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Jewellery Care
Our jewellery is made to last, whether it's a simple silver ring or an ornate gold and gemstone piece. However all jewellery gets a little bit dirty and dusty over time when it's worn and loved so here are a few tips to keep your pieces in pristine and sparkling condition. If in any doubt about how best to clean a piece, or if you need a complete clean or refurbishment, it is always best to visit a professional jeweller.
Silver Jewellery
Silver naturally tarnishes over time to a darkened antique patina which can add character to your jewellery pieces. Cleaning with a mild dish soap and warm water, followed by a light polish to the raised areas with a soft cloth or silver cloth will bring back the shine and create a lovely contrast with the darkened recessed areas. Alternatively for a slightly deeper clean mix three parts baking soda to one part water and gently work it into the tarnished areas with a soft baby toothbrush and rinse clean.
Gold Jewellery
Pure gold does not tarnish but gold jewellery is generally an alloy of gold and other metals to add strength and may tarnish to some extent. Cleaning with warm water and mild dish soap will remove dirt residues from recessed areas followed by a buff with a soft cloth.
Always avoid using abrasive cloths or brushes for cleaning jewellery. It is also advisable to steer clear of perfumed and dyed soaps as these may stain the metals. Chlorine can also damage or discolour both precious metals and gems so it's a good idea to take off your jewellery before taking a dip! Likewise when using household cleaners, it's advisable to take off your rings or wear gloves.
Gemstone Care
Most gemstones are naturally hardy and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. However even diamonds can split if subjected to a sharp knock so it's always a good idea to remove gemstone jewellery if it's likely to be exposed to harsh chemicals or rough treatment. Usually cleaning with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth is safe.
Some things to always avoid regardless of the type of stone
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Bleach, chlorine or other harsh household chemicals
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Excessive heat, cold or rapid temperature changes (thermal shock)
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Harsh abrasion or physical impacts
A few special cases
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Amber is particularly soft and can easily be scratched, also very sensitive to flame
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Coral is brittle and also particularly sensitive to flame and heat. Avoid any form of detergents if possible when cleaning
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Opal, Australian and Mexican. These tend to be fairly tough but are softer than most stones and susceptible to thermal shock. Should be worn occasionally and not stored in very low humidity for too long.
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Opal, Ethiopian. Susceptible to scratches and thermal shock. These are also 'hydrophane' which means they are porous enough to absorb liquids readily and consequently can dramatically change colour and opacity when exposed to water or other liquids. In the case of water the opal will usually return to its previous colour after a few days but fully submerging is unadvisable. Other chemicals can easily permanently damage the stone
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Pearls are also a relatively soft material. They can be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap but care should be taken not to fully submerge and to ensure the pearls are fully dried (including in the drill holes) afterwards to avoid water stains.
Storing Jewellery
To keep your jewellery looking its best it is a good idea to store items individually so they can't scratch one another. A closed box with a soft lining or material insert is ideal as it also keeps the jewellery out of sunlight which can affect gemstones over time.