JEWELRY CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Keep Your Heirloom Beautiful for Generations

GENERAL CARE PHILOSOPHY

Your Bravais jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed. Wear and tear over time is natural and expected. However, with proper care, your piece will remain beautiful for generations to come.

Remember: You're wearing a one-of-a-kind piece featuring rare natural gemstones and precious metals. Treat it with the care it deserves.

DAILY CARE: THE GOLDEN RULES

✓ DO:

Wear your jewelry!

• Jewelry is meant to be enjoyed, not hidden in a box
• Regular wear actually helps prevent tarnishing (oils from your skin protect metals)

Put it on LAST

• Apply makeup, perfume, lotion, and hairspray FIRST
• Let products dry completely before putting on jewelry
• This prevents chemical buildup and film on stones/metal

Take it off FIRST

• Remove jewelry before washing hands, showering, or applying lotion
• Store safely while doing activities

Store properly

• Keep in provided sage/mint jewelry box when not wearing
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
• Use soft pouches for travel

Check regularly

• Inspect prongs, bezels, and clasps monthly
• Look for loose stones, worn prongs, or damage
• Contact us immediately if you notice any issues

✗ DON'T:

Don't wear during rough activities

• Gardening, cleaning, exercising, swimming, cooking
• Any activity where jewelry might be hit, scratched, or exposed to chemicals
• Even "durable" stones can chip or crack from impact

Don't expose to harsh chemicals

• Bleach, chlorine, ammonia, acetone
• Harsh cleaning products
• Pool/hot tub chemicals

Don't sleep in your jewelry

• Prongs can catch on bedding
• Pressure during sleep can bend settings or damage stones
• Allows your jewelry to "rest"

Don't store jewelry together

• Gemstones can scratch each other
• Metals can tangle or scratch
• Always use individual compartments or soft pouches

Don't assume "waterproof"

• There is NO such thing as truly waterproof jewelry
• All gemstones have some porosity
• Water and chemicals can enter pores, causing damage over time

CLEANING YOUR BRAVAIS JEWELRY

SAFE FOR ALL PIECES: The Soap & Water Method

What You'll Need:

• Small bowl
• Warm (NOT boiling) water
• Mild dish soap (Dawn, Palmolive, etc.)
• Soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrush works great)
• Soft lint-free cloth

Instructions:

Step 1: Fill bowl with warm water and add 1-2 drops of mild dish soap

Step 2: Let jewelry soak for 5-10 minutes to loosen dirt and oils

Step 3: Gently scrub with soft toothbrush

• Focus on under the stone (where dirt accumulates)
• Clean around prongs/bezels
• Scrub metal surfaces gently

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly under warm running water

• IMPORTANT: Plug your sink drain or work over a bowl!
• Make sure all soap residue is gone

Step 5: Pat dry with soft lint-free cloth

• Air dry completely before storing
• Can use hairdryer on cool setting to speed drying

Frequency: Clean every 2-4 weeks with regular wear, or whenever jewelry looks cloudy/dirty

WHAT TO AVOID:

❌ Ultrasonic Cleaners

• Can damage soft stones (opal, emerald, pearl, tanzanite)
• Can loosen prongs or stones through vibration
• Can crack stones with internal fractures
• Exception: Hard stones (sapphire, ruby, diamond) in secure settings are usually safe

❌ Steam Cleaners

• Extreme heat can crack stones
• Can damage treated stones (oiled emeralds, fracture-filled rubies)
• Too harsh for most jewelry

❌ Harsh Chemical Cleaners

• Commercial jewelry cleaners with ammonia
• Chlorine-based cleaners
• Abrasive polishing compounds
• Can damage stones and metals

❌ Baking Soda, Toothpaste, or Other DIY Methods

• Abrasive particles scratch metal
• Can damage stone surfaces
• Can get stuck in settings
• Not worth the risk!

