Caring for Your Jewellery

Keep Your Jewellery Looking Its Best

A little care will help protect your jewellery and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Different metals, gemstones and natural materials require different treatment, so I have brought together my advice below.

Cleaning Gemstones at Home

Soap, hand cream and everyday dirt can collect behind gemstones, particularly diamonds, and make them appear dull.

Many gemstone pieces can be gently cleaned using a soft toothbrush, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid and warm water. Take particular care around claw settings, as toothbrush bristles can sometimes catch.

Home cleaning will remove surface dirt but will not restore the finish achieved by professional polishing. A specialist jewellery polishing cloth, such as a Town Talk cloth, can help brighten suitable metal surfaces between professional cleans.

Pearls, Opals, Amber & Coral

Pearls, opals, amber and coral are delicate materials that require a little extra care. Some can be porous or sensitive to moisture, chemicals and sudden changes in temperature.

Remove jewellery containing these materials before washing your hands, showering or bathing. Avoid exposing them to household cleaning products, cosmetics and perfume.

To clean them, gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry cotton cloth. Do not soak them or use commercial silver-cleaning solutions.

Caring for Silver

A specialist silver polishing cloth can be used to gently remove light tarnishing and restore the shine to suitable silver surfaces.

Silver-cleaning dips should be used with care and only according to the instructions on the container. They are not suitable for pieces containing pearls, opals, amber or coral. If you are unsure whether a product is suitable for your jewellery, please contact me before using it.

Perfume, Cosmetics & Everyday Products

Apply perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and other cosmetics before putting on your jewellery. Allow products to dry fully so that wet chemicals do not come into direct contact with the metal, gemstones or pearls.

Exercise, Swimming & Practical Activities

I recommend removing your jewellery before going to the gym or taking part in physical activities. Contact with equipment and other hard surfaces can scratch, distort or seriously damage a piece.

Jewellery should also be removed before swimming in a pool or the sea. Rings can become loose as your hands respond to changes in temperature, while chlorine and other pool chemicals can accelerate tarnishing and affect some metals and delicate materials.

Storing Your Jewellery

Avoid keeping all your jewellery together in one bag or compartment, as pieces can rub against one another and cause scratches or damage.

Store pieces separately in their original boxes, soft pouches or individual compartments. Keep chains apart to prevent them from becoming tangled.

Unsure How to Care for a Piece?

If you have a question about cleaning, storing or caring for your jewellery, please get in touch before trying a new cleaning product or method.