Taking Care of Your Jewelry

Donna Distefano creates each piece of jewelry with the highest standards in design, materials and craftsmanship. Each piece of jewelry is crafted to last for a lifetime and to be passed down for generations. Simple basic jewelry care must be maintained to ensure that your jewelry may become an heirloom.

Here are guidelines to keep your jewelry in the best condition:

• Store each piece of jewelry in either a jewelry case or in the case provided by Donna Distefano. Keep each piece separated from the others. Hard stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires can scratch gold or softer stones, such as emeralds, pearls, and opals.
  
• Remove your jewelry when you are working out, but do not drop your jewelry in your purse. This can scratch the gemstones and gold. Do not wrap jewelry in a tissue; chances are great that you will throw that tissue away. Donna Distefano will be happy to provide an extra jewelry case to keep in your purse.
• Avoid storing your jewelry near a heating vent or in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade some colored gemstones.
• Remove your jewelry when doing household chores or gardening. Cleaning products can cause gold to disintegrate and discolor.
• Remove your jewelry before swimming. Chlorine can damage many gemstones and can erode and discolor precious metals. Saltwater, after a period of time, can also damage many gemstones.
• Wait until you've finished applying your makeup, hair product, and perfume before you put on your jewelry. Cosmetics can cause damage to pearls, making them lose their luster.
• Remove your jewelry before taking a shower. Soap can create a film on gemstones, making them appear dull.
• Please do not remove your jewelry over a sink or any open drain. Earrings and rings can easily fall down the drain.
• Examine your jewelry periodically to make sure the settings are snug and the clasps and connections are secured. Prong settings are vulnerable if they are hit against a hard surface or if snagged on clothing. Donna Distefano will be happy to check the prongs and the clasps and connections, and will repair these for you if necessary.
• When you finish wearing a pearl necklace or any other piece that is composed of individual stones or beads strung together, lay it flat to prevent the silk thread from stretching.
• Have your pearls restrung no less than every five years, or more if you wear them frequently. The silk thread can wear out, and you can lose pearls if the thread should break.
• Use a jewelry cleaner designed for silver. You can reduce tarnishing by sealing silver jewelry tightly in a plastic bag. Don't do this with pearls.
• Clean your jewelry regularly. The best way is to use a cleaner made especially for jewelry. We are happy to provide or recommend jewelry care products.
• If you have any questions, please call us at 212-594-3757 or email us at: info@donnadistefanoltd.com