Pavé-set jewelry and its glittering rows of closely-set gemstones (which, our eyes can’t help but follow) is a beloved classic. The word “pavé” is French for “paved” or “cobblestone,” and indeed, this jewelry setting resembles a sparkling pathway adorning the wearer’s fingers, wrists, neck, or ears.
To maintain pavé-set jewelry, owners should understand how to care for these delicate creations properly. One accidental mishap can result in a lost diamond or two. Whether you own a pavé engagement ring or a pavé-set tennis bracelet, maintenance is key to preserving their beauty.
From DIY jewelry cleaning to knowing when to bring your pieces to a professional, by the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to ensure your pavé-set jewelry stays brilliant for decades.
Guidelines for Maintaining Pavé Jewelry
This article focuses on three jewelry preservation techniques:
- How to clean pavé settings
- How to protect pavé jewelry from wear and tear
- How to store and organize pavé jewelry
1. How to clean pavé settings
Oil, sweat, dirt, and debris can easily accumulate between a pavé setting’s stones, especially if you wear your jewelry daily. You can preserve your high-end jewelry’s original appearance with the following tips:
- Step 1: Add a few drops of gentle dish soap to a warm basin of water. Allow your jewelry to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid harsh cleaning agents (toothpaste, liquid and powder detergents, bleach, etc.) that can damage the metal or gemstones.
- Step 2: While submerged in the solution, gently brush your jewelry with a clean, super soft-bristled toothbrush to remove grime from the surface and grooves. Pay close attention to every nook and cranny, where debris tends to build up.
- Step 3: Rinse the piece under warm water to remove soap residue.
- Step 4: Pat the piece dry with a soft, lint-free fabric. Avoid using a polishing cloth, as the fibers can snag the setting’s tiny prongs.
As for how often you should clean your jewelry, everyday pieces like earrings and wedding rings can be cleaned bi-weekly, depending on how dirty they get. Otherwise, you should inspect your collection once a month, only cleaning pieces that need it. Rarely-used jewelry may require less cleaning and maintenance.
2. How to protect pavé jewelry from wear and tear
A diamond falling out and going missing, mostly due to improper jewelry care and maintenance, is a common issue with micro pavé jewelry. You can minimize damage by adopting these preventative measures:
- Rule #1: Remove your pavé jewelry before engaging in any physical activity.
- Rule #2: Take off your jewelry before bed, especially if you toss and turn in your sleep. Prongs and gemstones can get caught in your sheets’ loose threads. If you sleep on your side and have a habit of placing your hand under your head or pillow, the weight of your skull can bend the prongs and loosen the setting.
- Rule #3: Apply lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics before putting on jewelry to minimize chemical residue buildup.
- Rule #4: Run your pieces under warm water and pat dry after wearing them all day. Never leave your jewelry to air dry; it may leave hard water stains on the metal.
- Rule #5: Remove your jewelry before showering, soaking in a tub, or swimming in a pool or the ocean to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and corrosive substances. Read How Constant Exposure to Water Affects Your Jewelry for more information.
The above anti-damage tips apply to all pieces, regardless of the setting or type of jewelry (fine, fashion, or costume).
3. How to store and organize pavé jewelry
Storing your jewelry the way pirates did (stacked on each other) can scratch and damage your pieces. Also, remember that nothing can scratch a diamond other than another diamond, and as the toughest gemstone on earth, it can scratch anything.
Retain your pavé jewelry’s condition (and save your entire collection) with these pro tips:
- To-do #1: Keep each piece of pavé jewelry in its original box or store them individually in pouches made from linen, velour, or cotton. Doing so prevents diamonds from scratching against each other and other jewelry. Invest in a high-quality jewelry box with multiple compartments to make your life easier.
- To-do #2: Keep your jewelry away from direct sunlight. Excessive sun exposure can cause a slight degree of discoloration on the jewelry’s metal surface. Also, the lower the karat, which is often the case with diamond jewelry, the more likely it is to deteriorate from exposure to elements or chemicals. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also cause some gemstones (amethyst, aquamarine, topaz, and citrine) to fade or change color.
- To-do #3: Avoid storing your jewelry in humid spaces. Humidity creates moisture, and lower-karat jewelry exposed to such environments are more prone to tarnishing.
When to Seek Professional Jewelry Cleaning and Maintenance Services
Frequent inspections help you catch loose stones, damaged prongs, or signs of wear. If you spot these issues, enlist the expertise of a professional jeweler to prevent further damage.
In general, it’s best to schedule periodic professional cleanings to maintain the condition of your pavé pieces. A skilled jeweler can re-tighten, re-attach, or replace stones, address any structural problems, and perform routine cleanings. As for how often to seek inspection and cleaning services, experts recommend at least twice a year due to the more fragile nature of a pavé setting.
The Bottom Line on How to Care for Pavé Jewelry
Following these pavé jewelry maintenance guidelines ensures the pieces you’ve inherited from family, received from loved ones, or worked hard to buy can maintain their beauty and splendor for many more years.
To add, if you’re ever in a pinch, remember that jewelry often retains its value. Biltmore Loan and Jewelry, for instance, pays competitively for luxury items. Visit us if you’re thinking about selling your pavé collection. As GIA-accredited professionals and trusted jewelry buyers in Phoenix, Arizona, we can offer prices that reflect your fine jewelry’s worth. Meet with us today or request an online appraisal to find out how much cash you can get outright.