Product Care

Over time, fine jewelry can become a treasured family heirloom if it is cared for properly. Dust, pollution and daily wear all conspire to cloud the brilliance of gemstones. The surface of gold, platinum and silver jewelry can become dulled. Timeworn prongs and clasps can result in the loss of a stone, or an entire piece of jewelry.

LaNae only uses sterling silver, one of the most beautiful and lustrous of all metals. With proper care, your silver will retain its beauty and character for many generations to come.

The First Rule of Silver Care

Sterling silver tarnishes, especially when exposed to salt air and products containing sulfur, such as rubber bands and some papers. However, silver that is regularly used typically needs less care, so LaNae strongly encourages you to use or wear your silver every day.

Washing Silver

LaNae recommends washing silver by hand in warm water with a mild detergent. To avoid spotting, it is important to dry your silver immediately after washing.

Polishing Silver

Use LaNae silver polish or another quality brand. Some "dip" polishes contain harsh chemicals and should be avoided. Electrolytic cleaning (aluminum foil, salt and baking soda in a water base) is not recommended.

Begin by using a soft cloth or sponge to apply the polish. Rub each piece gently but firmly lengthwise, using straight, even strokes. You may use a small brush (like a toothbrush with natural bristles) for decorative trim or borders. Wash in sudsy water, being sure to remove all the polish. Rinse well in warm water, dry thoroughly and buff gently with a soft cloth.

Special Considerations

An "oxidized" finish is the deliberate blackening of crevices in the ornamentation of a silver object to make its decorative details stand out more clearly. Take care, as this finish can be removed by overzealous cleaning and polishing.

Storing Silver

Once cleaned and polished, silver must be kept dry and properly stored. Our LaNae jewelry bags will protect it from abrasion and offer a degree of tarnish prevention. Bags made of "Pacific" cloth are also very effective in preventing tarnish.

Between professional servicing, most gold and platinum jewelry can be maintained with a non-abrasive cleaner. Examine your jewelry regularly to make sure settings are snug and clasps and joinings are secure.

Jewelry storage is important as well. At the time of purchase, all LaNae jewelry is wrapped in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. Between wearings, we recommend that you place it back in its original case, or another suitably lined box or pouch.

Certain basic precautions should be taken with all of your jewelry. However, some gemstones, as outlined here, require special care.

Protect from Impact & Abrasion

Take care to protect your jewelry from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Even a diamond can chip if hit with enough force or at just the right angle. Many stones such as amethyst, emerald, kunzite, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite and tourmaline are very delicate and easily abraded. Enamel can also chip or scratch when struck.

Gemstones can scratch other gemstones and wear away at precious metals. Therefore, avoid stacking those rings and bracelets that would be vulnerable to such abrasion. Extreme temperatures, perfumes, cosmetics, ultrasonic cleaning and household chemicals can also damage jewelry.

Cleaning Diamonds

To clean diamonds, use a mild solution of six parts water to one part ammonia and apply with a soft bristle brush.

Caring for Pearls

If worn often, pearls should be cleaned and restrung professionally once a year. Between cleanings, wipe pearls gently with a damp cloth.