Jewelry Care and Safety Tips

Bracelets

Linked Styles

Designs with moveable parts will require maintenance over time due to the metal friction (metal rubbing against metal) that occurs during normal wear. Periodically checking the loops connecting the links will help prevent accidental loss. Constant or daily wear will greatly accelerate the need for rebuilding worn links. We suggest you remove your bracelet when participating in vigorous physical activities.

Cuff and Hook-On Styles

Cuff and hook-on bracelets should fit comfortably on your wrist without the need to bend or reshape to put on or remove. These types of bracelets should be slipped on from the narrow side of your wrist. Drastically bending or reshaping these style bracelets can cause the wire to weaken and break.

Ceramic

Jewelry designs incorporating sterling silver and ceramic can be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, or you may also visit our retail stores for professional assistance.

Avery Art Glass

Remove your Avery Art Glass jewelry during vigorous physical activity and avoid contact with chlorinated water, harsh chemicals or perfumes. Store your jewelry separately in our soft flannel bags for added protection. Clean the art glass beads using a soft brush and a mild solution of lukewarm, soapy water. The sterling may be cleaned using our polishing cloth, or you may visit our retail stores for further assistance.

Enamel

For designs that incorporate enamel, our polishing cloth can be used to clean and restore the luster to the surface, as can the Delicate Gem & Pearl Cleaner. Enamel designs can also be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath or with a Magnetic Pin Finisher. Our retail stores also offer complimentary professional cleaning. When wearing or cleaning your enamel jewelry, avoid contact with strong household chemicals, as well as very strong solvents like fingernail polish remover, paint stripper and gasoline.

Oxidation

Due to the natural variations of hand finished products, the degree of oxidation and resulting darkness will vary from piece to piece. Reasonable variations are to be expected and contribute to the uniqueness and hand finished quality of each piece of oxidized James Avery jewelry. Over time, normal wear or polishing can diminish or remove the level of oxidation. For a reasonable service charge, your valued piece may be re-oxidized to restore this finish. Ultrasonic cleaners and chemical dips should be avoided. If you are reluctant to clean James Avery oxidized pieces, bring them to us. We can evaluate and professionally clean them for you.

Gemstones

We recommend removing all gemstone jewelry before any vigorous physical activity to prevent loss or damage to the gemstone or setting. Most gemstones can be cleaned using a soft brush and a mild solution of lukewarm, soapy water. Use only those jewelry cleaners that are made specifically for cleaning delicate gems and pearls. Many gemstones are heat sensitive to high temperatures and direct sunlight. Some gemstones can withstand ultrasonic or steam cleaning; however, avoid the use of harsh chemical dips. For more information about the care of specific gemstones, please see our Gemstone Information page.

Pearls

Pearls need special care. To ensure a long life, keep them away from cosmetics, hair spray and household chemicals. Use those products first, and then put on your pearls. When you take them off, wipe the pearls with a soft cloth. Store them separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches. Also, avoid strong blows or knocks. Have your pearl necklaces checked yearly for worn or broken strands or clasps. Ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemical dips may damage your pearls and we do not recommend that you use them. Use only those cleaners made specifically for delicate pearls. When in doubt, allow a professional jeweler to clean your pearl jewelry.

Doublet & Triplet Gemstones

Due to the unique way doublet and triplet jewelry is produced, special care is advised. Avoid chemicals, cosmetics and ultrasonic cleaners as well as contact with water, soap, steam and extreme humidity. Wipe the stone with a soft cloth to clean. If you are reluctant to clean James Avery doublets and triplets, bring them to us. We can evaluate and professionally clean them for you.

Leather

The natural beauty of leather is enhanced by subtle differences in color, grain and texture. Over time leather will age and darken giving it a rich patina. Our leather jewelry will provide you with extended wear and enjoyment if you follow a few basic care and cleaning suggestions.

To keep your leather jewelry looking its best, we recommend that you remove it when swimming or bathing in a pool or hot tub with chlorinated water; and when using any harsh chemicals, lotions or perfumes. Remove when engaged in strenuous activities as leather may absorb perspiration. Avoid contact with liquids, chemical dips, or aerosols which could cause discoloration or damage to leather. Store your leather jewelry separately in our soft flannel bags for added protection. As leather is worn it has a natural tendency to give, and will stretch, especially if exposed to moisture. Should your leather jewelry need adjustment, visit one of our retail stores or call us at 1-800-283-1770. We will advise you of any applicable Product Care fee. Replacement leather cords are also available. Ask one of our sales associates about our selection of leather cord styles, colors, and pricing.

There are several top quality leather cleaning products available in the marketplace that will help to keep your leather in prime condition. A pendant or charm that is attached to a leather cord may be cleaned using a James Avery polishing cloth, or you may bring it to one of our retail stores for a complimentary cleaning.

Avery Handbags

All handbags are crafted from premium-quality Italian leather which has been treated to make the inside of your bag water resistant and more durable. For best results follow these simple care guidelines:

• Limit exposure to direct sunlight and heat.
• Keep the outside of your bag dry and avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
• The inside of each bag is water resistant and can be cleaned with a damp cloth.