Jewellery Care

General Care

In most of our jewellery platinum or 18ct. gold is used, both soft metals because of their purity. To ensure no discolouration happens make sure all hairspray, perfume, and make up has dried before putting on your jewellery. The Golden Rule: last to go on, first to come off. We suggest looking over your jewellery periodically to ensure all the stones and claws (bits of metal holding the stone in) are secure, for jewellery you wear every day this may be once every 3-6 months, and jewellery worn less often once every year. Remember, it is much easier to tighten a loose stone than to replace a lost one! For any queries please Contact Us.

Rings

Rings are often the pieces of jewellery that see the most wear and impact. To ensure your rings are well cared for we suggest taking them off for any intense physical activity, cleaning with harsh chemicals like bleach, or any activity where your hands are the main focus (such as gardening). Rings classified as Cocktail Rings are often not suitable for every day wear, and only for special occasions. Some stones are not suitable for contact with water or soap, see ‘Pearls and Porous Stones’ further down for more information.

Eternity rings have stones set all the way around and are susceptible to damage on all sides. The setting and the stones can both be damaged by sharp impacts and therefore should be checked over periodically for any damage. If in doubt, take your rings off before embarking on the activity.

Other Jewellery

Bracelets: Should be checked over for any loose stones or claws, especially if worn every day. Make sure the clasp is tight and any safety clips work properly.
Earrings: Backs should be tight and secure. Butterflies are the most common earring backs, and can be tightened by squeezing the two loops together. For fish hook earrings we suggest purchasing a rubber backing to ensure the earring does not fall out.
Necklaces: Necklaces and pendants often become discoloured from contact with hairspray and perfume. Discolouration is permanent and cannot be undone. Take off any necklaces or pendants before applying perfume or hairspray to avoid damage.
Brooches: Often see the least impact, but ensure the fastening is secure and any safety clips are properly in place.

Antique Jewellery

Antique jewellery often needs more care because of its age. Georgian pieces with foil back stones for example should never be submerged in water. Any enamel should also avoid water and only ever be cleaned with a soft cloth. If you have any questions for how to care for your antique piece please feel free to Contact Us.

Gemstone Jewellery

Diamonds: The hardest wearing and most resilient of all gemstones and can be found in every kind of jewellery from rings and earrings to bracelets and brooches. Diamonds can withstand everyday activities, however, we do suggest taking off your diamonds for swimming and the gym (especially handling heavy weights made of stainless steel). Diamonds can fracture if impacted in the wrong place, so please take care when participating in any physical activities that could cause this.

To keep your diamonds sparkling place them in a bowl of warm water with some Fairy Liquid, use a soft toothbrush to scrub off any grease or dirt, making sure to get underneath the stone. Pat dry with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed.

Gemstones: While gems are some of the hardest minerals on earth, they need some care to keep looking their best. Some stones are more brittle or susceptible to scratching than others and larger stones in particular should be worn and stored with care. For more details on specific stones please see our Gemstone Guide.

Most gemstones can be cleaned with warm water, Fairy Liquid, and a soft toothbrush. Gently scrub the jewellery and pat dry with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed.

Pearls & Porous Stones: Some stones cannot withstand any water, and will even absorb chemicals from creams, soaps, and perfume if exposed to them. These stones include Pearls, Opals, Turquoise, Amber, Lapis Lazuli, and Coral. To keep jewellery with porous stones clean wipe them softly with a lint free soft cloth. For more details of individual stones see our Gemstone Guide.

Pearl necklaces should be restrung every one to four years, if the silk between the pearls is still bright and clean they probably do not need to be restrung.