An assortment of wedding bands, diamond solitaire studs, and huggie hoops laid out aesthetically.

Jewelry care tips

How to keep your jewelry safe and sparkling

Helzberg makes fine jewelry to last a lifetime — but it does require the right care to keep it looking beautiful. The good news: DIY jewelry care isn’t complicated. It just means being a little extra thoughtful about wearing, cleaning and storing your favorite pieces. Discover the tips we’ve learned in Helzberg’s 100+ years of creating and caring for heirloom jewelry.

Picture of a diamond engagement ring on hand paired with a wedding band.

Everyday care

How to care for your engagement ring

Once an engagement ring is on your finger, it’s hard to keep your eyes off it. Take a quick peek at the video above or keep reading for simple ways to make sure that stunning sparkle lasts forever.

Look, but don’t touch (too much)

It’s natural to want to touch your ring, especially if you’re not accustomed to wearing one all the time. But it’s best to avoid fiddling with it for two reasons: First, the natural oils on your fingers can temporarily dull the shine. Second, twisting, spinning or sliding the ring can put extra wear on the setting — especially the prongs.

Save the best for last

Wait to put on rings and other jewelry until after you’ve showered, put on moisturizers and makeup, and gotten dressed. Soaps and lotions leave a residue on diamonds and metal — and make your hands slippery! Frequent exposure to chemicals and hot water can eventually wear down settings and prongs. Plus, adding your jewelry last means it’s less likely to snag on your clothes or hair and loosen the setting. (For the same reasons, always take your fine jewelry off when you work out, clean house or do anything dirty, rough or sweaty.)

Store with care

Your best jewelry deserves to be put away carefully. It’s a good idea to make a habit of gently wiping your fine jewelry with a soft cloth when you take it off. Make sure it’s completely dry, because humidity can tarnish some metals. Keep it someplace out of direct sunlight and heat. And because diamonds can scratch each other as well as metals and other gemstones, keep them separate.

Purchase a jewelry box

How to clean your jewelry at home

Here’s a look at how easy it is to clean rings, necklaces and earrings with things you have at home. Start by adding a few drops of degreasing dish soap to a bowl of water and swish to mix. Dip your jewelry in the water and loosen dirt and oils by rubbing it gently with your fingers, a soft, lint-free cloth or a very soft brush. Rinse your jewelry and dry it off. Never submerge pearl jewelry — dampen the cloth instead and wipe it clean. Make sure your fine jewelry is completely dry before you put it away.

Care & cleaning no-no’s

Even with the best intentions, using the wrong supplies can do more harm than good.  Here’s what to avoid.

Rough brushes & sponges

Stiff brushes and abrasive sponges can scratch metals and some gemstones as well as damage delicate settings.

Cleaning products

Never use toothpaste, chlorine bleach, ammonia, acid or abrasive household cleaners to clean your jewelry.

Intense heat & sunlight

Hot water, high temperatures and direct sunlight can damage or fade many precious stones.

jewelry care services

Lifetime Care Plan

We designed Helzberg’s Lifetime Care Plan to make sure your fine jewelry keeps up with the wear and tear of real life. It covers most services and repairs as well as cleaning and inspections. We require those every 6 months so we can check for issues due to normal wear and keep your jewelry looking gorgeous. Sign up when you purchase your next piece of fine jewelry.

A Helzberg jeweler holding a string of pearls

jewelry care services

Expert repairs

Whether you purchased your jewelry from Helzberg or got it somewhere else, you can count on our expert jewelers for repairs and restoration. Bring your piece in for a free cleaning and inspection, and we’ll explain recommended next steps and provide an estimate for the cost of the repair.

Frequently asked questions

Does Helzberg resize rings for free?

With the purchase of a Lifetime Care Plan, ring resizing is free. However, for rings purchased without the Lifetime Care Plan, a fee may apply. We recommend speaking with a Helzberg associate or checking your original purchase documents for details specific to your piece.

Does Helzberg resize rings in-store?

Yes, you can bring your ring to any Helzberg store for resizing. Our knowledgeable associates will assist you with the process, ensuring your ring is handled with the utmost care. While some minor adjustments may be possible on-site, more complex resizing work is typically sent to our central repair facility to be completed by our expert jewelers.

Does Helzberg do jewelry repair?

Absolutely. Beyond ring resizing, we offer a comprehensive range of jewelry repair services to help you care for your treasured pieces. Our skilled jewelers can handle everything from simple chain repairs and clasp replacements to more intricate restoration work. We are dedicated to helping you maintain the beauty and integrity of your jewelry for years to come.

Does Helzberg do repairs on-site?

Many of our locations do have on-site jewelers. For more extensive repairs and services, we send your items to our dedicated team of professional jewelers at our repair facility. This ensures that every piece receives the expert attention it deserves, using specialized tools and techniques to deliver the highest quality results. You can start any repair process by visiting your local Helzberg store.

Helzberg jewelry expert standing at a counter wearing a dark blazer with a round gold pin.

WE CARE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR JEWELRY

Talk to a jewelry expert

Helzberg fine jewelry is meant to last generations. To make sure yours continues to look as good as the day you first put it on, we’ll help you take care of your favorite pieces. Get in touch to schedule free cleanings and inspections, find out about repairs...even talk about restoring or reimagining heirloom jewelry when it’s ready to pass along.