Jewelry Care
All Jewelry
There are a few things to remember to keep your jewelry looking beautiful. Don’t subject your pieces to such things as household cleaners, bleaches, chlorine (swimming pools or hot tubs), hairsprays, lotions, the ocean or rough situations. These can be sporting activities, manual labor, weightlifting or anything that could cause damage. Don’t set it next to the sink when washing hands or doing dishes. You might forget it, or it may fall down the drain. When not in use, be sure to store your jewelry somewhere safe, and in the Mary van der Aa box it came in, to prevent damage, loss or theft.
Rare Stones
If you purchase a piece with a rare gemstone from Mary van der Aa, be sure to identify the stone if you take it to a local jeweler for inspection or cleaning. Many stones cannot be subjected to an ultrasonic cleaner or steamer, and damage can happen. Not all jewelers are Graduate Gemologists, and they may not be able to identify the rare stone to know what cleaning methods it can take. It’s better to be safe than sorry. It is also smart to avoid extreme temperatures with the piece. And remember, if you have purchased a One of a Kind piece with a rare stone, it may be irreplaceable if it or the stone is damaged or lost.
Gold & Platinum
There are a variety of ways you can use to keep your jewelry sparkling at home. From a quick spray of windex to a full-on ultrasonic, the options are endless. One of the best homemade ways to clean your jewelry is a mixture of a few drops of Dawn dish detergent in warm, not hot, water. Gently place the piece in the solution, and leave for a few minutes. You can even put the jar on the top of your fridge to use its heat and vibration similar to that of an ultrasonic cleaner. If the piece is really dirty, use a new, soft, baby-size toothbrush to gently clean the piece. To rinse, place the piece in a container of lukewarm water. Pat dry. You can also wipe it clean with the Mary van der Aa polishing cloth that is included with your purchase.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to air and light. It is best to store your silver in an airtight box or bag and out of the sunlight to help avoid tarnishing. Chlorine and bleach accelerate tarnishing and should be avoided. To clean your silver jewelry, wipe it clean with the Mary van der Aa polishing cloth that is included with your purchase. You can also use a silver cleaning solution, such as Haggerty’s, if needed. Be sure to not leave your piece in the cleaner for more than a few seconds to avoid any possible damage. Dry your piece thoroughly before putting it away to avoid tarnish. *Special Note: Do not place sterling silver pieces with pearls into a silver cleaner or put polish on them. The solution will damage the nacre of the pearls. Simply dip the non-pearl section or just use the polishing cloth to brighten these pieces up.
Pearl Care
Purchased a piece with Pearl and wondering how to care for it? To clean, simply wipe pearls gently with a soft damp cloth. Avoid cleaning solutions or polishes. Don’t subject your pearls to such things as household cleaners, bleaches, chlorine (swimming pools or hot tubs), hairsprays, lotions, the ocean or rough situations. When not in use, be sure to store your pearls somewhere safe, and in the Mary van der Aa box it came in, to prevent damage, loss or theft.