Inlay Jewelry Care Guide

Q: Is inlay jewelry durable enough for everyday wear?

Yes, Hileman inlay rings are designed for daily wear, but require mindfulness. While gemstones like dinosaur bone and turquoise are set in a protective channel, they can crack if hit against hard surfaces like granite or gym equipment. We recommend removing jewelry during heavy physical activity.

Q: Can I get my inlay ring wet or wear it in the shower?

Occasional hand washing is fine, but we strongly advise against wearing inlay jewelry while swimming, showering, or using hot tubs. Prolonged exposure to water and chemicals like chlorine or shampoo can eventually degrade the epoxy bond holding the stones in place.

Q: How do I safely clean my turquoise or dinosaur bone jewelry?

The safest method is using a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as high-frequency vibrations and intense heat can loosen stones or damage the specialized epoxy used in inlay jewelry.

Q: What should I do if my inlay stone cracks or looks dull?

If a stone cracks, stop wearing the ring immediately to prevent moisture from damaging the bond of surrounding stones. As master lapidaries, Hileman Inlay Jewelry offers professional restoration and polishing services to bring back the original luster of your piece.

Q: Can inlay rings be resized if my finger size changes?

Inlay rings are difficult to resize because stones are custom-cut to the ring's curvature. Most designs can only be adjusted by about a half-size. We recommend using a professional sizing guide before ordering, though we can often discuss rebuild options if a major size change is needed.

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. For more information about inlay repair, visit our Inlay Jewelry Repair page.

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. Contact us with any questions about your inlay jewelry care or assistance with inlay repairs.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Inlay Jewelry Care

1. Is inlay jewelry durable enough for everyday wear?

Yes, our inlay rings are designed for daily wear, but they require more mindfulness than a solid metal band. Materials like dinosaur bone, turquoise, and lab opal are gemstones, not metal. While they are securely set in a protective channel, they can crack if hit against a hard surface (like a gym weight or a granite countertop). We recommend removing your jewelry during heavy physical activity.

2. Can I get my inlay ring wet or wear it in the shower?

Occasional hand washing is perfectly fine. However, we strongly advise against wearing your jewelry while swimming, showering, or using hot tubs. Prolonged exposure to water, heat, and chemicals (like chlorine or shampoo) can eventually degrade the epoxy bond that holds the stones in place.

3. How do I safely clean my turquoise or dinosaur bone jewelry?

The best way to clean your jewelry is with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners. The high-frequency vibrations of an ultrasonic cleaner can loosen the stones, and the intense heat of a steamer can damage the epoxy or the stones themselves.

4. What should I do if my inlay stone cracks or looks dull?

If you notice a crack, stop wearing the jewelry immediately. Moisture and oils can seep into the crack, damaging the bond of the surrounding stones. Because we are master lapidaries, we can professionally restore your ring. If the stones look dull, they may just need a professional "buff and polish" or a light refinishing to restore their original luster.

5. Can inlay rings be resized if my finger size changes?

Inlay rings are very difficult to resize because the stones are custom-cut to fit the specific curvature of the ring. Most designs can only be adjusted by about a half-size. This is why we emphasize using our Professional Ring Sizing Guide before placing an order. If your ring no longer fits, contact us to discuss your options for a rebuild or adjustment.