Jewelry of the Highest-Quality
Larkspur Fine Jewelry specializes in custom and semi-custom jewelry. We'll work with you to create a one-of-a-kind piece you'll cherish for a lifetime. Take a look at our Gallery page for examples of our craftmenship.

We also carry products from these manufacturers:
Colibri Men™ Accessories • Daring Diamonds • Darling Diamonds Children™ Jewelry • Krementz • ASBA and Dangler • Ostbye and Anderson • Levy Creations • Boccia Titanium • Roche Stainless Steel • Imperial Delta Pearls

Maintenance
Part of jewelry’s allure is its ability to transcend time. But without proper care, that beloved piece can be permanently damaged.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), “chemicals found in everyday substances like hairspray, lotions, perfumes or other cosmetics can permanently damage” many of your most treasured jewelry items. Even chemicals found in common household cleaners like chlorine and ammonia can cause jewels and metals to suffer from discoloration and pitting (small holes). To ensure your jewelry lasts for generations to come, follow these simple steps:

1. Don’t sleep in your jewelry.
Damage can occur when you are sleeping because our bodies release oils and perspiration that cling to gems and metals and attract dust and dirt. This dirt acts like sandpaper, causing premature wear. Additionally, tossing and turning during sleep puts pressure on clasps, chains, earring posts and wires and can lead to damage.

2. Don’t shower in your jewelry.
Most cities add chlorine to their water that can eat away at gold alloys and cause pitting. This can lead to weak spots and damage. Soap, body oils, shed skin and hair can also collect in small crevices and lead to premature wear of these parts.

3. Don’t swim in your jewelry.
In addition to chlorine damage, heat and light from the sun can also damage jewelry. The sun can cause discoloration, can create weakness in the stone structure and can remove the natural moisture many gems need to keep their beauty.

4. Don’t immerse pearl strands in liquid.
Wet string can stretch and attract dirt. Use a damp cloth to wipe pearls down after each use and make sure the string is completely dry before storing or wearing.

5. Do keep your jewelry clean.
Use a soft toothbrush and a mix of mild soap and warm water. For best results, use distilled water (no chlorine or chemicals) and clear liquid soap (without film-leaving additives such as fragrances or moisturizers). After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure to place the plug in the sink in case a piece is dropped or a gem comes loose during cleaning.

6. Do store your jewelry in boxes or bags specifically made for jewelry.
Without proper storage, jewelry can easily be scratched and the gems can chip or break. A jewelry box with compartmentalized areas works best. Hang or lay chains flat for storage. Place rings and earrings in padded slots.

7. Do store sterling silver with tarnish-reducing paper or in anti-tarnish bags.
All sterling silver will tarnish over time, but these special papers or bags greatly reduce the rate. You can also slow tarnish by keeping these items clean. Oils, perspiration, perfume, hairspray and other chemicals accelerate the tarnishing process, so wipe down your sterling items after each use with a jewelry cloth.

FAQs
How often should I have my jewelry professionally cleaned?
This depends on how often you wear it. If you wear the piece every day, you should probably clean it about twice a month. For items you wear less frequently, every few months or even once a year may be sufficient. Make sure to come in for cleaning more often if you are not cleaning at home.

How often should I have my jewelry checked?
This also depends on how often you wear it. For pieces worn daily, you should have them checked every six months—sooner if the piece has been subject to potential damage. Items worn occasionally should be checked and cleaned on an annual basis. By having your jewelry inspected regularly, you can protect your treasured heirlooms and avoid larger (and more costly) problems down the road.

I wear my wedding set all of the time. Am I doing damage?
Wearing your jewelry (especially rings) continually is not good for either the jewelry or your skin. You should remove your jewelry when playing sports, working in the yard, preparing food, showering, swimming and sleeping—just to name a few potentially harmful activities. Wearing your jewelry constantly increases the amount of damaging dirt, debris and perspiration that come in contact with your jewelry. It can also cause skin irritation due to contaminates and lack of oxygen to the skin. Additionally, constant wear can limit your ability to properly clean the piece and maintain a proper maintenance schedule. Most people who need major repair work, or need to have their rings cut off, are those who never take off their wedding rings.

My sterling-silver ring turned black after I went swimming. Is it real silver?
Most pools use either bromine or chlorine to keep the water clean. Both of these chemicals are very corrosive to sterling silver and will accelerate the oxidation process. When silver oxidizes, it tarnishes or “turns black.” Other metals can also oxidize in contact with certain chemicals, however the black color is a good indicator that the metal is most likely “real” silver.

I have an ultrasonic cleaner at home. Isn’t that all I need to keep my jewelry clean?
There are many stones that are negatively affected by the heat and vibration generated by an ultrasonic cleaner. Home ultrasonic cleaners are best used for your gold jewelry and may be suitable for some diamond set jewelry. Unless you are knowledgeable in what stones are safe to put in an ultrasonic cleaner, it is best to take your jewelry to a jeweler for professional cleaning.