Tips on Caring for Jewelry

Jewelry is one of our most intimate and cherished treasures. Knowing how to care for and protect your jewelry can make a big difference in maintaining its beauty and keeping them for generations to come. We offer free check-up and professional cleaning for our customers: Jewelry should be checked every six months and cleaned frequently. Please do not hesitate to ask for our free cleaning services. It will be our pleasure to clean your treasured jewels.

Be Careful with Light & Heat

Light and heat can affect a Colored Gemstone’s durability and color. Over time, and in excess, they can also fade or damage some gemstones (such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz and shell cameos, etc.) Pearls and other delicate materials will bleach in extreme long exposure to light. Other gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light. Excessive heat may also fracture some gems, easily removing the natural moisture these gems have.

Keep Your Jewelry Away From Chemicals

Exposure to chemicals can damage and discolor precious metals – platinum, gold and silver – and may harm some colored gemstones. Hairsprays, some body lotions, perfume or other cosmetics that contain certain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of many delicate gemstones. (such as pearl, turquoise, opal, etc.). Fine jewelry must be removed before a chlorinated swimming pool or before using household cleaners. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate gems and precious metals.

Use Ultrasonic Cleaners With Caution

While you can purchase an ultrasonic cleaner for diamond jewelry cleaning, you should be aware that NOT all gems and jewelry can be safely cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners. Natural colored gemstones contain natural oils and may have surface-reaching breaks and imperfections may be damaged permanently. Furthermore, the vibration generated by the machine can sometimes shake gems loose. This type of cleaning is best left to jewelry professionals who know about different gem materials and understand when and how to use the ultrasonic cleaner safely.

The Safest & Easiest Cleaning Method

Diamonds and most colored gemstones can be cleaned with warm water with mild natural-dish soap (no detergents) and a soft brush. Be sure to rinse your jewelry in a glass of warm water to remove cleaning solutions safely. Pearls, on the other hand, can easily scratch. Use a new, clean makeup brush and warm, soapy water to gently clean them. Lay a strand of pearls on a towel to dry. The wet silk thread can stretch − and attract dirt − so don’t touch your strand until it is completely dry.

Safely Store Your Jewelry

Jewelry should never be placed into a drawer or on top of a dresser − that's an invitation for damaged gems as well as scratched metal surfaces. All our jewelry sales come with a complimentary jewelry box or pouch, the perfect place to keep them safe. When traveling, protect your jewelry pieces from scratches or other impact damage by padding it in a separate box or get a jewelry travel pouch.

Complimentary Ring Sizing

We offer “Free 1-time” resizing for rings purchased from us without a time limit. You may simply call to make an appointment for walk-in service, You may also send the ring via insured-mail (return shipping charges will be applied) however, you need to call our store or email us and speak with an authorized personnel before sending us the item.

Our ability to resize the ring depends on the ring style, design & metal as well as the size increased/decreased needed. Certain ring styles are not sizable and/or able to be resized without compromising the ring’s design. Once a ring has been resized, it can no longer be accepted for return and/or exchange within our return/exchange policy.

Jewelry Maintenance & Repair Servicing

You can help ensure the beauty and longevity of your jewelry by treating it with professional care and maintenance. Michael F & Co. offers complimentary free cleaning servicing for the lifetime of your jewelry. This includes free cleaning, tightening of prongs to secure diamonds or gemstones, and an expert inspection of the item.

Additional extraordinary servicing and repairs needs will incur a service fee. You may email or call us to discuss your repair needs with an authorized personnel -or- simply visit our New York City Store during business hours to discuss your repair needs.

Our Diamonds Are Always Conflict-Free

We are proud to state that all Michael F & Company diamonds are conflict-free and ethically sourced. It is our commitment to our customers and mission to be transparent, compassionate about manufacturing jewelry that you can feel good about wearing and passing to next generations.

Every Michael F & Company diamond meets the requirements of the Kimberly process, ethically sourced and solitaire diamonds always certified by GIA and laser inscribed for easy tracing. We use only the highest-quality natural diamonds sourced from responsible producers and vendors in countries compliant with the United Nations Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

What is The Kimberley Process?

