Jewelry Cleaning: Maintain the Value of Your Heirlooms

You make sure your car is serviced regularly.  You change the batteries in your smoke alarms. But when it comes to the things you buy to commemorate the most important people and events of your life, you buy them, wear them, and expect that nothing bad will ever happen. 

The fact is regular cleaning with an experienced jeweler is critical to making sure your memories and investment are there to pass down to the next generation.  You may wonder, “With all the cleaners and devices available, why should I go to my jeweler for a cleaning when I could do it myself?”  According to George Halwagy, proprietor of La Mirage Jewelers in Park Ridge, a professional jeweler will make sure that:

• Each part of the item is secure before cleaning so no stones are lost in the process.  A good jeweler will check the prongs holding the stones in your piece and adjust or recommend a fix before cleaning.
• The process chosen is best for the item.  Too hot and opal will discolor.  Wrong chemicals and pearls are destroyed. Too much pressure and plating is ruined.
• Any issues with the setting, stringing, or clasp are brought to your attention for repair to avoid loss.
• Rouge, polish, steam.  The finish process used is exactly right for the piece so that it is brought back to its full luster.

If it’s important and valuable, you need to go to a professional.  Make it a practice to get your important pieces cleaned every year.  While you’re at it, consider getting it appraised, too, for a complete annual jewelry checkup.
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La Mirage Jewelers, your family jeweler. Bringing you Modern Jewelry Design with Old