Jewelry Care

Fine jewelry can be worn and enjoyed for generations, as long as proper care is taken to ensure that normal wear and tear is repaired and precautions are taken not to put your jewelry in harm's way. Avoid wearing your jewelry when lifting weights, gardening & housekeeping. Activities that could expose your jewelry to chemicals such as bleach or abrasions should be avoided.

Pearls

*Pearls are made of organic nacre from oysters, so they are delicate. You should always put your pearls on AFTER you have applied make-up, hairspray, etc... as chemicals can ruin their luster.

*Remove your pearls before using cleaning products such as bleach that can eat away at the pearls surface and don't wear swimming for the same reason.

*Pearls that are set in rings, earrings or pendants should not be submerged in water for very long because it can loosen the epoxy that holds the pearl in it's setting.

*Pearls are typically strung with silk cord for strength and with a knot between each pearl to protect the pearls from abrasion and in case the string breaks. This silk should be replaced periodically when it begins to fray or at least every 5 to 10 years depending on how often they are worn.

Gemstone Jewelry

*Some gems are more durable than others, take a look at the Moh's Hardness Scale photo for the hardness of a variety of gems. The lower they are on the scale, the more prone to scratching and chipping that gem will be. Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies are great for everyday wear as in wedding sets, whereas Tanzanite, Opals & Pearls should be worn occasionally and with care.

Opals

*Opals contain up to 15% water, so care should be taken not to allow thermal shock by going from a warm temperature to a cold temperature too quickly as this can crack your opal.

*Because opals contain so much moisture, going from the damp earth to a dry climate can cause crazing (fine surface cracks) when they are newly mined. Once acclimated they don't require any extra care. Often we hear of people "oiling" their opals, this is unnecessary and can cause discoloration if not done properly.

Precious Metals

Precious metals are used in jewelry making because they are malleable (bend without breaking). It's what allows us to create delicate designs and fine prong work. It also means that sometimes prongs and metal work can shift. Just like tires on a car, metal can wear away a little at a time and needs maintenance. Because of this it is very important to have your jewelry cleaned and inspected at least every 6 months. We are happy to provide this service free of charge.

Emeralds

Emeralds are quite rare and rough materials are often enhanced with fillers so as not to waste any viable material. These fillers are susceptiple to chemicals and high temperatures so care should be taken during cleaning and repairs so that the fillers are not disturbed.

McNulty Jewelers

Your hometown jeweler

Jewelry Care

Pearls

*Pearls are made of organic nacre from oysters, so they are delicate. You should always put your pearls on AFTER you have applied make-up, hairspray, etc... as chemicals can ruin their luster.

*Remove your pearls before using cleaning products such as bleach that can eat away at the pearls surface and don't wear swimming for the same reason.

*Pearls that are set in rings, earrings or pendants should not be submerged in water for very long because it can loosen the epoxy that holds the pearl in it's setting.

*Pearls are typically strung with silk cord for strength and with a knot between each pearl to protect the pearls from abrasion and in case the string breaks. This silk should be replaced periodically when it begins to fray or at least every 5 to 10 years depending on how often they are worn.

Gemstone Jewelry

Opals

*Opals contain up to 15% water, so care should be taken not to allow thermal shock by going from a warm temperature to a cold temperature too quickly as this can crack your opal.

Precious Metals

Emeralds

Emeralds are quite rare and rough materials are often enhanced with fillers so as not to waste any viable material. These fillers are susceptiple to chemicals and high temperatures so care should be taken during cleaning and repairs so that the fillers are not disturbed.

We specialize in custom jewelry design!

Jewelry Care

Pearls

*Pearls are made of organic nacre from oysters, so they are delicate. You should always put your pearls on AFTER you have applied make-up, hairspray, etc... as chemicals can ruin their luster.

*Remove your pearls before using cleaning products such as bleach that can eat away at the pearls surface and don't wear swimming for the same reason.

*Pearls that are set in rings, earrings or pendants should not be submerged in water for very long because it can loosen the epoxy that holds the pearl in it's setting.

*Pearls are typically strung with silk cord for strength and with a knot between each pearl to protect the pearls from abrasion and in case the string breaks. This silk should be replaced periodically when it begins to fray or at least every 5 to 10 years depending on how often they are worn.

Gemstone Jewelry

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Opals

*Opals contain up to 15% water, so care should be taken not to allow thermal shock by going from a warm temperature to a cold temperature too quickly as this can crack your opal.

Precious Metals

Emeralds

Emeralds are quite rare and rough materials are often enhanced with fillers so as not to waste any viable material. These fillers are susceptiple to chemicals and high temperatures so care should be taken during cleaning and repairs so that the fillers are not disturbed.

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We specialize in custom jewelry design!