Advice From our Graduate Gemologist

 

Finding the Perfect Gift &

Building a Timeless Collection

Start with the basics! Once you've got the essentials, the key to building a timeless jewelry collection is to find pieces you truly adore. With few exceptions, the best jewelry should go from casual to career to coctails, but never out of style. All fine jewelry should be an investment with a lifetime of enjoyment.

Women's Jewelry Basics: Diamond Stud Earrings, Strand of Pearls, Fine Gold Chain, Swiss-made Watch, Simple Gold Earrings, Classic Gold bracelet, and a Colored Stone Ring that Compliments your existing wardrobe.

Men's Jewelry Basics: Swiss-made Watch, Gold Chain, Fine Writing Instrument, and Classic Cuff Links

 

Jewelry Care & Maintenance

Polish your unmounted gold jewelry with a soft chamois cloth. This is an effective and inexpensive way to keep your jewelry shining clean.

While a home ultrasonic machine is also effective for gold jewelry cleaning, it is important to note that many gems should NOT be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine or harsh jewelry cleaning solution. Be certain to ask us about a specific gem before cleaning it at home with anything other than a polishing cloth.

If an ultrasonic machine is unavailable or inappropriate to use, carefully wipe your colored gemstone jewelry with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth after wearing. Store in a soft pouch if possible. Pearls should always be wiped with a soft chamois after removing them. This will wipe off all traces of perfume, cosmetics, or hairspray.

Never expose your jewelry to salt water or harsh chemicals such as cholorine or detergents, which can slowly erode the finish and polish of the gemstone. Also avoid allowing your gems to experience extreme change in temperature as well as contact with hair spray, perfume, and perspiration- all of which can cause jewelry to dull.

Remove your jewelry before showering or cleaning. In fact, all of your jewelry (especially pearls) should be put on after you have finished getting ready. Your jewelry should never be exposed to acid-based hair sprays, cosmetics, or perfumes. Contrary to popular belief, soap will not clean your jewelry. Instead, it will cause a film to form on your jewelry, resulting in a dull and dingy look.

Always store all jewelry in a clean, dry place. Preferably, each piece should be individually wrapped or placed in a soft container so that it cannot scratch against other pieces of jewelry. Pearls should be placed in a soft-lined bag or wrap them in tissue when putting them away.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my jewelry inspected? For the safety of your diamonds and gemstones, we recommend that you bring them in every six months. At Clarkson, you can expect that this service along with a professional cleaning is always complementary.

Pearls should always be checked at least once a year. Cosmetics and ordinary wear weaken and stretch the nylon thread on which your pearls are strung.

Do you have a jeweler on site? Yes. In addition to our jeweler, Clarkson Jewelers has a team of graduate gemologists on staff as well.

Do you have a layaway program? Yes. Most items may be put on layaway for a maximum of 90 days with a minimum deposit of 25%. There must be montly payment activity and the item must be paid for in full by the end of the layaway period. Canceled layaways are subject to a 20% restocking fee, witht he remaining balance to be issued as a store credit. Completed layaways are not returnable or exchangable.

What is your return or exchange policy? Clarkson Jewelers exists to satisfy our customers. For this reason, most items may be exchanged or refunded within 10 days of the original purchase date when accompanied by a reciept. Exchanges are permitted within 30 days of purcahse. The item must be unworn, in original condition, and in the original gift box with all warrenty cards and explanation booklets intact. We regret that special orders, completed layaways, modified and/or custom pieces are not returnable or exchangable. If you are unsure about a particular piece or still have questions, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.