STONE-SPECIFIC CARE GUIDELINES

💎 HARD STONES (Mohs 8-10): Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Spinel

Durability: Excellent
Cleaning: Soap & water method safe
Ultrasonic: Generally safe
Special Notes:

• Most durable stones for everyday wear
• Resistant to scratching
• Can still chip from hard impacts (they're hard but brittle)
• Unheated stones may have inclusions that require gentler care

Bravais pieces with these stones:

• Montana sapphire rings
• Ruby rings
• Spinel rings

💚 EMERALD (Mohs 7.5-8) - SPECIAL CARE REQUIRED

Durability: Moderate (fractures are common)
Cleaning: Soap & water ONLY
Ultrasonic: ❌ NEVER
Steam Cleaning: ❌ NEVER

Special Notes:

• 95% of emeralds are oiled to fill surface-reaching fractures
• Heat, ultrasonic, steam, or harsh chemicals can damage oil treatment
• Oil can dry out over time (may require re-oiling every 5-10 years)
• Avoid impact, pressure, sudden temperature changes

Re-oiling service:

• Bravais offers complimentary emerald re-oiling for life
• Contact us if your emerald looks dry or cloudy
• Turnaround: 1-2 weeks

Bravais pieces with emeralds:

• Collection 4 "Holiday Suite" emerald bombes
• Custom emerald pieces

🔵 PARAIBA TOURMALINE (Mohs 7-7.5)

Durability: Good
Cleaning: Soap & water method safe
Ultrasonic: Use caution (only if stone has no visible inclusions)
Steam Cleaning: ❌ Avoid

Special Notes:

• Relatively durable for everyday wear
• Can have liquid or gas inclusions that make them sensitive to heat
• Avoid sudden temperature changes
• Avoid harsh impacts
• Our unheated Paraibas have natural inclusions—treat gently

Bravais pieces with Paraiba:

• 13.40ct cocktail ring (flagship piece)
• 2.82ct pendant
• Multiple Collection 1 & 2 pieces

✨ OPAL (Mohs 5.5-6.5) - VERY DELICATE

Durability: Poor (soft and fragile)
Cleaning: Damp cloth ONLY
Ultrasonic: ❌ NEVER
Steam Cleaning: ❌ NEVER

Special Notes:

• Contains 5-10% water (can crack if it dries out)
• Extremely sensitive to temperature changes
• Can crack from impact, pressure, or sudden heat/cold
• Avoid all chemicals, lotions, perfumes
• Remove before washing hands

Storage:

• Store with slightly damp cotton ball in box to maintain moisture
• Keep away from heat sources

Bravais pieces with opal:

• Limited Collection 1 pieces
• Custom orders (upon request)

🤍 PEARLS (Mohs 2.5-4) - EXTREMELY DELICATE

Durability: Very Poor (softest gemstone)
Cleaning: Damp cloth ONLY
Ultrasonic: ❌ NEVER
Steam Cleaning: ❌ NEVER

Special Notes:

• Organic material (nacre) that is easily scratched and damaged
• Extremely sensitive to acids (perfume, hairspray, sweat, vinegar)
• Can be damaged by heat, chemicals, abrasion
• Last thing you put on, first thing you take off

Care routine:

• Wipe with damp cloth after EVERY wear (removes acids from skin/perfume)
• Store separately in soft pouch (never touching other jewelry)
• Re-string pearl necklaces every 1-2 years (silk stretches over time)

Bravais pieces with pearls:

• Collection 4 "Holiday Suite" Edison pearls
• Keshi baroque pearl earrings

🌙 BENITOITE (Mohs 6-6.5)

Durability: Moderate
Cleaning: Soap & water method safe
Ultrasonic: Use caution
Steam Cleaning: ❌ Avoid

Special Notes:

• California's state gem, extremely rare
• More delicate than sapphire—avoid hard impacts
• Can scratch more easily than harder stones
• High dispersion means it shows "fire" like diamond—keep clean for maximum sparkle!

Bravais pieces with benitoite:

• Collection 1 trillion pendant
• Multiple Collection 3 "Phenomena" pieces

🟡 SPHENE/TITANITE (Mohs 5-5.5) - DELICATE

Durability: Poor
Cleaning: Soap & water method, very gentle
Ultrasonic: ❌ NEVER
Steam Cleaning: ❌ NEVER

Special Notes:

• Soft stone with perfect cleavage (can split along crystalline planes)
• Higher dispersion than diamond—incredible "fire"
• Best for pendants, earrings, or occasional-wear rings
• Avoid any impact or pressure

Bravais pieces with sphene:

• Specialty collection pieces
• Custom orders (for collectors who understand care requirements)

🔴 GARNET VARIETIES (Mohs 6.5-7.5)

Durability: Good to Moderate
Cleaning: Soap & water method safe
Ultrasonic: Generally safe (except demantoid)
Steam Cleaning: Use caution

