Holiday Mystery Box

Mix a small amount of mild dish detergent with warm water in a bowl. Put the jewelry into the bowl and let sit for a few minutes, and then use a very soft, dedicated toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry. Remove item from soapy water, rinse it and dry thoroughly with a soft polishing cloth.

You can also use a polishing cloth for extra shine and to remove any tarnish. Sometimes 14K gold can tarnish a bit—particularly earrings or the inside of rings—depending on your skin chemistry, but it is a very easy fix.

You can also bring your diamond rings to a reputable jeweler and ask if they can put your piece in their ultrasonic cleanser.

For any pieces with stones, especially rings, we recommend having the tightness of the stones checked regularly by a professional. Depending on the amount of wear the piece receives, they should be checked every four to six months. Stones should also be checked more frequently at home. You can use a simple pinhead to gently tap the surface and sides of the stone and see if they move or glint in the light. If even one stone is moving, refrain from wearing the piece until it can be tightened. Do not check soft stones, such as opals or moonstones, for tightness.

Opals and Moonstones are relatively delicate stones, which require some special care to keep them in good shape. These magical stones are fairly soft—they are a 5.5 - 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, while diamonds are a 10. They are also high in water content and are porous, which causes them to be very sensitive to changes in climate, temperature, and humidity.

The best way to care for your opals and moonstones is with some mindful preventative measures. Don't wear your jewelry in extreme temperatures, during physical activities, and also, avoid contact with soap, water, and household cleaners. Set your opals down gently when you remove them.

Diamonds are among the hardest materials on earth. They are so hard that they may cause damage to other jewelry worn around them. For example, it would be best not to wear a diamond ring next to or on the same finger as an opal ring. A diamond can also damage a metal setting if it is loose, which is why it's best to check for loose stones regularly and have them tightened as needed.

Pearls are rather sensitive beauties, but they love to be worn! They don't like being stored away and their intrinsic luster and glow will only improve when worn regularly.

However, they do need proper care to last many lifetimes. Pearl experts say put them on last and take them off first. Pearls are more vulnerable to the chemicals found in cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume. Do all your primping before you put your pearls on.

Pearls should only ever be cleaned with a soft cloth moistened with water—not with any detergent.