Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and treasured for a lifetime—but daily wear, exposure to elements, and natural accumulation of oils and dust can dull even the most beautiful pieces. Professional jewelry care keeps your rings, bracelets, watches, and other fine jewelry looking pristine while protecting your investment.
At Houston Jewelry, our master jewelers and certified gemologists provide professional jewelry cleaning, maintenance, restoration, and repair services using industry-standard techniques and equipment. With over 160 years of expertise, we treat every piece with the care it deserves.
Why Professional Jewelry Care Matters
Preserve Beauty & Shine
Regular professional cleaning removes built-up oils, soap residue, and dust that daily cleaning can't reach. We use ultrasonic and steam cleaning for most pieces, restoring original brilliance and sparkle.
Protect Your Investment
Regular maintenance catches problems early—loose stones, worn prongs, tarnish on silver or platinum. Addressing these issues promptly prevents costly repairs or stone loss.
Extend Piece Lifespan
Professional maintenance can keep your jewelry beautiful for generations. Many of our customers wear pieces passed down from their grandparents—because of proper care.
Expert Assessment
Our gemologists can identify any issues and recommend appropriate care or repairs. For fine jewelry like engagement rings and heirloom pieces, professional assessment provides peace of mind.
Specialized Care for Different Materials
Gold, platinum, silver, diamonds, pearls, and gemstones each require specific care techniques. Our professionals know how to clean and maintain every material safely and effectively.
Our Jewelry Cleaning Services
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Uses high-frequency sound waves to gently remove dirt and grime from jewelry surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Safe for most jewelry including diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals. Not recommended for delicate pieces like pearls or opals.
Steam Cleaning
High-pressure steam removes stubborn buildup and polishes jewelry to a high shine. Excellent for diamond rings, watches, and precious metal pieces. Especially effective for wedding bands and engagement rings.
Hand Polishing & Buffing
For delicate pieces or those requiring custom care, our artisans hand-polish and buff using professional-grade materials. This method works beautifully for pearls, opals, vintage jewelry, and art deco pieces.
Deep Cleaning
Our comprehensive deep cleaning service includes ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning, hand polishing, and detailed inspection. Perfect for jewelry you haven't worn in a while or pieces that need restoration.
Professional Tarnish Removal
Silver, platinum, and some gold pieces can tarnish over time. We safely remove tarnish using professional processes that won't damage the metal or any gemstones.
Jewelry Maintenance Services
Stone Security Inspection
We inspect the setting to ensure all stones are secure and prongs aren't worn. Loose stones can be tightened before they're at risk of falling out.
Prong Repair & Retipping
Worn prongs that hold stones can be reinforced or re-tipped to ensure security. This is especially important for engagement rings and frequently-worn pieces. Most prong repairs can be completed within 2-3 days.
Metal Polishing & Re-finishing
We can restore luster to dulled gold, platinum, or silver. For white gold jewelry, we offer rhodium replating—a bright white coating that restores the original luster and protects the metal underneath.
Ring Resizing
Ring size changes due to weight fluctuation, temperature, or just time. We can resize most rings up or down (typically 1-3 sizes) while maintaining structural integrity. Most resizing takes 3-5 business days.
Jewelry Appraisal
Need your jewelry valued for insurance? Our GIA-certified gemologists provide professional appraisals detailing materials, quality, and current market value. We issue formal appraisal documents suitable for insurance claims.
Watch Maintenance
For luxury timepieces, we offer professional cleaning, band sizing, battery replacement, and professional servicing. We work with vintage and contemporary watches.
Jewelry Restoration & Repair
Gemstone Replacement
If a stone is damaged or missing, we can source a matching replacement or suggest alternatives. For heirloom pieces, we take special care to preserve the character while restoring functionality.
Broken Band Repair
A broken band can often be professionally welded and restored rather than replaced entirely. We use precision welding techniques to ensure durability.
Custom Restoration
Vintage and antique jewelry may need specialized restoration. Our master jewelers can restore delicate filigree, repair intricate details, and bring family heirlooms back to life.
