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Stone necklaces are a popular choice for their natural beauty, meaning, and unique colors. Whether made from turquoise, jasper, rose quartz, or other polished stones, these necklaces can be everyday staples or special-occasion favorites. But like all jewelry, they can run into problems if worn often or stored carelessly. Small issues with the stones or the metal parts can grow into bigger problems if left unchecked.

Taking good care of a polished stone necklace doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take some awareness. Cracks, loose settings, and even tarnished chains are common issues many people deal with. Knowing what to look for and when to take action can help your necklace last and continue to look the way it did when you first bought it.

Cracked Or Chipped Stones

Accidents happen. Maybe your necklace hit the bathroom counter. Maybe it slipped out of your hand when getting dressed. Either way, polished stone necklaces aren’t immune to chips or cracks. Some stones, especially softer ones like howlite or opal, are more prone to breakage than harder stones like quartz or agate.

Chipping usually starts small. You might notice a rough edge or a tiny flake missing from the corner of a pendant. Cracks are often more difficult to spot at first. They can form on the surface or subtly run through the stone, only becoming visible when they catch the light just right. The pressure from daily use or even a small bump near the clasp or where the pendant attaches can be enough to start a crack.

Here’s what you can do if you suspect your stone is damaged:

Set the necklace aside and stop wearing it to avoid further harm.
Check the pendant closely under a bright light for signs of cracking or flaking.
Avoid touching the damaged area, as oils from your skin can seep into the break.
Reach out to a professional jeweler to assess the damage and recommend a repair.

Trying to wear a necklace with a cracked stone might seem fine at first, but the issue can spread. What starts as a small flaw can damage the entire piece, possibly causing the stone to fall out.

Tarnished Or Discolored Metals

It’s a common sight: that bright shine begins to fade and gets replaced by dull, gray, or even green tones. It might look like the stone is dull, but it’s usually the metal parts reacting to air, sweat, or lotions. Even with short wear times, the metal in your necklace can change color over time.

This often happens with silver or plated metals, which are popular in polished stone necklaces. Discoloration can begin where the clasp or settings touch the skin. At first, it may look like a smudge, but once metal tarnish sets in, it can be tough to clean without the right techniques.

To help prevent and manage tarnished metal:

Wipe down your necklace with a dry, soft cloth after every wear, particularly in warmer weather.
Store the necklace in a jewelry box or pouch to reduce exposure to air and moisture.
Keep away from products like perfumes and lotions while wearing the necklace.
Arrange for regular cleanings by a professional if it’s a frequently worn piece.

Some over-the-counter cleaners can do more harm than good. They can be too abrasive for the metal or the stone, leading to further damage. Routine wiping may seem too simple, but it can make a big difference in the necklace’s condition over time.

Broken Or Worn Necklace Strands

Ever picked up a necklace and felt something wasn’t quite right with the way it hung? That odd feeling might mean the strand is starting to wear out. Strands often weaken at the clasp and in between the stones or beads. Over time, the materials used to hold the stones can fray or stretch.

This can happen faster with necklaces made with older materials or natural fiber cords. Rough storage, frequent pulling over the head, or even being tossed into a crowded jewelry box can contribute to the damage.

Look out for these signs:

Stones shift around more than they used to.
The necklace hangs unevenly or has twists near the ends.
You see fraying or bent pieces near the clasp or between beads.

One customer wore her favorite polished stone necklace all day, every day. One afternoon at a yoga class, the strand finally gave out. The necklace scattered across the floor. Most of the pieces were recovered, but getting it restrung took longer than expected.

To avoid a surprise like that, have worn strands restrung by a professional. They’ll use updated, stronger materials and secure the piece so it will hold up better in the future.

Loose Or Missing Stones

Few things are worse than noticing a gap in your necklace where a stone used to be. What begins as a subtle shift in the stone’s setting can eventually cause it to fall out. Many times, you won’t even notice it’s loose until the stone is gone.

Loose or missing stones can result from wear, damage to the setting, or the necklace being caught on something. You might brush against furniture, tug clothes over your head, or just move around a bit too fast, and that’s all it takes.

Here’s what helps if you think a stone is loose or missing:

Check around each stone for movement or uneven gaps.
Gently press around each setting with clean hands. If anything moves, stop wearing it.
If a stone has fallen out, place the necklace in a soft pouch or box until it can be repaired.
Don’t continue wearing the necklace. Doing so risks loosening more stones.

Settings can loosen over time. Depending on how and where you wear your necklace, vibrations and motion can play a surprising role in this. Sometimes it’s from dancing, running, or just wearing it regularly while out and about. Getting the piece checked occasionally helps prevent permanent loss.

Scratched Surfaces On Polished Stones

Even harder stones are not immune to surface scratching. Just like a phone screen, polished stone finishes can begin to show signs of wear. This is especially common if several pieces are stored together without any protection between them.

Light scratches may not be noticeable right away, but they can dim the shine, make the surface cloudy, and affect how the stone catches the light. Deeper scratches can leave lasting marks.

Scratches often come from:

Rough storage with no fabric separating pieces.
Wearing the necklace with textured clothing.
Setting it down on hard surfaces or inside purses without a pouch.

To help reduce your chances of scratching the stone:

Store it in soft pouches or jewelry boxes lined with fabric.
Avoid wearing it during chores, sports, or while sleeping.
Keep polished stone jewelry on its own, not stacked with other items.
Take scratched pieces to be professionally polished when needed.

Avoid trying to buff stone scratches yourself. Some stones are sensitive to certain products and pressure. What seems like a light buffing could actually make it worse.

Professional Care For Stone Necklaces

Regular inspection by a jeweler makes a big difference. While you might spot major damage like a missing stone or broken strand, smaller issues are easy to overlook. Professional services catch these concerns before they become major repairs.

This is extra important if your necklace has sentimental value or is worn frequently. A jeweler can clean off dirt buildup, adjust weak findings, re-string fragile sections, or polish scratches without changing the original design.

Benefits of professional maintenance include:

Replacing weak or old fittings to keep the necklace secure.
Restoring shine to dull or cloudy stones with gentle tools.
Cleaning up tarnished metals for a brighter finish.
Keeping the full necklace strong with strand and setting inspections.

Trusting a professional to maintain your polished stone necklace saves time and provides peace of mind. What may seem like a tiny issue now can turn into a bigger problem fast. Regular check-ins help keep valuable pieces wearable for a long time.

Keep Your Necklace Stunning And Secure

Polished stone necklaces are more than accessories. Many pieces are worn for personal meaning, special occasions, or passed down through generations. Their beauty is part of their charm, but they need care to keep shining.

Recognizing issues like worn strands, loose stones, or clouded surfaces early helps protect the piece. Handling problems right away and having ongoing care keeps the necklace both beautiful and secure.

Watch for signs like dull shine, loose clasps, or shifting stones. These little clues mean it’s time to get some help. By relying on skilled repairs and regular upkeep, you can keep your polished stone necklace looking great for years to come.

For those looking to maintain the elegance and longevity of their necklaces, professional help can make a significant difference. Restore and extend the life of your favorite accessory by letting Fixology handle your polished stone necklace with expert care and attention.