Jewelry Care Guide
Every piece of kataoka jewelry is a masterpiece—an elegant union of artistry, tradition, and timeless design. Handcrafted with the utmost precision, these creations are designed to endure, to be cherished, and to inspire. To preserve their radiant allure, we invite you to explore our recommendations for care, ensuring your heirlooms shine brilliantly for generations to come.
Preserving Radiance
- Wearing is Caring
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Each kataoka creation is meant to be worn and admired. Over time, noble metals develop a graceful patina, enhancing their natural charm. Regular wear reveals this quiet beauty, yet treating each piece with care will ensure its enduring elegance.
- Safeguard Against Damage
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Protect your treasures from life’s more rigorous moments. Remove your jewelry before engaging in activities that might expose it to impact, chemicals, or harsh environments. Safeguard them from unnecessary wear to keep their brilliance untarnished.
- Steer Clear of Harmful Products
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To maintain their luster, avoid exposing your jewelry to perfumes, lotions, and chemicals. These substances can dull metals and diminish the vibrant sparkle of gemstones.
- Provide the Proper Surroundings
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When not adorning you, store your jewelry in its original kataoka box, thoughtfully designed to cradle and protect each piece. Keep your treasures away from humidity and extreme temperatures, preserving their delicate essence.
Restoring Brilliance
- Gold and Platinum
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Even the finest metals may lose their glow over time. There are several ways to restore these noble metals to their full radiance.
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.
- Diamond Jewelry
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Diamonds, symbols of strength and light, deserve exceptional care and avoid interactions with chlorine and other chemicals.
To maintain the brilliance of diamonds:
- 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 store.
- Gemstone Jewelry
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Jewelry with stones other than diamonds, when properly cared for, can endure for generations to come. These precious stones should not be exposed to salt water, chemicals, perfume, or hairspray, as these substances can gradually diminish the finish and polish of the gems. Avoid using commercial cleaning solutions or ultrasonic steam cleaners. Additionally, sudden temperature changes should be avoided, as they may cause stress to the gemstones.
- Sapphire, Ruby, Topaz, Tourmaline, Quartz, Spinel:
Clean these with warm water and a soft brush before patting them dry with a soft cloth. - Aquamarine, Amethyst, Tanzanite, Garnet, Moonstone:
These precious stones are especially sensitive to temperature changes, so take great care to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or thermal shocks. Clean them with warm water and a soft brush before patting them dry with a soft cloth. - Emerald, Opal, Pearl:
These gems are relatively soft and porous, making them more susceptible to damage from exposure to liquids, oils, chemicals and extreme temperatures. To clean them, gently wipe them with a soft cloth to maintain their natural beauty.
- Sapphire, Ruby, Topaz, Tourmaline, Quartz, Spinel:
- What to do if your jewelry is damaged
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Your kataoka piece is a legacy of craftsmanship, designed to be cherished forever. If your jewelry sustains damage or requires restoration, we are here to assist. Yoshinobu Kataoka is dedicated to restoring your treasure with the same meticulous care it was created. Simply reach out to us or visit one of our Houses of Elegance in Tokyo or New York. We are honored to preserve the beauty of your heirlooms and ensure their story continues for generations to come.