Jewelry Care in Little Rock: At-Home Basics, Warning Signs, and When to See a Jeweler

If you want your jewelry to last, follow a simple routine at home and bring pieces in when you see specific warning signs. Below is a clear care calendar, what to watch for, and how our shop handles inspection and repair.

A Simple Care Calendar (What to Do and When)

Weekly (at home)

• Wipe pieces with a clean, soft cloth after wear.

• For diamonds and gold, a quick soak in warm water + a drop of mild dish soap, then a soft brush, rinse, and dry.

Monthly (at home)

• Check clasps, earring backs, and chain links.

• For rings, look closely at prongs and side stones.

Every 6 months (in store)

• Professional inspection & cleaning. We’ll check prongs, tips, channels, bezels, and settings; then ultrasonic/steam clean when appropriate.

As needed (in store)

• Ring sizing, rhodium plating (white gold), prong re-tipping, soldering, stone tightening/resetting, chain/bracelet repair, clasp replacement, polishing/refinishing.

Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, chlorine pools/hot tubs, and abrasive cleaners. Remove jewelry for heavy work, gym sessions, and lotions/sprays that can build residue.

Warning Signs: Bring It In If You See This

• Stone movement or a “click” when you tap the stone gently

• Snagging on clothing—often a bent or lifted prong

• Thinning shank (ring band looks flat, sharp, or uneven)

• Loose or missing earring backs; hoops that won’t latch securely

• Stretched or kinked chains; weak jump rings

• Discoloration on white gold (rhodium wearing off)

• Deep scratches, dents, or bent settings after impact

Small issues become expensive repairs if ignored. If you notice any of the above, stop wearing the piece and bring it in.

How We Handle Inspection & Repair (In Plain View)

At the counter we review the piece with you present, explain what we’re seeing, and outline options and pricing. Typical services:

• Ring Sizing: up or down; we verify fit and profile

• Prong & Tip Work: tighten, re-tip, or rebuild to secure stones

• Stone Setting/Tightening: solitaires, halos, channels, pavé

• Rhodium Plating: restores bright white finish on white gold

• Chain/Bracelet Repair: solder breaks, replace jump rings

• Clasp Replacement: lobster, spring ring, box/tongue safety

• Soldering: join rings, fix cracked shanks

• Cleaning & Polish: ultrasonic/steam where appropriate; refinishing for shine

We provide a written ticket with the work to be performed and the timeline. If a stone is fragile or a setting is severely worn, we’ll discuss risks and alternatives before proceeding.

At-Home Cleaning: What’s Safe (and What Isn’t)

Generally safe:

• Warm water + mild dish soap + soft brush for diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and most gold jewelry

Use caution / ask us first:

• Soft/porous stones (opal, pearl, turquoise, emerald)

• Vintage/fragile settings and glued components

• Ultrasonic devices at home—they can loosen stones if prongs are worn

If you’re unsure, bring it in. A two-minute counter check can prevent a lost stone.

Polishing, Plating, and Resizing: Expectations

• Polishing removes surface marks but can’t erase deep gouges without changing geometry; we’ll advise.

• Rhodium plating is a finish; it wears over time depending on use. Many clients re-plate every 6–18 months.

• Resizing can change internal engraving location or leave a faint seam on heavily patterned bands; we’ll review before work.

What to Bring

• The piece(s) and any loose stones you have

• Notes on when issues started (snagging, looseness, impact)

• Any prior appraisals/receipts (helpful, not required)

Local Notes

• Little Rock & North Little Rock: Most common jobs are prong tightening, rhodium plating, and ring sizing after life changes (engagement, pregnancy, seasonal fit).

• Conway: Student and young family repairs—chain solders, earring backs, and everyday ring maintenance.

• Greater Nashville (Hermitage & Franklin): Mix of estate restoration and polish/refinish for luxury pieces.

Process and documentation are consistent at every store.

Typical Questions

How long does a cleaning and inspection take?
Often same visit for basic clean/inspect; repairs depend on scope. We’ll quote timelines up front.

Will cleaning loosen my stones?
Cleaning itself doesn’t loosen properly set stones; it can reveal already-loose stones. That’s why inspection comes first.

How often should I rhodium plate white gold?
Depends on wear. Many clients re-plate every 6–18 months.

Can you work on vintage or heirloom pieces?
Yes—case-by-case. We’ll review risks and options before starting.