Jewelry Care

Check and Clean Regularly at Huffords

Whether or not it was purchased at Huffords, bring your jewelry by anytime for a complimentary inspection and cleaning. We love for your precious jewels to leave us in even better condition than when they came in. 

During routine inspections, we will carefully check for loose stones and assess the condition of the settings, so we can inform you when it’s time for any necessary maintenance or repairs.

For white gold jewelry, we recommend reapplying rhodium plating once a year to maintain its bright, white shine. Have scratches or dullness on your jewelry? Ask us about our buff & polish service to restore its sparkle and shine like new.

Your jewelry deserves the best—let us help you keep it looking flawless for years to come!

Store Jewelry in a Safe Place

Proper storage is key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your jewelry. To prevent damage, always store your pieces in a secure, organized manner.

Using a jewelry box with soft dividers is ideal for keeping each item separate and free from scratches. For rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, ensure that they are not tangled or rubbing against each other. In a pinch, you can store individual pieces in small plastic bags to keep them separated.

If you have valuable pieces, consider using a locked safe or a safety deposit box for added protection. A safe will help shield your jewelry from potential damage, theft, or loss.

Make sure Valuable Jewelry is Insured

Whether it's a family heirloom, an engagement ring, or a treasured piece of custom design, protecting your valuable jewelry is essential.

Insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens—whether it’s theft, loss, or damage—you’ll be covered. With the right coverage, you can ensure that your cherished pieces are repaired or replaced without financial stress.

Make sure to keep an updated appraisal on file, and speak with your insurance provider to make sure your jewelry is properly insured. If you require a new appraisal, we offer appraisal services performed by GIA-certified Graduate Gemologists

Looking for reliable jewelry insurance? We highly recommend Jeweler's Mutual for comprehensive coverage.

Remove Before Physical Activity

To keep your jewelry in top condition, always remove it before engaging in physical activities such as gym workouts, yard work, or household chores. These activities can subject your jewelry to scratches, bending, or other damage.

Additionally, take off your jewelry before swimming in pools or open bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, and rivers. Chlorine, saltwater, and other environmental factors can cause wear and tear, tarnishing, or even loosening stones.

Avoid Exposure to Lotions and Perfumes

Try to avoid direct contact with lotions, perfumes, and other personal care products. These substances can cause buildup, tarnishing, or damage to the metal and stones. Always apply lotions and perfumes before putting on your jewelry to keep your pieces looking their best.

Be Aware of Gemstones

Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are among the most durable natural gemstones. However, other colored stones may require extra care and special cleaning methods to keep them looking their best. If you’re ever unsure about how to care for your gemstones, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help!

Some of the most fragile gemstones, due to their lower hardness and susceptibility to damage, include:

Opal – With a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, opals are quite soft and can be prone to cracking or chipping, especially when exposed to sudden temperature changes or rough handling.

Emerald – Emeralds rank around 7.5 to 8, but they are often filled with natural inclusions, making them more vulnerable to damage. They should be handled with care to avoid chipping.

Turquoise – This gemstone is relatively soft, ranging from 5 to 6. It's prone to scratching and can absorb oils, which can affect its appearance.

Pearl – Pearls are soft (2.5 to 4.5) and can easily be scratched or damaged by harsh chemicals, including perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions.

Tanzanite – Though beautiful, tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7, making it more susceptible to scratching and breaking under pressure compared to harder stones.

When wearing and caring for these stones, it’s important to avoid harsh impacts, extreme temperatures, or exposure to chemicals to maintain their beauty.

How Should I Clean My Jewelry at Home?

Cleaning your jewelry at home is easy with the right methods and tools. For pieces with durable gemstones, you can use an old, soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap (such as dish soap) to gently scrub away dirt and buildup. For more fragile stones like pearls, simply wipe them down with a soft jewelry cloth to avoid damage.

For extra care, we recommend using Hufford's Jewelry Cleaner for gold or platinum pieces with diamonds, sapphires, or rubies—just ask us for a bottle! We also provide polishing cloths for silver pieces.

Important: Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on your jewelry, as they can damage both the metal and gemstones. With the right care, your pieces will stay beautiful for years to come.