# Lovely Rita's Jewelry Care & Cleaning Guide
https://jewelryshopping.com | Family-owned since 2001 | Fort Myers, Florida

## Daily Care Tips

### The Golden Rule
**"Last on, first off"**
- Put jewelry on LAST (after makeup, perfume, lotion)
- Take jewelry off FIRST before bed, shower, exercise

### What Damages Jewelry
✗ Chlorine (pools, hot tubs)
✗ Saltwater
✗ Perfume and hairspray
✗ Lotions and oils
✗ Harsh chemicals (cleaning products)
✗ Sweat during exercise
✗ Sleeping in jewelry

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## Cleaning by Metal Type

### Gold Jewelry (10K, 14K, 18K)

**DIY Cleaning:**
1. Mix warm water + few drops dish soap
2. Soak jewelry 15-20 minutes
3. Gently brush with soft toothbrush
4. Rinse under clean water
5. Pat dry with soft cloth

**How Often:** Weekly for daily-wear pieces

**Pro Tip:** Use a baby toothbrush - softest bristles!

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### Sterling Silver

**DIY Cleaning:**
1. Warm water + mild dish soap
2. Gently scrub with soft cloth
3. Rinse and dry completely

**For Tarnish:**
1. Make paste: baking soda + water
2. Apply with soft cloth
3. Rub gently in circular motions
4. Rinse and dry thoroughly

**Preventing Tarnish:**
- Store in airtight bag/container
- Add anti-tarnish strip
- Wear it! (skin oils help prevent tarnish)

**How Often:** As needed when dull

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### Diamond Jewelry

**DIY Cleaning:**
1. Warm water + dish soap
2. Soak 20-30 minutes
3. Brush around and under stones gently
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Dry with lint-free cloth

**Pro Tip:** Diamonds attract oils from fingers - clean them often for maximum sparkle!

**How Often:** Weekly for rings, monthly for other pieces

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### Pearl Jewelry

**Cleaning:**
1. Wipe with soft, damp cloth after wearing
2. NEVER soak pearls
3. NEVER use soap or chemicals
4. Let dry flat before storing

**Special Care:**
- Pearls need moisture - wear them!
- Apply perfume BEFORE putting on pearls
- Store separately (soft surface)
- Restring every 1-2 years if worn often

**How Often:** Wipe after each wear

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### Gemstone Jewelry

**Safe for Most Gems:**
1. Warm water + mild soap
2. Soft brush cleaning
3. Rinse and pat dry

**Delicate Gems (Extra Care Needed):**
- Opals: Avoid water soaking
- Emeralds: Very gentle, no ultrasonic
- Turquoise: Wipe only, no soaking
- Pearls: Wipe only

**How Often:** Monthly or as needed

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## Storage Tips

### Do's
✓ Store pieces separately (prevents scratching)
✓ Use soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes
✓ Keep in cool, dry place
✓ Close clasps to prevent tangling
✓ Hang necklaces when possible

### Don'ts
✗ Throw jewelry in a pile
✗ Store in bathroom (humidity)
✗ Leave in direct sunlight
✗ Store wet jewelry

### Anti-Tarnish Tips for Silver
- Add silica gel packets
- Use anti-tarnish strips
- Store in ziplock bags
- Keep chalk in jewelry box (absorbs moisture)

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## When to Remove Jewelry

### Always Remove Before:
- Showering/bathing
- Swimming (pool or ocean)
- Exercising/sports
- Cleaning house
- Applying lotions/perfumes
- Sleeping (especially chains)
- Gardening
- Cooking (rings especially)

### OK to Wear:
- Normal daily activities
- Office work
- Going out
- Light activities

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## Professional Cleaning

### When to See a Professional:
- Once a year for fine jewelry
- Before special occasions
- If stones seem loose
- If clasps aren't working
- Deep cleaning needed

### Professional Services:
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Steam cleaning
- Rhodium re-plating (white gold)
- Prong tightening
- Clasp repair
- Pearl restringing

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## Emergency Fixes

### Tangled Chain
1. Lay flat on hard surface
2. Apply baby powder or cornstarch
3. Use two straight pins to gently work knots
4. Be patient!

### Stuck Ring
1. Elevate hand for 5 minutes
2. Apply ice to reduce swelling
3. Use soap, lotion, or Windex as lubricant
4. Twist (don't pull) while sliding
5. If still stuck, see a jeweler

### Tarnished Silver (Quick Fix)
1. Line bowl with aluminum foil
2. Add hot water + tablespoon baking soda
3. Place silver in solution
4. Watch tarnish transfer to foil!
5. Rinse and dry

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## Jewelry Care Kit Essentials

- Soft polishing cloth
- Soft-bristle toothbrush
- Mild dish soap
- Small bowl for soaking
- Ziplock bags for storage
- Anti-tarnish strips

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