Jewelry care guide
JEWELLERY CARE GUIDE
Jewellery is more than just an accessory—it is a reflection of your personal style and often carries sentimental or financial value. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your cherished pieces retain their brilliance and durability for years to come. Follow our expert tips to keep your jewellery looking as stunning as the day you bought it.
General Care
Jewellery should be handled with care to avoid scratches, wear, or damage. Regular professional check-ups can help maintain its condition and ensure that stones and clasps remain secure. Here are some essential tips to follow:
- Remove jewellery before engaging in activities that may cause damage, such as sports, gardening, or housework.
- Avoid wearing jewellery to bed, as it can get tangled or bent.
- Keep jewellery away from chemicals, especially chlorine, which can weaken metals and dull gemstones.
- Apply lotions, perfumes, and hair products before putting on jewellery, as certain chemicals can tarnish metals and damage delicate stones.
- Store jewellery separately in a soft-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches and tangling.
- Ensure chains and necklaces are fastened when stored to avoid knots and breakage.
- Remove jewellery while cooking, cleaning, and washing dishes to prevent exposure to heat, grease, or harsh cleaning agents.
- Store your jewellery in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent tarnishing and discoloration.
Cleaning Silver Jewellery
Silver jewellery naturally tarnishes over time due to exposure to air and moisture. While tarnishing is unavoidable, it can be easily removed with proper cleaning.
Preventing Tarnish:
- Wearing silver jewellery regularly helps slow down tarnishing.
- Store silver pieces in airtight bags to reduce exposure to air and humidity.
- Remove silver jewellery before washing hands to avoid soap residue buildup.
Cleaning Silver Jewellery:
- Use a soft silver cleaning cloth infused with anti-tarnish agents to restore shine.
- Soak jewellery in warm water with mild dish soap, then gently scrub with a soft brush.
- For stubborn tarnish, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, soak a toothbrush in the solution, and gently brush the jewellery.
- Rinse with clean water and let air dry before storing.
Caring for Gold-Plated Jewellery
Gold-plated jewellery requires special care to maintain its luster and prevent the plating from wearing off.
- Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, and chemicals.
- Store gold-plated jewellery separately in soft pouches to prevent scratching.
- Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the surface after each wear.
- Never use harsh cleaning agents, toothpaste, or abrasive materials, as they can wear down the plating.
- If the plating begins to fade, consider professional re-plating to restore its shine.
Stone-Set Jewellery Care
Gemstones require extra care to maintain their brilliance and ensure they remain securely set.
- Avoid impact or sudden temperature changes that can cause stones to crack or loosen.
- Clean gemstone jewellery using a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Check for loose settings regularly to avoid losing stones.
- Keep gemstone jewellery away from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
Ultrasonic Cleaning – Proceed with Caution
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt from jewellery. While effective, they are not suitable for all types of jewellery.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for soft or porous stones such as pearls, opals, emeralds, and turquoise.
- Treated gemstones may be affected by ultrasonic waves, so always consult a jeweller before using this method.
- If unsure, opt for a gentle hand-cleaning approach using a mild detergent and a soft brush.
Proper Jewellery Storage
How you store your jewellery plays a crucial role in preserving its condition and longevity.
- Always clean jewellery before storing to remove dirt and oils.
- Use jewellery boxes with individual compartments or soft pouches to prevent scratching and tangling.
- Keep diamonds and hard gemstones separate from softer stones like pearls and opals to avoid damage.
- Airtight zip-lock bags made from Mylar or polyethylene are ideal for long-term storage, as they reduce exposure to air and humidity.
- Keep jewellery away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and damp environments.
By following these care tips, your jewellery will maintain its beauty and shine for years to come. If you have any concerns about your pieces, consult a professional jeweller to ensure they remain in pristine condition. Proper jewellery care is an investment in preserving both the sentimental and monetary value of your collection.