Learn about Cleaning & Inspection

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your fine jewelry beautiful and secure for years to come. At J. West Jewelers, we offer free professional cleaning and inspection—even for pieces you didn’t buy from us! A quick visit every six months to a year can make all the difference.

Routine cleanings prevent dirt, grease, and product buildup that can dull your jewelry's sparkle. Inspections help catch wear and tear early, like thinning prongs or loose stones, so we can repair them before a gem is lost.

Jewelry Care Tips & Tricks
Everyday habits make a big impact on your jewelry's longevity. Here are a few ways to keep your favorites looking their best between professional cleanings:

 
Gold Jewelry

Do:

-Store separately to avoid scratches.
-Use a soft polishing cloth to restore shine.
-Clean with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush.

Don’t:

-Wear while using chlorine or bleach (pools or cleaning supplies)—it weakens gold.
-Toss it into a jewelry box without a pouch or separator.
 
Colored Gemstones

Do:

-Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth after wearing.
-Keep away from extreme heat and sunlight, which can fade some stones.
-Clean with mild soap and water unless the gem is porous.

Don’t:

-Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on soft or porous stones.
-Expose them to harsh chemicals or perfumes.
 
Porous Gemstones (Opals, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite)
These gems are more delicate and absorb moisture and chemicals easily.

Do:

-Clean gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth—no soaking.
-Store away from heat, light, and dry environments to prevent cracking.
-Wear with care; apply lotions and sprays before putting on your jewelry.

Don’t:

-Soak in water or cleaning solution.
-Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
-Expose to sudden temperature changes.
 
Pearls

Do:

-Put them on after hairspray, perfume, or lotion.
-Wipe gently with a clean, dry cloth after every wear.
-Store flat in a soft pouch to avoid stretching the strand.

Don’t:

-Submerge in water—pearls are porous and can absorb liquids.
-Hang pearl necklaces for storage (this weakens the silk thread over time).
 
Most Fragile Gemstones

These stones require extra special care due to their softness or sensitivity:

Opal
Turquoise
Pearl
Emerald (often contains surface-reaching fractures)
Tanzanite
Lapis Lazuli
Amber
Moonstone

Care Tips:

-Avoid hard knocks—these stones chip or crack easily.
-Don’t expose them to heat, chemicals, or direct sunlight.
-When in doubt, let us clean and inspect them for you!
 
General Rules of Thumb

-Remove jewelry before working out, cleaning, or gardening.
-Store in a cool, dry place—humidity can tarnish or weaken settings.
-Avoid sleeping in jewelry to reduce stress on delicate pieces.
 
Need a quick refresh or worried about a loose stone? Bring it by—we’re happy to help with a free cleaning and inspection!