A Complete Guide to Valuable Jewelry and Watch Care

General Jewelry Care

Daily Handling

Handle jewelry with clean hands to prevent oils and residues from accumulating on your pieces. Put jewelry on after applying cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays to minimize chemical exposure. Remove jewelry before swimming, gardening, cleaning, or engaging in physical activities to prevent damage.

Cleaning Methods

Different materials require specific cleaning approaches:

• Gold: Use warm water with mild soap and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Silver: Apply silver polish with a microfiber cloth, following the manufacturer’s instructions. For tarnish, use silver dips sparingly.
• Platinum: Clean with a solution of mild soap and warm water. Platinum benefits from professional cleaning annually.
• Gemstones: Clean most gemstones with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Porous gems like pearls, opals, and turquoise should only be wiped with a damp cloth.

Storage Solutions

Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling. Consider these options:

• Fabric-lined jewelry boxes with compartments
• Anti-tarnish pouches for silver pieces
• Pearl folders with individual pockets
• Necklace hangers to prevent chain knotting
• Watch pillows for timepieces

Keep jewelry away from extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity environments. Maintain a consistent environment to prevent metal expansion and contraction.

Regular Maintenance

Inspect settings regularly for loose stones or worn prongs. Have fine jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned annually. Restring pearls every few years, especially if worn frequently. Remove rings when washing hands and apply lotion to prevent residue buildup.

Valuable Watches: Special Care Considerations

Daily Wearing Practices

Wind automatic watches by wearing them regularly or using a watch winder if stored. For manual watches, wind at approximately the same time each day. Remove watches before showering, swimming, or any water activities unless they are specifically rated for such exposure. Even water-resistant watches should be kept away from hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, as heat can compromise gaskets.

Cleaning Protocol

Clean watch cases and bracelets with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For metal bracelets, use a soft toothbrush with mild soap and water, then thoroughly dry. Leather straps require special care—wipe with a barely damp cloth and allow to air dry completely. Never submerge leather straps in water. For rubber or silicone straps, clean with mild soap and water, then dry completely.

Professional Servicing

Have mechanical watches serviced every 3-5 years by an authorized service center. Quartz watches should have batteries replaced by professionals to ensure water resistance is maintained. Have gaskets and seals checked and replaced as needed during servicing to maintain water resistance.

Storage Considerations

Store watches in a dry environment away from magnetic fields, which can affect movement accuracy. Consider humidity-controlled watch boxes for collections in regions with high humidity. When traveling, use padded watch rolls or cases designed specifically for timepieces. For extended storage, ensure watches are clean and fully wound before putting them away.

Special Materials

Precious metal watches (gold, platinum) require the same care as fine jewelry—avoid harsh chemicals and clean gently. For vintage timepieces, consult specialists regarding cleaning, as patina may be considered valuable. Watches with complications (chronographs, perpetual calendars) should only be adjusted according to manufacturer guidelines to prevent damage to delicate mechanisms.

By following these guidelines, your jewelry and timepieces will remain beautiful, functional, and valuable for years to come, potentially becoming cherished heirlooms for future generations.