Inlay Jewelry Care Guide

Proper care helps preserve the beauty and longevity of handcrafted inlay jewelry. Because inlay pieces combine natural materials with precision metalwork, a few simple habits can keep your jewelry looking its best for years to come.

How to Clean Inlay Jewelry Safely

Inlay jewelry should always be cleaned gently. Never place inlay rings, bands, or pendants in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Heat, vibration, and cleaning chemicals can weaken the bonding material that secures the inlay over time.

For routine cleaning:

Use a soft cloth to wipe the surface after wearing
Clean gently with mild soap and lukewarm water when needed
Dry thoroughly with a soft towel
Avoid household cleaners, solvents, or chemical dips. Tarnish should be removed only with a polishing cloth, never with liquid tarnish removers

If your inlay jewelry includes diamonds or other faceted stones, they may be lightly brushed with a soft toothbrush and mild soap — taking care not to soak the inlay areas for extended periods.

Wear Your Inlay Jewelry With Care

While inlay jewelry is designed for everyday wear, common sense goes a long way in preventing damage. Remove your jewelry before activities that could cause impact, abrasion, or prolonged exposure to water.

We recommend removing inlay jewelry before:

Exercise or sports
Yard work or heavy lifting
Swimming or bathing
Washing dishes or cleaning

When not worn, store your jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box, separate from other pieces that could scratch or chip the inlay surface.

Avoid Chemicals and Personal Products

Apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and other personal care products before putting on your jewelry. Many personal products contain chemicals that can dull metal finishes or affect inlay materials over time.

Limiting exposure helps maintain both the polish of the metal and the integrity of the inlay.

Refinishing, Repairs, and Long-Term Care

Over time, normal wear may cause the metal or inlay surface to lose some of its original luster. Professional refinishing can restore the appearance and extend the life of your piece.

If an inlay stone becomes damaged, it can often be carefully removed and replaced. Because inlay work requires specialized lapidary skills, repairs should only be performed by jewelers experienced in inlay construction and stone matching.

Many improper repairs occur when inlay jewelry is handled by jewelers unfamiliar with these techniques. Choosing an experienced inlay specialist ensures the repair is done correctly and preserves the original design.

Questions About Care or Repairs?

If you have questions about caring for your inlay jewelry or believe your piece may need refinishing or repair, we’re happy to help.

Hileman Inlay Jewelry offers professional inlay repair and restoration services to keep your jewelry looking its best.

Thoughtful care and occasional maintenance will help your handcrafted inlay jewelry remain beautiful and wearable for many years to come.