.com or consult your trusted jeweler.