Caring for Your Jewellery

Jewellery, whether it's a family heirloom or a new purchase, holds a special place in our hearts. Proper care and maintenance can ensure that these precious items retain their beauty and last for generations. Here are some tips on how to care for your jewellery.

Sensible Wearing

Jewellery is most often just metal and stone. As such the usual forces of physics apply. You should aim to avoid bumping, scratching and rubbing pieces against one another. Excessive weight and force can damage jewellery, causing it to scratch, chip or wear unnecessarily.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning helps to maintain the shine and brilliance of your jewellery and helps to prevent the buildup of dirt, oils, and other substances that can dull the sparkle of your jewellery. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your pieces gently. For a deeper clean, use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Certain gemstones may require specific cleaning methods, if unsure it's best to consult a professional or do some research before cleaning.

Safe Storage

Store each piece of jewellery separately to prevent scratches caused by pieces rubbing against each other (especially diamonds). Use a fabric-lined jewellery box with compartments, or wrap each piece in a soft cloth if a jewellery box is not available.

Avoid Harmful Substances

Exposure to chemicals can damage or discolour precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, and may harm some coloured gems. Remove your jewellery before using household cleaners. Even everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, perfume, or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will damage the surface of pearls and other delicate or porous gems.

Professional Check-ups

Just like you would have a car serviced, take your jewellery for professional check-ups. Jewellers can often detect and fix problems like loose claws or clasps before you lose a stone or suffer other damage.

Climate Control

Extreme temperatures and humidity can adversely affect the condition of your jewellery. Store your pieces in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, moisture, and fluctuations in temperature to preserve their quality, especially in instances where jewellery is not being worn for extended periods of time..

Insure Your Jewellery

For peace of mind, insure your valuable pieces. An insurance policy that covers theft, loss, or damage will ensure that you can repair or replace your jewellery if something happens.

In conclusion, taking care of your jewellery involves regular cleaning, safe storage, avoiding harmful substances, professional check-ups, and insurance. With these steps, you can keep your jewellery looking as stunning as the day you got it. Remember, jewellery is meant to be enjoyed, so wear it, love it, and take care of it.