Jewelry Care Guide

Each kataoka creation is meant to be worn. Over time, noble metals develop a graceful patina that enhances their natural character. Regular wear brings out this quality, and treating each piece with care will keep it looking its best.

Remove your jewelry before activities that expose it to impact, chemicals, or abrasive surfaces. This includes exercise, cleaning, swimming, and gardening.

Perfumes, lotions, and household chemicals can dull metals and diminish the sparkle of gemstones. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry, and remove jewelry before cleaning.

Store your jewelry in its original kataoka box when not wearing it. Keep pieces away from humidity and extreme temperatures.

Even the finest metals may lose their glow over time. There are several ways to restore them.

Care instructions depend on the condition of your jewelry:

• If your jewelry is tarnished or slightly oxidized, clean it with warm water and gently rub it with a soft cloth, avoiding circular motions. Instead, rub in the same direction. Dry it gently with a soft cloth or a jewelry cleaning cloth.
• For heavily tarnished jewelry, you can use a dip cleaner specifically formulated for gold and platinum. Soak the jewelry in the liquid for a maximum of 10 seconds, rinse it thoroughly in warm water, and dry it well with a soft cloth.
• If you think a more thorough clean is necessary, please visit a kataoka flagship store with your jewelry.

Diamonds should be kept away from chlorine and other chemicals. To maintain their brilliance:

• Use a soft brush and lukewarm water with a small amount of mild detergent specifically formulated for jewelry.
• Gently clean the diamonds with the soft brush and soapy water, then rinse and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
• For a deeper cleaning, please take your diamond jewelry to a kataoka flagship store.

Gemstones other than diamonds require specific care. Do not expose them to salt water, chemicals, perfume, or hairspray. Avoid commercial cleaning solutions and ultrasonic steam cleaners. Sudden temperature changes can cause stress to certain stones.

• Sapphire, Ruby, Topaz, Tourmaline, Quartz, Spinel:
  Clean with warm water and a soft brush, then pat dry with a soft cloth.
• Aquamarine, Amethyst, Tanzanite, Garnet, Moonstone:
  These stones are especially sensitive to temperature changes. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or thermal shocks. Clean with warm water and a soft brush, then pat dry with a soft cloth.
• Emerald, Opal, Pearl:
  These gems are relatively soft and porous, making them more susceptible to damage from liquids, oils, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Gently wipe with a soft cloth only.

If your jewelry sustains damage or requires restoration, please contact us. Yoshinobu Kataoka personally assesses and restores every piece. You can also visit our houses of artistry in Tokyo or New York.