Jewelry Care
Jewelry Care and Warranty
Every piece crafted at Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry is made with quality and endurance in mind. A little care goes a long way — here is everything you need to keep your jewelry beautiful for a lifetime.
General Care Tips
These habits apply to all jewelry and will significantly extend the life and beauty of every piece you own.
- ◇Remove all jewelry before exercising, showering, gardening, heavy lifting, or swimming
- ◇Remove jewelry before sleeping — prongs can catch on blankets and chains can stretch overnight
- ◇Put jewelry on after bathing, applying perfume, hairspray, lotion, or cosmetics
- ◇Avoid chemical cleaners, abrasive polishing agents, and chlorine
- ◇Clean with mild soap, warm water, and a soft toothbrush — soaking for up to 30 minutes removes stubborn dirt
- ◇Do not use toothpaste — it scratches metal and can harden under stones
Care by Material
Gold and Platinum
Durable, but not indestructible
Gold is one of the least reactive of all metals, but we recommend removing gold jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water or handling chemicals, as there is potential for spotting. Prongs may weaken over time through everyday wear — catching on clothing, accidental drops, and regular use all take their toll. Metal finishes change naturally with wear, but in most cases matte and polished finishes can easily be restored at our studio.
Gemstones
Handle with intention
Avoid chemical cleaning agents on gemstones. A gentle detergent like Dawn dish soap mixed with warm water, used with a soft toothbrush, will clean around and beneath the stone and restore its sparkle. Avoid wearing gemstone jewelry in hot tubs or natural hot springs — the heat and minerals can cause irreparable damage to sensitive stones like opals and turquoise. Have your gemstone settings checked at least every six months.
Pearls
Last on, first off
Pearls are delicate by nature. As the saying goes: pearls are the last thing you put on, and the first thing you take off. Avoid water, chemicals, soaps, perfumes, and lotions — all of these damage the natural luster and fragility of a pearl's surface. Wipe down your pearls with a soft damp cloth after each wear.
Diamonds
Brilliant and resilient — with a little help
A gentle detergent like Dawn dish soap mixed with warm water, used with a soft toothbrush, is all you need to clean around and beneath the stone and restore its signature sparkle. Regular cleaning keeps a diamond performing at its best.
Our Warranty
Every jewelry item purchased at Valerie Madison comes with a complimentary maintenance and service plan. Here is exactly what is included.
- 01 Free cleaning and inspection, plus metal re-polish and re-finish service, complimentary once a year for the lifetime of your piece. Items may be evaluated case-by-case — not all deep dents, nicks, and scratches can be removed.
- 02 1 year complimentary setting repair, including tightening of any loose gemstone or diamond and prong re-tipping.
- 03 1 year complimentary accent gemstone or diamond replacement. Does not include stones with a replacement value over $500 USD or stones larger than 0.25 carat.
- 04 90-day complimentary chain and clasp repair for removable necklaces and bracelets (not eternity bracelets).
- 05 30-day complimentary re-welding for eternity bracelets. After this timeframe, re-welding incurs a fee and replacements are the customer's responsibility. Contact our team to explore adding a clasp if the permanent bracelet does not suit your lifestyle.
Important to know
These services are non-transferable and intended only for the original customer or gift recipient. Your jewelry is guaranteed against manufacturing defects but not normal wear and tear. Costs for repairs of bent rings are not covered. Customer is responsible for all shipping charges — please insure your packages for full value. Repairs or alterations made by establishments not approved by us will result in cancellation of the warranty policy.
Appraisals
Having your jewelry appraised ensures you receive proper reimbursement if you ever need to file an insurance claim. We recommend having your jewelry appraised every few years to make sure your policy accurately reflects its current value.
We are happy to arrange an appraisal on your behalf for any engagement ring or wedding band purchased from Valerie Madison. Our staff Gemologist will appraise your ring for $175 — we work with both remote and local clients. Purchase the appraisal service here.
Our recommendation
This warranty is not a substitute for insurance. We recommend insuring your jewelry with a reputable provider — Jewelers Mutual is one we trust — for your complete peace of mind.
Questions about caring for your jewelry or your warranty coverage? We are always happy to help.