Metal Refinishing
Scratched or worn surfaces can be professionally refinished to look new. We preserve the original design and craftsmanship while restoring appearance.
Jewelry Care Tips for Daily Wear
Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands
- Remove before swimming, bathing, or doing dishes—chlorine and soap can affect the metal and stones
- Remove before exercise, yard work, or any activity where impact or chemical exposure might occur
- Clean weekly with a soft brush and mild soap and water
- Get professional cleaning 1-2 times per year to maintain brilliance
- Have prong security inspected annually—loose stones are at risk of falling out
Diamond Jewelry
- Diamonds are durable but not indestructible—avoid extreme impacts
- Oil from skin diminishes sparkle—clean regularly
- Store in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratching other jewelry
- Professional cleaning restores brilliance that soap and water can't achieve
Pearl Jewelry
- Pearls are delicate—wear after makeup and perfume are fully applied
- Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning on pearls
- Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils
- Store in a separate pouch away from harder gemstones
- Have professional hand cleaning done annually
Colored Gemstones
- Different gemstones have different hardness—store separately from diamonds
- Avoid sudden temperature changes which can cause cracking
- Some gemstones (emerald, opal) shouldn't be ultrasonic cleaned
- Ask our gemologists about specific care for your stone type
White Gold, Platinum & Silver
- White gold should be rhodium-plated periodically to maintain bright white appearance
- Platinum scratches easily but is extremely durable—scratches are normal
- Silver tarnishes naturally and should be regularly polished or professionally cleaned
Watches
- Remove luxury watches before swimming or bathing to preserve water resistance
- Have band sized properly so it fits snugly without squeezing
- Professional servicing every 3-5 years keeps automatic movements running smoothly
- Store in a case or pouch to prevent dust and damage
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my jewelry professionally cleaned?
For frequently-worn jewelry like engagement rings, we recommend professional cleaning 1-2 times per year. For pieces worn occasionally, annual cleaning is usually sufficient. Daily maintenance between professional visits keeps jewelry looking great.
Is ultrasonic cleaning safe for all jewelry?
No. Ultrasonic cleaning can damage delicate pieces like pearls, opals, and some colored stones. Our professionals assess each piece and recommend the appropriate cleaning method.
What does rhodium plating do?
Rhodium is a precious metal that gives white gold a bright white finish. Over time, white gold naturally yellows slightly. Rhodium plating restores the bright white appearance. Most customers have their white gold replated every 1-2 years with regular wear.
How long do repairs usually take?
Simple repairs like cleaning and sizing typically take 3-5 business days. More complex repairs may take longer. We'll give you a timeline when you bring in your piece.
Can you fix my broken heirloom?
Probably! Our master jewelers have extensive experience with antique and heirloom restoration. Bring your piece in for a free evaluation—we'll assess what can be done and provide options.
Do you offer insurance appraisals?
Yes! Our GIA-certified gemologists provide professional appraisals suitable for insurance purposes. Appraisals include detailed descriptions, materials, quality assessment, and current market value.
What's the cost of professional cleaning?
Basic ultrasonic or steam cleaning typically costs $20-50 depending on the piece. Deep cleaning or restoration services vary based on the work required. Many of our customers bundle maintenance into annual care packages. Ask about our cleaning membership options.
Schedule Your Jewelry Service Today
Whether your jewelry needs routine cleaning, professional maintenance, or specialized restoration, Houston Jewelry is here to help. Our master jewelers and certified gemologists take pride in keeping your most treasured pieces looking beautiful and functioning perfectly.
Schedule a Service Appointment
Call us directly: 713-522-2552
Trust Our 160+ Years of Expertise
Since 1860, Houston Jewelry has been Houston's trusted jeweler. Our master craftsmen, GIA-certified gemologists, and dedicated service team are committed to preserving and protecting your most precious jewelry. From engagement rings to heirloom pieces to luxury watches, we treat every item with the expertise and care it deserves.