Special Notes:

• Demantoid garnet (softer, more delicate) requires gentler care
• Tsavorite and grossular garnets are quite durable
• Most garnets are suitable for everyday wear with reasonable care

Bravais pieces with garnets:

• Demantoid garnet bombe ring (Collection 2)
• Grossular garnet pieces

METAL-SPECIFIC CARE

14K GOLD (Yellow, White, Rose)

Durability: Excellent
Tarnishing: Minimal (gold doesn't tarnish)
Scratching: Gold is soft—expect minor scratches over time

Care:

• Clean with soap & water method
• Polish with soft polishing cloth (included with purchase)
• Professional polishing every 1-2 years (we offer this free for life!)

White Gold Specific:

• Our palladium white gold is nickel-free and doesn't require rhodium plating
• Maintains warm white color naturally
• No re-plating needed (unlike traditional white gold)

Rose Gold Specific:

• Color from copper content (more scratch-resistant than yellow gold)
• Will not fade or change color over time

STERLING SILVER / TruSilver

Durability: Good
Tarnishing: Moderate (silver naturally oxidizes)
Scratching: Softer than gold—more prone to scratches

Care:

• Clean with soap & water method
• Polish with provided polishing cloth to remove tarnish
• Store in anti-tarnish pouches when not wearing

TruSilver (Our Specialty):

• 100% recycled, nickel-free sterling silver
• Superior mechanical properties to traditional 925 silver
• Reduced tarnishing compared to standard sterling
• Still requires polishing, but less frequently

Tarnish prevention:

• Wear regularly (oils from skin prevent tarnishing)
• Store in anti-tarnish pouch with anti-tarnish strip
• Keep away from humidity
• Remove before swimming, showering, or exercising

PLATINUM (If Applicable)

Durability: Excellent
Tarnishing: None (platinum doesn't tarnish)
Scratching: Develops "patina" over time (not scratches, but displaced metal)

Care:

• Clean with soap & water method
• Professional polishing restores high shine (or leave patina for antique look)
• Most durable precious metal

STORAGE GUIDELINES

Daily Storage:

Individual compartments:

• Store each piece separately in provided jewelry box
• Use soft pouches for extra protection
• Prevents scratching and tangling

Keep away from:

• Direct sunlight (can fade some gemstones over time)
• Heat sources (radiators, sunny windowsills)
• High humidity (bathrooms)
• Extreme temperature changes

Travel Storage:

For Short Trips:

• Use individual soft pouches
• Place in hard-sided jewelry case or toiletry bag (not bottom of suitcase!)
• Keep in carry-on (NEVER check valuable jewelry)

For Long Trips:

• Consider travel insurance for high-value pieces
• Photograph your jewelry before travel (for insurance claims if needed)
• Pack jewelry separately from clothing
• Never leave jewelry in hotel room safe—take to front desk safe or keep with you

Long-Term Storage:

If not wearing for extended periods:

• Clean thoroughly before storing
• Store in individual anti-tarnish pouches
• Add silica gel packets to prevent moisture
• Check every 3-6 months and re-clean/polish as needed
• Consider jewelry insurance if storing high-value pieces

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Contact Bravais immediately if:

❗ Stones are loose or rattle
❗ Prongs are bent, worn, or damaged
❗ Settings are cracked or separated from shank
❗ Clasps don't close securely
❗ Ring is bent or misshapen
❗ Stone has visible chips or cracks
❗ Emerald looks dry or cloudy (needs re-oiling)

Don't wait! Early intervention prevents stone loss and more expensive repairs.

BRAVAIS LIFETIME CARE SERVICES

Complimentary Services (For Life!):

✓ Professional cleaning
✓ Inspection (prongs, settings, clasps)
✓ Polishing (restore shine to metals)
✓ Emerald re-oiling (as needed)
✓ Minor adjustments (tightening prongs, adjusting clasps)

You only pay: Return shipping to us (we cover return shipping back to you)

Turnaround time: 1-2 weeks

How to arrange: Email BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com with subject "Lifetime Care Service"

Paid Services:

Resizing (if no insurance purchased):

• $75-150 depending on complexity
• Includes cleaning and inspection

Repair work:

• Prong rebuild/replacement
• Stone replacement (if lost)
• Shank repair
• Custom quotes provided

Re-setting stones:

• If you want to redesign your piece
• Custom quotes provided

IMPORTANT WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS:

Lifetime services are void if: ❌ Another jeweler has worked on the piece
❌ Piece has been damaged due to misuse or abuse
❌ Piece has been modified without our approval
❌ Heirloom stones (client-provided stones have separate warranty per signed waiver)

Why? We cannot guarantee the quality or safety of work performed by other jewelers. If another jeweler damages your piece during repair, we are not responsible.