In 2000, at a conference in Kimberley, South Africa, the South African diamond-producing states that created the Kimberley Process set out a framework to reduce the damaging social effects of diamond mining. In 2003, the United Nations established the Kimberley Process Certification Program (KPCS), a trade program designed to stop diamonds from the global supply chain which caused more harm than good which is named “Conflict Diamonds”. There are currently 56 participants representing 82 countries in the Kimberley Process, along with the World Diamond Council and civil society groups working together to stop blood diamonds from entering the global diamond trade. The Kimberley Process & System of Warranties requires diamond miners & suppliers to pass along warranty statements during each trade transaction between them.

Jewelry Appraisal

A Jewelry Appraisal is an important piece of document for insurance purposes as well as for future upgrades or possible resale. All our jewelry and diamonds sales included complimentary appraisal for your insurance purposes and future upgrades.

If you choose to use an independent gemological laboratory for appraising your jewelry, we highly recomend to search your area for jewelry appraisers that member of National Association of Appraisers and has a Gemologist Certification from GIA ( Gemological Institute of America).

Your jewelry needs to be properly appraised to be insured at the right value.A gemological laboratory report from an unreliable or nonexistent gem lab is completely worthless. Jewelry owners need to look for certified and qualified gemologists who also have insurance appraisal training.

Authentication of Laboratory Certifications

All our natural diamond solitaires are certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and laser inscribed for easy verification. GIA reports contain security features such as a hologram, security screen and microprint lines that prevent them from being forged or duplicated. Also, GIA’s Report Check service can verify whether the information on the report matches what’s contained in the GIA database.

Research the Lab Report

There are many reliable gemological laboratories for diamond and color gem stones located in the US as well as in the World. Nowadays, gem lab report numbers can be easily checked online. Jewelry owners can enter the lab report number on the websites of trustworthy gem labs like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), IGI, Gem Certification and Assurance Lab, and American Gem Society Lab for quick and easy verification.

Researching the report number may also reveal conclusions such as: No such report number exists or The number is associated with a report that describes a different gem. Reputable gem labs do not assign a value to the gem or carry a retailer’s logo. If either appears on the gem report, the report has not been issued by a reliable, independent gem laboratory.

Insuring your Diamond & Jewelry

We strongly encourage our customers to protect your cherished jewelry for your peace of mind. Insuring high-value and rare personal jewelry is a very good idea. Keep in mind that homeowners and renter’s insurance policies usually offer coverage for jewelry theft, but not necessarily damage or loss. Carefully review your policy for personal jewelry.

We highly recommend working with insurance companies that specialize in insuring Jewelry and offer comprehensive repair or replacement coverage with protection against loss, theft, and damage.

Insuring your new purchase from Michael F & Company gives you the peace of mind to wear your jewelry without any worry, knowing it’s protected. We are here to help and guide you with your insurance decision as well, please do not hesitate to call and discuss it with your sales consultant.

What is a diamond?

A diamond (ancient Greek – adámas "unbreakable") is a re-arrangement of a solid form of element carbon atom called diamond cubic. Diamonds have the highest hardness of any mass substance material. On Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamonds are scored as 10 (the highest score possible). Most natural diamonds have ages between 1 Billion and 3.5 Billion years. Most were formed at depths between 150 and 250 kilometers (93 and 155 mi) in the Earth's mantle.

What are 4C's of Diamonds?

Up until the late 1930’s there was not a “standard” by which diamond quality could be evaluated and accepted internationally. Jewelers used terms such as “river” or “water” to describe diamonds that were the most colorless, and word “Cape” to describe pale yellow diamonds. A diamond’s cut was described as “made well” or “made poorly.” Then in the 1940s, Robert M. Shipley, the founder of GIA, coined the term 4Cs to help his students remember the four factors that characterize a faceted diamond: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. The concept was simple, but revolutionary. His successor, President Richard T. Liddicoat advanced his work and established the universally-utilized GIA D-to-Z Color Scale and GIA Clarity Scale Standard for the diamond industry.

The creation of the 4Cs of Diamond Quality Standard known as GIA International Diamond Grading System™. meant two very important things: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language, and diamond dealers and buyers could now know exactly what they are purchasing.

What are conflict-free diamonds?

Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds sourced from countries that fully participate in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme which unites administrations, civil societies, and industry in reducing the flow of conflict rough-diamonds used to finance civil conflicts, illegitimate establishments and wars against legitimate governments around the world.

What is a Laboratory-Grown diamond?

Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds. They respond to light in the same way and are just as hard as natural diamonds. The main differences between laboratory-grown and natural diamonds lie in their origin and time that takes manufacturing them. Think of it this way: laboratory-grown diamonds are like ice from your refrigerator, while natural diamonds are like ice from a glacier.

