October 13, 2011

Taking Care of Your Alternative Metal Bands

Posted in bride, diamonds, engagement, gemologist, gemstones, jeweler, jewelry, jewelry care, jewelry repair, mens wedding bands, rings, rose diamonds tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , at 7:37 pm by rosediamonds

We recognize that many people (usually men) have purchased alternative metal wedding bands.  We are drawn to their fabulous modern designs, their relative weights (either heavy or ultralight),  and their teeny cost:)

What some retailers forget to tell you (not that we blame them or their salespeople) is how to take care of your jewelry once you’ve bought it.  I occasionally forget to mention the anti-bleach rule to my clients as well:)

Tungsten & Ceramic Rings

  • Clean with hot water and soap (an old toothbrush helps get in the grooves and between/behind stones)
  • Steam cleaning is okay
  • NO ultrasonic cleaning
  • NO ionic cleaning
  • Avoid dropping on hard surfaces (duh) or hitting with a hammer-like force.  They can both shatter
  • Emergency removal involves a specialized ring cracker
  • On tungsten, do NOT use any chemicals other than alcohol (this means no red jewelry cleaner solution)
  • Gold or silver inlay can be repolished, but it will not affect the tungsten or cermaic part
Stainless Steel & Titanium Rings
  • Clean with hot soap and water (an old toothbrush helps get in the grooves and between/behind stones)
  • Steam cleaning is okay
  • Ultrasonic cleaner is ok (if there are no gemstones–gems set in stainless steel can fall out if you use an ultrasonic)
  • Stainless steel & titanium CAN be repolished (stainless is easier to do; titanium requires extra wheels and polishing compounds)
Cobalt Rings
  • Clean with hot soap and water (an old toothbrush helps get in the grooves and between/behind stones)
  • Steam cleaning is okay
  • Repolishing requires extra wheels and specialized polishing compounds
All Rings
  • Avoid Bleach (found in pools, hot tubs, cleaning supplies, hair chemicals, laundry detergent, household cleaners)
  • Check stone tightness by listening for “rattles” or visual movement
  • Regularly remove lotion/soap/conditioner buildup with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush–“clean stones look bigger!”
  • Professional cleaning & prong inspection is free everyday at Rose Diamonds–Let us do the work for you!
PS. I had a bit of a shock when I googled “alternative metal bands.”  Many images of aging rockers…I wonder if this post will then show up in their searches as well and they will also be disappointed…now taking suggestions for a better title for this post:)