1. Regular Checkups:
   Bring your jewellery to Troy Shoppe Jewellers at least twice a year for professional cleaning and inspection. Regular maintenance helps keep your pieces sparkling and ensures any wear or loose settings are caught early.
2. Remove Jewellery During Hands-On Activities:
   Gold and silver are soft, malleable metals, so over time they can bend or show signs of wear. Gemstones may chip or loosen if prongs become damaged, and chains can snag, stretch, or break when pulled. To help keep your jewellery in great condition, remove it before doing household chores, gardening, exercising, lifting heavy items, playing sports, or rough play with kids and pets.
3. Be Mindful of Temperature Changes:
   Fingers naturally swell in warm temperatures and shrink in colder weather. Exercise, diet, and hormones can also affect how your rings fit throughout the day.
4. Avoid Wearing Jewellery to Bed:
   Remove rings before sleeping to prevent swelling or discomfort. Chains and bracelets should also be taken off to reduce the risk of tangling, stretching, or breakage overnight.
5. Do Not Wear Jewellery While Swimming:
   Cold water can cause fingers to shrink, making rings more likely to slip off and become lost. Chlorine and salt water may also damage certain metals and gemstones over time.
6. Store Pieces Separately:
   Store jewellery in individual boxes or soft pouches to help prevent scratches, tangles, and unnecessary wear.
7. Stay Aware in Public Places:
   Avoid removing jewellery in public areas or leaving it on sinks, counters, or tables, where it can easily be forgotten, misplaced, or stolen.
8. Travel Smart:
   Take photos of your jewellery along with important documents such as appraisals, receipts, and insurance information. When travelling, consider leaving sentimental or irreplaceable pieces at home and use a hotel safe whenever possible.
9. In Case of Emergencies:
   If visiting a hospital or medical facility, remove jewellery beforehand when possible, or have a trusted family member or friend keep it safe for you.
10. Protect Your Jewellery with Insurance:
    Keep your jewellery appraisals up to date to ensure accurate insurance coverage. Consider specialized coverage through providers such as Jewelers Mutual.

Cleaning Jewellery at Home

For Gold & Platinum Jewellery

• Use a jewellery cleaner specifically made for gold or platinum.
• Soak your jewellery for about one minute.
• Gently clean with a soft-bristled brush to remove buildup and dirt.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft towel or microfiber cloth.

For Silver Jewellery

• Use a silver jewellery cleaning solution or polishing kit designed for silver.
• Soak the piece for about one minute.
• Gently scrub if needed using a soft brush or cloth.
• Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. For added shine, finish with a silver polishing cloth.

Special Care for Delicate Gemstones

Some gemstones are delicate, porous, or sensitive to heat and chemicals, and should not be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or harsh jewellery solutions. If you are unsure how to properly care for or clean a particular gemstone, we encourage you to do a little research or consult a jewellery professional, as different gemstones can require very different care methods.