How care my jewellery?
Taking care of your jewellery ensures that it remains as stunning as the day you acquired it. Whether you’re wearing a cherished heirloom or a recent purchase, these guidelines will help you maintain its beauty and longevity:
Regular Professional Checks:
Have a professional examine your jewellery periodically for signs of wear or damage.
If you’re unsure about its condition, consult us we take pride in helping you preserve your pieces.
Wear Mindfully:
Remove your jewellery during activities that could scratch, knock, or damage it.
When in doubt, take it off and keep it safe.
Avoid wearing jewellery to bed.
Chemical Awareness:
Keep your jewellery away from chemicals, especially chlorine.
If it comes into contact with chemicals, rinse it immediately with water.
Preventative Measures:
Bathe and apply lotions or perfumes before putting on your jewellery.
Organic gemstones like pearls and opals are sensitive to acids, including perspiration.
Store pieces separately in soft-lined boxes or cases to prevent tangling, rubbing, or scratching.
Pearls, in particular, should be kept separate from hard gemstones to avoid scratches.
Fasten Chains and Necklaces:
When storing, ensure that chains and necklaces are securely fastened to prevent tangling.
Remove While Cooking and Cleaning:
Take off your jewellery while cooking, cleaning, and washing up.
Storage Conditions:
Store jewellery away from sunlight, excessive heat, and damp conditions.
Gemstone Cleaning
Gemstones deserve special attention to maintain their sparkle and colour. Follow these tips for effective gemstone cleaning:
Know Your Gemstone:
Different gemstones require specific care. Consult us if you’re unsure.
Treatments used to enhance gemstone appearance can react negatively with cleaning products.
Gentle Cleaning:
Use warm water (not hot or boiling) to clean gemstones.
Aggressive cleaning can weaken gemstone structures, especially inclusions.
Emeralds and other oiled gemstones are sensitive to mechanical cleaning methods.
Simple Cleaning Solution:
For most coloured gemstones, warm water, a few drops of mild washing-up liquid, and a soft brush are sufficient.
Avoid hard, rigid brushes; opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Malachite Care:
Clean malachite with cool water, as it is heat-sensitive.
Diamond Cleaning
Despite their hardness, diamonds need care:
- Handle them carefully to prevent scratches.
- Store diamonds separately to avoid damage.
- Regularly clean diamonds in warm water with a degreasing solution.
- Gently brush with a soft, clean toothbrush and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Be cautious with the stone’s setting to avoid damage to the precious metal.
Remember, proper care ensures that your jewellery remains radiant and cherished for years to come.
Organic Gems (Pearls, Coral, and Amber)
Organic gems require special care due to their unique properties. Follow these guidelines to keep your organic gemstone jewellery in excellent condition:
Avoid Submerging: Do not immerse these gemstones in water.
Gentle Cleaning: Wet a soft cloth with warm water and gently rub each stone individually. Avoid pulling the stones through the cloth to prevent stretching or damage.
Drying: Use a lint-free cloth to dry the gemstones. Excess moisture can cause discoloration.
No Heat: Avoid using a hairdryer, as heat can harm the stones.
Avoid Steam or Ultrasonic Cleaning: These methods can irreversibly damage organic gems.
Gold Jewellery
Gold jewellery can lose its shine over time. Follow these steps to restore its brilliance:
Cleaning Solution:
Use a mild degreasing solution (e.g., washing-up liquid) in lukewarm water.
Soak the jewellery for ten minutes to loosen dirt.
Gently clean with a soft-bristled brush (e.g., an unused toothbrush).
Pay attention to hard-to-reach places, especially fragile parts (e.g., stone settings).
Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
Dry gently with a lint-free cloth or air dry.
Gold’s Softness:
Remember that gold is a soft metal prone to scratching. Handle it gently during cleaning and drying.
Silver Jewellery
Silver tarnishes over time, but it can be easily cleaned. Follow these steps to maintain your silver jewellery
Tarnish Prevention:
Wear your silver jewellery regularly to slow down tarnishing.
Remove silver rings and bracelets when washing hands to prevent residue buildup.
Store silver pieces in separate airtight bags and avoid humid environments.
Cleaning Silver:
Use a specialist silver cleaning solution or cloth infused with anti-tarnishing agents.
If you don’t have specialized cleaners, follow the steps mentioned earlier.
Remember that proper care ensures your jewellery remains radiant and cherished for years to come.
Photo by Tahlia Doyle