BUY NOW, GET FREE SHIPPING
BUY NOW, PAY LATER WITH AFFIRM | Free Shipping
Fine Jewelry Maintenance Guide

Fine Jewelry Maintenance Guide

Proper Maintenance and Cleaning Method

For Solid 14K and 18K Gold Fine Jewelry

by

  prides itself on the fact that we are able to offer our clients a beautifully curated selection of Fine Jewelry made of Solid 14K or 18K gold at a price comparable to most company's offering of silver jewelry plated in gold.


However, perhaps because of a market saturated with costume jewelry in the guise of Fine Jewelry because of their plating in gold, we have noticed a considerable misunderstanding by a large proportion of the public on the proper care and maintenance of Solid 14K or 18K Gold Fine Jewelry.


In an effort to provide our customers with proper care instructions on Solid 14K/18K Gold Fine Jewelry maintenance, we're gathered up some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Solid Gold Jewelry, as well as a list of Do's and Don'ts.

WHAT IS GOLD?

Gold is a naturally produced element (Au), which in its purest form is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, shiny, malleable, and ductile metal. The most malleable and ductile of all metals, it also has the highest corrosion resistance of all metals. Formed naturally by the earth as ores in rocks, it has through the test of time become considered 'real money' representing real wealth. When paper money fails, gold will still remain an acceptable form of currency that holds its value.

WHAT DOES THE DIFFERENT KARATS OF GOLD MEAN FOR FINE JEWELRY?

Karatage is expressed in 24th, making 24K Gold 100% pure gold.
24K Gold
24/24 = 100% gold, 0% Alloy
Too  Soft  for  Fine  Jewelry
22K Gold
22/24 = 91.7% gold, 8.3% Alloy
Too  Soft  for  Fine  Jewelry
18K Gold
18/24 = 75% gold, 25% Alloy
Ideal  for  Fine  Jewelry
14K Gold
14/24 = 58% gold, 41.7% Alloy
Ideal  for  Fine  Jewelry
10K Gold
10/24 = 41.7% gold, 58% Alloy
Not  acceptable  for  Fine  Jewelry

WHAT DOSE THE DIFFERENCE IN 14K AND 18K GOLD MEAN PRACTICALLY FOR CONSUMERS?

Strength and Durability: The more alloy mixed with the gold, the stronger the gold piece is. In the case of Fine Jewelry in 14K and 18K Gold, 14K gold is stronger and more durable than 18K gold.

Value and Price: Greater the gold content, greater the value. 18K > 14K in monetary value and price

HOW STRONG IS 14K AND 18K GOLD?

While the alloys mixed with gold in Solid 14K and 18K Gold Jewelry makes it strong enough to wear for daily use, it still needs to be soft and malleable enough for fine jewelry craftsmen to work with. What this means practically is that while 14K and 18K gold is strong enough to retain its shape and form despite daily wear and tear, any strong external bump or force against it can and most likely will cause damage to the integrity of its shape and form. Of course, the thicker and sturdier the piece, the stronger the external force necessary. Vice versa, the thinner and more delicate the piece, the less the external force necessary.


Thick or thin, what should always be remembered with Fine Jewelry is that it is made of a soft, malleable, and precious metal. As such, certain precautions should be taken in the wearing of Fine Jewelry.

  • Do not wear fine jewelry when doing manual tasks such as gardening, cleaning the house, doing dishes, cooking, etc.

  • Do not wear fine jewelry while you are putting on make-up.  Chemicals in lotion, cosmetics, perfumes, and hairspray can cause potential damage to your jewelry.

  • Do not wear fine jewelry in swimming pools and spas. Chlorine can have a chemical reaction with the metals.  Extreme temperature changes may also cause damage to certain natural gemstones.

  • Do not wear fine jewelry when you are engaged in sports activities. Remove all jewelry before playing.  Hard blows during sports can cause damage to jewelry.

  • Do not wear fine jewelry while you are taking a bath or a shower. Soap can cause a film or scum to build in and around your jewelry, making them dull and dingy. By preventing this build up, you reduce having to take it in often for professional cleaning and servicing.

  • Use microfiber jewelry cloths to polish your fine jewelry. Avoid using tissues or paper towels because they could cause scratches.

  • Use warm water to clean your Fine Jewelry.

  • Inspect your Fine Jewelry often and take it to a local jeweler for professional cleaning and replenishing of the prongs (we suggest every 6 months- 1 year).  If the product belongs to stones & gold, contact us for complimentary inspections.