Your Guide To Diamond Jewelry Care
Proper care not only preserves your jewelry’s appearance but also ensures its longevity. Following these simple guidelines will keep your treasured items looking beautiful for years.
Understanding your Jewelry
Diamonds
While extremely hard and resistant to scratching, diamonds can attract dirt, oils, and debris that collect in the prongs and beneath the stone, affecting brilliance and light reflection. Settings can also loosen over time, increasing the risk of stones shifting or falling out, especially in frequently worn pieces. Smaller diamonds, particularly in pavé settings, can be more prone to loosening due to their delicate prongs.
18K Solid Gold
18K gold is a luxurious and durable material, containing 75% pure gold, which contributes to its rich color and quality, compared to lower karat alloys like 14K (58.3% purity) and 10K (41.7% purity). The other 25% consists of metals added to strengthen the gold for use in jewelry, as pure gold is too soft on its own. 18K marks as the perfect balance for luxury and resilience.
With its higher gold purity, 18K gold is highly resistant to tarnishing. However, this increased gold content also makes 18K gold naturally softer, making it more prone to scratches. While there are fewer added metals in 18K compared to lower karat gold, the metals can still cause the luster of the gold to fade over time due to friction, exposure to chemicals, and everyday wear. Note that this tarnishing or fading is typically a gradual process, occurring over many years of wear.
Essential Care Tips
Proper Storage
We make it easy to store your staple jewelry items with our sleek, convenient, padded box designed for long-term care. Simply store your pieces in their original packaging to preserve their condition.
Regular Cleaning
Soak jewelry in lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around diamond settings and crevices before rinsing and patting dry. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the gold surfaces to remove any skin oils, sweat, and dirt.
Each tinxx purchase also comes with a soft cloth. Use it to wipe away smudges, fingerprints, and light buildup to keep your jewelry looking its best between deeper cleans.
Gold Polishing
Small scratches and marks often add a dash of character, reflecting the wearer’s journey. If you prefer to polish your gold jewelry with a professional jeweler, we recommend doing so sparingly.
Professional Maintenance
Periodic professional cleaning and inspection help ensure diamonds remain secure and settings are in good condition while removing buildup that at-home cleaning may not reach.
What to Avoid
Harsh Chemicals
Keep jewelry away from bleach, chlorine, and household cleaners, which can weaken gold and dull diamonds.
Lotions & Perfumes
Apply personal care products before wearing jewelry to prevent buildup that can cloud gemstones and metals.
Heavy Impact & Sports
Remove jewelry during physical activities to prevent pressure on settings and potential deformation.
Extreme Temperature Changes
Sudden shifts from hot to cold environments (e.g., hot tubs to ice water) can stress metal and affect its structural integrity.
Common Concerns and FAQs
Can I shower with my 18K gold jewelry from tinxx?
While 18K gold itself won’t corrode, soapy residue and hard water can cause dullness. We recommend removing your jewelry before showering to keep it looking its best.
Does chlorine harm 18K gold?
Yes, exposure to chlorine and other harsh chemicals can weaken the metal alloys in 18k gold and may cause discoloration. Try to remove your jewelry before swimming in pools or hot tubs.
How do I know if my gemstone is secure?
If you notice any movement of the stone or any gaps between the metal and the diamond/gem, it’s time for a professional inspection. Loose prongs can lead to stone loss.
How often should I clean my 18K gold jewelry at home?
Generally once a month for items you wear frequently. If you wear a piece daily, wiping it down weekly with your tinxx cloth is also recommended.
Will 18k gold tarnish or discolor?
18K gold is highly resistant to tarnishing, especially compared to lower karat alloys (e.g. 14K and 10K). However, slight discoloration can occur over time due to exposure to chemicals, moisture, and daily wear. Proper care and regular cleaning can help maintain its shine.
Should I have my jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected?
Professionals have the equipment and expertise to detect loose stones, damaged prongs, or hidden wear that could cause breakage later on. Periodic professional inspection and cleaning help maintain the integrity of your piece and extend its life.