Living on the Gulf Coast means beach days, boat days and a lot of sunscreen. Your jewelry feels all of it.
Here's how to keep it looking the way it did the day you got it.
Take it off before the water
Salt water and pool chlorine can dull metal and, over time, weaken solder and prongs. Cold water also shrinks fingers, which is how a lot of rings end up at the bottom of the Gulf. Leave rings, bracelets and anything with gemstones at home or in a zipped pocket.
Sunscreen and lotion go on first
Sunscreen, lotion and bug spray leave a film on diamonds that kills sparkle. Put them on, let them dry, then put your jewelry on.
Sand is sandpaper
Sand scratches gold and soft gemstones and packs into settings. If you get sand on a piece, rinse it with fresh water before you wipe it.
Clean it at home the easy way
Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush handle most diamonds and gold. Rinse, then dry with a soft cloth. Skip this for pearls, opals and emeralds. Bring those to us.
Get your prongs checked
Prongs wear down over time, and a loose stone can fall out without warning. We recommend an inspection every six months, more often if you wear a ring every day.
Free cleaning and inspections, anytime
Bring your jewelry to 1146 Harrison Avenue in Panama City. We'll clean it and check every prong for free while you wait. Tuesday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4.