How are Laboratory-Grown diamonds identified?

Laboratory-grown diamonds require advanced scientific testing instruments to be identified with certainty. At laboratories like GIA, scientists and graders use these sophisticated instruments to analyze diamond strain patterns, trace element composition, inclusions, fluorescence, phosphorescence and more in order to separate laboratory-grown diamonds from natural. These scientific factors are different due to the vastly different formation conditions of laboratory-grown vs naturally mined diamonds.

What are the Noble Metals suitable for Fine Jewelry making?

A noble metal is regarded as a metallic chemical element that is generally resistant to corrosion and is found in nature in its raw form. Gold, platinum, and the other platinum group metals (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium) are most often so classified. These are considered precious metals and have been used in jewelry making and as currency (a store of value) for centuries. Gold and platinum metals also possess malleability, which makes them ideal choices for jewelry making.

Precious metals comparison usage in fine jewelry making

We only recommend and use gold and platinum for our fine jewelry making.

Gold has been used in the creation of jewelry since ancient times and has excellent properties and comes in a variety of colors and levels of purity suitable for jewelry making. Gold purity is measured in karats, and 100% pure gold is 24 karats. Pure gold is very soft and can’t withstand the natural wear and tear of everyday wear. Gold is usually mixed with other metals such as copper, nickel, silver and zinc which gives gold its durability and strength and desired color. Typically white gold needs rhodium-plating for a bright white surface finish. Even though this plating will wear off under daily usage, it can be easily reapplied.

• 14 karat (14K - 585) contains 58.5% pure gold
• 18 karat (18K - 750) contains 75% pure gold

Platinum is a very rare precious metal. It’s extremely dense, malleable chemical structure makes it a coveted option for high-end fine jewelry making. Also, natural grayish-white color and being naturally hypoallergenic make platinum unmatched precious metal for fine jewelry making. Platinum will not wear-out like gold instead; malleability of platinum will allow it to develop a fine patina over time. Platinum need only be mixed with the smallest amount of other platinum group metals that allows it to be molded, cast and shaped into a piece of fine jewelry. Platinum jewelry is either 90% or 95% pure platinum.

How to choose a diamond shape or cut?

The most exciting aspect of the engagement process is un-arguably and the most agonizing; deciding between diamond shapes. Choosing a diamond is a very personal decision. When shopping for a diamond engagement ring we highly recommend that you listen to your own inner voice and feelings.Trying different shapes of diamonds is an ideal way to get a sense of what you like on your hand.

Here are a few points regarding most popular diamond shapes and our input may guide you in the right direction:

Round diamond is undoubtedly the most timeless and popular diamond shape of all for centuries. Because of its spatial arrangement, mathematically perfected crown and pavilion angles and faceting, the round diamond is the most brilliant if cut and polished in excellent grade. Round shape will satisfy even the most picky customer and will go with almost any engagement ring styles which is perfect for whomever wants a traditional look that will last a lifetime.

A princess cut is square shaped diamond which is a modern take on a tradition and among the newest diamond cuts which offers a tremendous amount of brilliance.If you are looking for maximum sparkle in a modern and contemporary look, this is the diamond shape for you.

Emerald shape exudes elegance and refinement. The elongated shape and step-cut faceting is great for someone who wants to generate an under-stated sophisticated look. This shape is most suited for women who have discerning and classic taste and life-style.

Elongated Cushion Cut, Oval Shape, Pear & Marquise Shapes has delicate curved corners perfect for who is looking for a soft elegant look. Proper length-to-width ratio combined with excellent cut and polish will allow elongated shape diamonds optimizing carat weight giving the illusion of a larger appearance. These shaped diamonds always look the best for someone who has elongated fingers.

Radiant cut has a similar shape to an emerald shape; the radiant cut is shaped like an octagon. Unlike an emerald, however, the radiant is multi-faceted making it quite the dazzler. Women who like radiant cuts tend to be vibrant and outgoing. Radiant shape is great for those who love a lot of sparkle and flash!

Asscher cuts have an old world sophistication. Women who love antique looks and unique designs tend to gravitate more toward Asscher cuts for their retro look. Asscher cut diamonds have step-cut faceting just like Emerald shape making them understated and elegant.

Heart shaped diamond is a symbol of true love and undoubtedly the most romantic shape of all. A heart shaped diamond is a bold choice and definitely not an diamond engagement ring you see everyday.