JEWELRY CARE
To keep your jewelry collection shining and to ensure its longevity, it’s important to take extra care of your collection. While fine jewelry can last a lifetime, it requires continuous care and cleaning. To keep your jewelry beautiful and shiny for years to come, follow these cleaning and storage tips for best results.
BASIC TIPS FOR CLEANING Wipe jewelry after every wear. Use a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe jewelry after wearing to remove any oils and lotions. This will enhance the jewelry’s luster and will ensure that it is clean before storage. To prevent buildup, apply jewelry cleaner with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean the piece, including small crevices. When done, wipe down with a soft cloth. Ultrasonics or jewelry cleaning machines are also options for deep cleaning but may be too harsh for delicate pieces and softer gemstones. The best decision is taking your jewelry to your local professional jeweler and having your piece professionally cleaned at least once a year. When acquiring a piece, ask your jeweler for recommendations.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF JEWELRY CARE
Remove all jewelry before going into a hot tub or swimming pool or salt water, keep fine jewelry away from chlorine and salt water at all costs. Chlorine or salt water can damage and discolor metals such as gold and platinum and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones. Don't wear jewelry when applying sunscreen, lotions, and when in the shower. These products cause a film to form on your jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. Be wary when wearing jewelry during a workout – be sure the pieces are secure and will not get in the way. While necklaces and studs or small hoops may be safe, rings and bracelets can get snagged, scratched or chipped on equipment. It is highly recommended to take off engagement rings when working out. Similarly, precious jewelry should be removed for any jobs or hobbies that require manual labor, such as landscaping, construction or contact sports. The summer season can be harsh on fine jewelry due to interactions with water, sun and sand. The end of summer, or after a beachy vacation, is a great time to take your piece to a jeweler for maintenance.
STORING FINE JEWELRY & WATCHES
The safest place for storing treasured pieces is in an organized, clean jewelry box. Storing jewelry properly will help ensure it will last and allow you to see your jewelry to wear more often. Be sure you are storing your jewelry in a dry and temperature-controlled space, meaning it should not be close to any heaters, air conditioning units, humidifiers or radiators.
DON'T JUMBLE YOUR JEWELRY
Keep jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case or in a box with numerous compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use regular boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper that keeps your jewelry untangled, unscratched and will help prevent tarnishing. Some jewelry boxes lack enough compartments, causing your jewelry to get jumbled and tangled. Look for a style with many small compartments, instead of fewer, larger sections.
SEPARATE EVERYDAY JEWELRY FROM MORE EXPENSIVE PIECES
Jewelry that is worn often can be placed in a smaller jewelry box or in jewelry trays, which are more accessible. Find one that matches your style so it can be left on top of a dresser. Keeping jewelry in an easy-to-reach spot will help you find what you need and remind you of what you have. For pieces that are irreplaceable, a secure safe is the best option for storage.
HANG IT UP
There are a variety of organizers that have hanger-like hooks with numerous clear pouches. Those styles are a great way to keep your earrings separate and visible. Place one pair of earrings in each pouch to ensure that the posts will not scratch the other earrings. Hang them on the back of your door or even hang them in your closet. Jewelry organizers with hangers for necklaces is another great option – laying necklaces next to or on top of each other can cause knotting and some chains can get kinks. Hanging them up can prevent them from becoming a tangled mess and needing repairs. While you can follow all the above cleaning and storage tips, the best way to care for fine jewelry is by taking it to a reputable jeweler for professional cleaning to maintain its luster and sparkle. -Tips by Jewelers of America-
SIZING GUIDE
RING MEASURING GUIDE
To determine your ring size, we strongly advise that you measure the size of your finger rather than the size of another ring. Using a length of string or ribbon, wrap it around the base of your finger. To ensure the ring fits comfortably, we suggest measuring your knuckle as well. With a pen, mark the point on the string where the end meets. Measure the string in millimeters (recommended) or inches with a ruler. Use size chart at the bottom of this page. Refer the size you found in the 1st column (named “finger circumference in MM”) to then find the right size by Cartier collection. TIPS Measure your finger at the end of the day. Do not measure your finger when it is hot or cold. Remember that the two hands differ slightly in size. Make sure that the chosen size leaves enough room for the ring to pass easily along the entire length of the finger.
SIZING GUIDE: NECKLACES
CHOOSING A NECKLACE SIZE
Use the Cartier Necklace Sizer to determine the right size for your Cartier necklace. The size will depend on the model of necklace and your preferred fit.
SIZING GUIDE: BRACELETS MEASURING GUIDE
To determine your bracelet size, we strongly advise that you measure the size of your wrist rather than the size of another bracelet. Using a length of string or ribbon, wrap it around the base of your wrist. To ensure a comfortable bracelet fit, we recommend measuring the thickest part of the wrist, usually the wrist joint. With a pen, mark the point on the string where the end meets. Measure the string in mm or inches with a ruler. Use the size chart at the bottom of this page. Look for the size you found with the tool in the 1st column (“wrist circumference”) to then find the right size by Cartier collection. TIPS Cartier recommends adding one centimeter for a loose fit. Remember that the two wrists differ slightly in size.
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