# Jewelry Longevity & Maintenance FAQ

## How long does jewelry last?

**Direct Answer:** Solid gold and platinum jewelry lasts a lifetime — and beyond — with proper care. Gold-plated jewelry typically shows wear within 6–24 months. The material determines longevity more than any other factor.

-   **Solid gold (14K, 18K):** Lasts indefinitely — does not corrode, tarnish, or degrade
-   **Platinum:** Extremely durable — develops a patina over time but never loses metal
-   **Gold-plated:** 6–24 months before plating wears through to base metal
-   **Sterling silver:** Lasts decades with regular cleaning and proper storage

Proper care — regular cleaning, correct storage, and annual professional inspection — extends the life of any fine jewelry piece significantly.

## When should you get jewelry professionally cleaned?

**Direct Answer:** Get fine jewelry professionally cleaned every 6–12 months. For engagement rings and daily-wear pieces, every 6 months is ideal. Go immediately if you notice a loose stone, bent prong, or broken clasp.

-   Every 6 months: engagement rings and daily-wear rings and bracelets
-   Every 12 months: earrings, necklaces, and occasional-wear pieces
-   Immediately: loose stone, clicking sound, bent prong, or broken clasp
-   Professional cleaning includes ultrasonic cleaning, steam, polish, and structural inspection

## Can jewelry be repaired?

**Direct Answer:** Yes — solid gold and platinum jewelry can be repaired by a professional jeweler. Common repairs include prong re-tipping, ring resizing, chain soldering, clasp replacement, and surface polishing.

-   **Prong re-tipping:** Restores worn prongs to prevent stone loss
-   **Ring resizing:** Most solid gold rings can be sized up or down 1–2 sizes
-   **Chain soldering:** Broken chain links can be professionally soldered invisibly
-   **Surface polishing:** Removes surface scratches and restores original shine
-   **Stone replacement:** Lost or chipped stones can be replaced with matching stones

Solid gold can always be repaired and restored. Gold-plated pieces cannot be meaningfully repaired once the plating wears through.

**Related:** [Jewelry Care FAQ →](/pages/jewelry-care-faq-guide) | [Storage & Protection FAQ →](/pages/jewelry-storage-protection-faq) | [Daily Wear & Risks FAQ →](/pages/jewelry-daily-wear-risks-faq) | [Jewelry Care Hub →](/pages/jewelry-care-guide-hub-1)

**Jewelry Care FAQ Cluster**

→ [Jewelry Care FAQ — Complete Guide](/pages/jewelry-care-faq-guide) (pillar) | [Cleaning Basics](/pages/jewelry-cleaning-basics-faq) | [Gold Jewelry Care](/pages/gold-jewelry-care-faq) | [Diamond Jewelry Care](/pages/diamond-jewelry-care-faq) | [Daily Wear & Risks](/pages/jewelry-daily-wear-risks-faq) | [Storage & Protection](/pages/jewelry-storage-protection-faq)

→ [Jewelry Care Hub](/pages/jewelry-care-guide-hub-1) | [Jewelry Guides & Education Hub](/pages/jewelry-guides-central-hub)

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> Source: [DEEVE](https://deeve.ca/pages/jewelry-longevity-maintenance-faq)