jewellery care

All jewellery is made to a high standard, but with all fine jewellery general wear and tear is common and almost unavoidable because precious metals are much softer than many other everyday objects. Diamonds & Gemstones are hard, but they can be broken, chipped, scratched or lost if not cared for correctly. 

Surface finishes such as rhodium plating, polishing, satin or matt finishes are subject to wearing off and become duller. It’s difficult to determine how long a finish will last on a certain item as is depends on how you wear the piece. If you would like the finish re-applied please contact me to arrange for this to be completed. 

With some care and consideration when wearing your beloved jewellery it can remain in a good condition for a very long time.

General care advice:

  • Take your jewellery off and store safely when involved in activities that could knock, damage, scratch or cause repetitive damage to your jewellery such as sports, gardening, washing dishes, physical jobs etc.
  • Remove your rings before heading to the gym as weight bars especially can misshapen rings and can severely mark the metal.
  • It’s best to store your jewellery pieces in a way that they don’t tangle, rub or scratch against each other.
  • Apply any lotions or perfume before putting on your jewellery, particularly for stones such as opals and pearls.
  • Keep jewellery away from chemicals, especially chlorine and bleach. Rinse very well if your jewellery does come into contact with chemicals.

Cleaning advice:

  • Soak your Gemstone jewellery in warm soapy water (a little squirt of dishwashing liquid is enough). Using a soft toothbrush gently clean under and around any stone settings and grooves. Rinse in warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
  • Gently rub jewellery with a jewellery polishing cloth to enhance the metal shine.
  • I don’t advise using silver dip on your silver. jewellery, but if you do then a very quick dip in the solution should be sufficient and ensure its rinsed very well. Do not put gemstones into silver dip. I find regularly wearing your silver jewellery actually keeps it from tarnishing. 
  • Wipe pearls with a soft damp cloth after wearing to remove perfume, hairspray and anything else likely to damage them.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners on jewellery.

Things to look out for on your jewellery:

  • Notice if the claws holding your stones start catching on clothing, are worn, damaged or missing.
  • Stones that seem loose in their setting
  • Clasps that have lost their spring or don’t close correctly.
  • Any visible fractures in the metal or stone.
  • Pearl threads that look frayed.

If your jewellery looks like it needs some extra Jeweller’s attention then please contact me to arrange a time to bring it in as I want to ensure your jewellery lasts a long time and looks its best. If any other work (not covered by warranty) is recommended or if you would like a full polish and plate, there may be a small fee discussed and charged. Any postage is also the responsibility of the customer. Please contact me before posting any items.