Caring for the pieces you love.
Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. Whether it's an antique diamond engagement ring, a favorite gold band, or a piece passed down through generations, a little care goes a long way in preserving its beauty.
At Single Stone, each piece is handcrafted in Los Angeles with an appreciation for antique diamonds and traditional jewelry-making techniques. We believe the jewelry you wear today should be just as meaningful years from now.
From everyday storage to cleaning and professional inspections, here are our recommendations for keeping your jewelry looking its best.
How to Care for Fine Jewelry Every Day
Knowing when to remove your jewelry is one of the easiest ways to protect it.
Even diamonds and gold can experience wear over time, particularly when exposed to repeated pressure or impact. Removing your jewelry during certain activities can help prevent unnecessary damage to stones and settings.
We recommend removing your jewelry before:
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Exercising, playing sports, or lifting weights
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Gardening, cleaning, or other hands-on activities
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Swimming, showering, or bathing
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Applying lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics
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Going to bed
A Single Stone Tip: Every Single Stone piece arrives in its own pouch and box. We recommend keeping the pouch nearby so you have a safe place to put your jewelry when you're not wearing it.
When storing multiple pieces, keep them separate to prevent scratching and tangling. Diamonds in particular can scratch other gemstones and metal surfaces.
How to Clean Fine Jewelry at Home
Everyday wear can leave behind traces of lotion, natural oils, and other products, particularly around
|
Gemstone |
Recommended Care |
What to Avoid |
|
Diamonds |
Lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush for secure, untreated stones |
Harsh chemicals, impacts, and aggressive cleaning |
|
Sapphires & Rubies |
Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water when untreated or appropriately treated |
Harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning of fracture-filled stones |
|
Emeralds |
Gentle cleaning with lukewarm, soapy water; consult a jeweler if treatment is unknown |
Steam, ultrasonic cleaners, and harsh chemicals |
|
Pearls |
Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing; occasional gentle cleaning when appropriate |
Soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, perfume, and harsh chemicals |
|
Opals |
Gently clean with a soft cloth and mild, lukewarm soapy water |
Prolonged soaking, extreme heat, sudden temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaners |
|
Turquoise |
Carefully wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth |
Soaking, oils, cosmetics, steam, and harsh chemicals |
|
Gold Jewelry |
Mild soap and lukewarm water when any gemstones and finishes permit |
Abrasive cleaners and excessive polishing |
|
Oxidized Jewelry |
Very gentle cleaning with a soft cloth |
Excessive scrubbing that can remove the oxidized finish |
The Importance of Annual Jewelry Inspections
Even with proper care, jewelry naturally experiences wear over time. Prongs can loosen, settings may shift, and small signs of damage aren't always easy to notice.
We recommend having your Single Stone jewelry professionally inspected once a year to ensure everything remains secure.
During an inspection, a jeweler can check for:
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Loose stones or weakened prongs
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Wear around settings and metalwork
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Damage to clasps, bands, or other components
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Areas that may need repair or restoration
If you notice a loose stone, movement in a setting, or any visible damage, we recommend removing the piece and having it inspected before wearing it again.
Complimentary Jewelry Inspections in San Marino
We offer complimentary jewelry inspections at our Single Stone flagship in San Marino, California.
Our team can examine your piece, check the security of its settings, and recommend any necessary maintenance or repairs.
To learn more about caring for your jewelry, visit our Repairs & Sizing services.
Protecting Your Jewelry with Insurance
Jewelry often holds a value that goes far beyond its price. An engagement ring, a meaningful gift, or a piece collected over time can carry memories that are impossible to replace.
While careful wear and regular maintenance can help prevent damage, we also recommend insuring your fine jewelry.
Depending on the policy, jewelry insurance can offer financial protection against unexpected loss, theft, or accidental damage.
Your Single Stone Appraisal
Every Single Stone purchase includes an appraisal, which can be used when applying for jewelry insurance.
Your appraisal provides important information about your piece, including its characteristics and value. We recommend keeping it with your purchase records and any accompanying gemstone documentation.
Jewelry Insurance Through Jewelers Mutual
For clients interested in insuring their jewelry, we can provide a referral to Jewelers Mutual, a company specializing in jewelry insurance.
To explore your options:
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Visit Jewelers Mutual.
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Enter our jeweler code A02488 when prompted.
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Have your Single Stone appraisal available for reference.
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Review the available coverage and policy details to determine what best suits your needs.
Coverage, exclusions, and eligibility depend on the insurance policy.
Explore Jewelry Insurance Through Jewelers Mutual
The Single Stone Jewelry Warranty
Every Single Stone piece is handcrafted with careful attention to detail, from the selection of each stone to the finishing of its setting.
We stand behind our craftsmanship with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Our warranty does not cover:
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Loss of gemstones or damage to stones
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Damage resulting from normal wear and tear
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Accidental damage or damage caused by improper care
Please note that work performed by an outside jeweler, including resizing, repairs, alterations, or polishing, will void the Single Stone warranty.
If your jewelry needs attention, we recommend contacting us before having any work performed.
For additional information, please refer to our Jewelry Care & Warranty page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fine Jewelry Care
How often should I clean my fine jewelry?
For most diamond and gold jewelry, cleaning approximately once a month is a good starting point. Pieces worn daily may benefit from more frequent cleaning. Always consider the type of gemstone and setting before using any cleaning method.
Can I clean my diamond engagement ring at home?
Yes, many diamond engagement rings can be cleaned at home using lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, rings with delicate settings, loose stones, or certain gemstone treatments should be examined by a jeweler first.
Should I remove my jewelry before showering?
Yes. We recommend removing fine jewelry before showering or bathing. Soap, shampoo, and other products can leave residue around stones and settings, while certain gemstones may be sensitive to moisture and chemicals.
How often should I have my engagement ring inspected?
We recommend having your engagement ring inspected at least once a year. If you notice a loose stone or damage to the setting, arrange an inspection as soon as possible.
Do I need an appraisal to insure my engagement ring?
Insurance requirements vary by provider, but an appraisal is often helpful when determining appropriate coverage. Every Single Stone purchase includes an appraisal that can be used when applying for jewelry insurance.
Made to Be Worn. Made to Last.
Fine jewelry becomes more personal with time. The pieces we reach for every day, the rings that mark important moments, and the jewelry we hope to pass down all deserve thoughtful care.
At Single Stone, our jewelry is designed and handcrafted in Los Angeles, bringing together antique diamonds, traditional techniques, and a modern approach to design.
With proper cleaning, careful storage, and regular inspections, your favorite pieces can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
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