SEASONAL CARE TIPS

Summer Care:

• Remove jewelry before swimming (chlorine damages metals and stones)
• Remove before applying sunscreen (chemicals can build up on stones)
• Fingers swell in heat—rings may feel tighter
• Store in cool, dry place (not hot car or direct sunlight)
• Clean more frequently (sweat and sunscreen buildup)

Winter Care:

• Fingers shrink in cold—rings may spin or feel loose
• Remove before using hand lotion (winter dry skin = more lotion use)
• Cold weather makes metals more brittle (avoid impacts)
• Indoor heating can dry out opals and emeralds
• Static electricity can attract dust to jewelry—clean regularly

INSURANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

For High-Value Pieces ($5,000+):

Consider jewelry insurance through:

• Jewelers Mutual (jewelry-specific insurance)
• Your homeowner's or renter's insurance (add jewelry rider)

What insurance covers:

• Loss (dropped down drain, lost while traveling)
• Theft
• Damage (stone chips, bent settings)
• Mysterious disappearance

What you'll need:

• Appraisal or purchase receipt (we provide detailed documentation)
• Photos of jewelry
• Estimated replacement value

Cost: Typically 1-2% of jewelry value per year ($100-200 per year for $10,000 piece)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How often should I have my jewelry professionally inspected?
A: Every 6-12 months for pieces worn daily. Every 1-2 years for occasional-wear pieces.

Q: Can I wear my ring in the shower?
A: Not recommended. Soap buildup dulls stones, and hard water leaves mineral deposits. Remove before showering.

Q: My ring looks cloudy. What happened?
A: Likely buildup of lotions, soaps, and oils. Clean with soap & water method. If still cloudy, contact us for professional cleaning.

Q: Can I swim in my jewelry?
A: No. Chlorine damages metals and stones. Saltwater can corrode metals. Cold water can cause fingers to shrink (ring loss).

Q: My emerald looks less vibrant than when I bought it. Why?
A: The oil may have dried out. Contact us for complimentary re-oiling service.

Q: Is it safe to sleep in my jewelry?
A: Not recommended. Prongs can catch on bedding, pressure can bend settings, and jewelry needs to "rest."

Q: My white gold is turning yellow. Is this normal?
A: Our palladium white gold doesn't turn yellow (no rhodium plating needed!). If it looks yellow, it may just need cleaning to remove buildup.

Q: Can I use commercial jewelry cleaner?
A: Not recommended. Stick with gentle soap & water method to avoid damaging stones or metals.

CARE INSTRUCTION QUICK REFERENCE CARD

This section would be a printable PDF card that customers can keep with their jewelry:

BRAVAIS JEWELRY CARE - QUICK GUIDE

DAILY: ✓ Put on LAST (after makeup, perfume, lotion)
✓ Take off FIRST (before washing hands, showering)
✗ Don't wear during rough activities
✗ Don't expose to chemicals

CLEANING: ✓ Soap & water method every 2-4 weeks
✗ No ultrasonic (unless specified)
✗ No harsh chemicals

STORAGE: ✓ Individual soft pouch or jewelry box
✓ Away from sunlight and heat

INSPECTION: ✓ Check monthly for loose stones or damage
✓ Professional inspection every 6-12 months

LIFETIME FREE SERVICES: Cleaning • Inspection • Polishing • Emerald Re-oiling
Email: BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com

YOUR HEIRLOOM DESERVES THE BEST CARE

With proper care, your Bravais jewelry will be treasured for generations. Every piece is created with museum-quality gemstones and expert craftsmanship—protecting that investment ensures it remains beautiful for decades to come.

Questions about caring for your specific piece?

📧 Email: BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com
📱 Subject: "Jewelry Care Question"

Professor Abby personally responds to every care inquiry with materials science expertise and personalized recommendations.

Bravais Fine Jewelry | Lifetime Care Services | Materials Science Expertise