Jewellery, whether it's a treasured family heirloom or a recent addition to your collection, deserves thoughtful care. Proper jewellery maintenance not only keeps your pieces sparkling, but also preserves their condition for generations to come.
What to Avoid When Wearing Jewellery
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Keep your jewellery away from household cleaners, bleach, and abrasive chemicals. If you must handle these substances whilst wearing jewellery make sure to wear rubber gloves.
- Don’t garden or do manual work while wearing jewellery: Physical activity can loosen stones or cause scratches to rings.
- Leave fine jewellery at home when travelling: Travel can increase the chances of misplacing or damaging delicate pieces, so it's often best to keep them safely stored at home.
- Remove rings before swimming: Cold water can shrink fingers, causing rings to slip off, while chlorine and saltwater can damage metals and stones.
Jewellery Care Tips for Daily Wear
- Store jewellery in a soft, lined box or separate pouches to avoid scratching.
- Put on jewellery after applying perfume, lotion, hairspray, or makeup.
- Wipe pieces regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth to maintain their shine.
- Avoid dropping or knocking your jewellery.
- For deeply tarnished pieces, take them to a professional jeweller for machine polishing.
Caring for Specific Materials
Platinum
- Hardwearing and suitable for daily wear, but can still scratch over time.
- Clean using mild soap, warm water, and a soft toothbrush.
- May develop a natural patina, which can be polished off if desired.
Gold
- Is the only precious metal that doesn’t tarnish. However care does need to be taken to avoid scratching it.
- Avoid exposer to chlorine, making sure not to wear jewellery in the pool.
- Use a soft cloth to clean and maintain the finish.
Pearls
- Pearls are more delicate than other materials therefore they should be store separately from other jewellery.
- Put pearls on last when getting ready, and wipe gently after wearing with a soft clean cloth.
- Avoid chemical exposure; never use harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines or spray perfume when wearing pearls.
- If wearing a pearl necklace everyday, it may require restring overtime to ensure the pearls remain secure.
Diamonds
- Although very hard, diamonds can be chipped or scratched by other diamonds, so make sure to store the individually.
- Clean with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush (a babies toothbrush is perfect for this)
- Dry using a clean, lint-free cloth.
Other Gemstones
For most other gemstones clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth making to sure to avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
Softer stones such as opals and pearls should be stored and worn with extra care, avoiding daily wear.
Stones such as amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, and turquoise should be stored away from direct sunlight.
Expert Jewellery Care and Cleaning Services in Central London
Whether you're caring for a modern diamond ring or an antique necklace, regular cleaning, thoughtful storage, and gentle handling all contribute to the longevity and beauty of your collection.
If you need professional advice or jewellery cleaning services, feel free to contact our team or visit us at our Central London showroom located in Hatton Garden.