We know your jewelry has special meaning.
That’s why we handle it with the utmost care.
After years of wear, jewelry may require professional repair. Over time, gold can discolor or appear dull, prongs can bend out of shape, and diamonds can become loose. On some occasions a gemstone can even fall out of its setting.
Checking Prongs
Over time, prongs can become loose. Loose prongs increase the risk of a gemstone falling out of its setting. Fortunately, many times a piece of jewelry will give warning signs that indicate need for professional repair. Over time, prongs can become raised and feel sharp. For example, if you have a ring that constantly snags your clothes, but did not before, this is a warning sign that the prongs have become bent out of shape. One must not ignore this warning sign as a gemstone may end up falling out.
There are many things you can do at home to help your jewelry maintain its life. When doing activities that require physical force or rough use with your hands it is probably better to remove your ring. However, this is also the reason many rings become lost! Many will forget to put their rings back on. In this case it is better to have a ring with a bent prong than a lost ring.
Checking Diamonds and Gemstones
Since most gems are durable, you may check gems for tightness with a pair of metal tweezers. Lightly poke each gemstone from the side and see if it moves. Alternatively, you can sometimes hear when a stone is loose by simply shaking it close to your ear. Gemstones should never rotate or wiggle in their settings.
How Do I Determine my Ring Size?
Here are some tips to find your perfect ring size.
- Visit a jewelry store: The most accurate way to measure your ring size is to visit a professional jeweler. They will measure your finger using a ring sizing tool and provide you with the correct size.
- Consider the width of the ring: When sizing a ring, one must consider the width of the ring. Wider rings tend to fit tighter and may require a half size larger than a thinner ring.
- Temperature affects sizing: Your finger size can fluctuate depending on the temperature. When you are hot, your fingers may be larger. When they are cold, they are smaller. Therefore, if your ring is slightly tight on warm days and slightly loose on cold days, your ring size is perfect.
- Get sized for both hands: It is common for one hand (usually the right hand) to be slightly larger than the other, so it’s a good idea to get sized for both hands.
We do not recommend wrapping paper or strings around your finger to determine ring sizes.
Re-rhodium or “Dipping” White Gold
After prolonged wear, white gold jewelry will normally lose its brilliance. This is because a process called rhodiuming is done to most all white gold jewelry. Since the natural color of gold is yellow, many “tricks” must be done to make white gold gleaming white. First, the traditional alloys used in making white gold jewelry include the white metals of palladium, silver, zinc, and nickel. Since nickel is usually the culprit for any rash one may get from a piece of jewelry, Gallery of Diamonds does not use this metal.
Finally, the final process in creating the gleaming white effect is known as “dipping.” This is an electrical process where trace amounts of rhodium are plated on top of the jewelry. This usually lasts for a long time but the finish can gradually wear off and appear dull. Re-rhodiuming is quite common to keep it looking it’s sparkling best.
Jewelry Cleaning
Sometimes all your jewelry needs to look brand new is a deep cleaning. Diamond Mike’s secret jewelry cleaning formula consists of four parts water, one part ammonia and a dash of dish washing liquid (Diamond Mike actually uses old-fashioned Spic n Span). Use an old toothbrush to scrub prongs and hard to reach areas. Never use bleach! This is harmful to gold. This formula is great for all gold and platinum jewelry and virtually all gemstones. Do not use this formula on pearls or opals. For these gems it is best to simply use water and mild soap with a toothbrush. Silver jewelry naturally tarnishes. Usually one can bring silver back to its glowing whiteness by using commercial silver cleaner sold in many stores.
Like many possessions, fine jewelry needs tender loving care and occasional tune-ups. We are experts in jewelry repair. If you want your jewelry treated with care by professional persons with many years of experience and trust, bring or mail your jewelry to us.
How to Mail In Your Jewelry for Repair:
1. Fill out this form or print-
2. Place in a box along with your jewelry. Stuff so does not rattle.
3. Mail it by Registered Mail at the United States Post Office and declare the approximate value.
Mail to:
Gallery of D.
1528 Brookhollow Drive
Suite 200
Santa Ana, CA 92705
4. Save your receipt for tracking information and insurance purposes.
We will contact you immediately with an estimate to make your jewelry look brand new.
If you approve, we will keep in touch with you along the way by text or photos or your choice of communication.
Then we safely return it to you by registered mail. Please allow approximately three weeks to complete.
Question
Why does my ring snag on everything? Is there anything I can do to fix it?
Answer
If you wear your jewelry often, you probably strike it daily against hard objects. This gradually causes wear and tear, and bends and sharpens the prongs. The ring will eventually snag your clothes, catch sheer material, and even scratch yourself or your children.
When prongs bend and sharpen, they begin to lose their tight grip on your diamond. This is actually a good warning sign to tell you to repair your ring! The next thing that could happen is that you notice your diamond is gone!
If your ring snags or the prongs are bent or feel sharp, bring your jewelry to us for free inspection.