Jewellery Care Guide

How to Care for Your Jewellery

Proper care will help your jewellery maintain its beauty and lustre for years to come. Follow these guidelines for silver, silver plated, gold, and natural semi-precious stone pieces.

Silver Jewellery Care

Daily Care:

• Remove silver jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising
• Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning products
• Put your jewellery on last when getting ready and take it off first when undressing

Cleaning:

• Gently clean with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt
• For deeper cleaning, use warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
• Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots
• Use a silver polishing cloth to restore shine when tarnishing occurs

Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep pieces in individual soft pouches or lined jewellery boxes to prevent scratching
• Consider using anti-tarnish strips in your storage area
• Avoid storing in bathrooms where humidity can accelerate tarnishing

Silver Plated Jewellery Care

Daily Care:

• Handle with extra care as the plating layer is delicate
• Remove before any water exposure, including hand washing
• Keep away from chemicals, perfumes, and cosmetics

Cleaning:

• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing
• If needed, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap, then dry immediately
• Never use abrasive cleaners or polishing cloths, as these can wear away the plating
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals

Storage:

• Store separately in soft pouches to prevent scratching
• Keep in a dry environment to prevent tarnishing
• Avoid stacking or tangling with other pieces

Gold Jewellery Care

Daily Care:

• Remove gold jewellery during heavy physical activities or household chores
• Avoid exposure to chlorine, bleach, and other harsh chemicals
• Take off jewellery before applying lotions, perfumes, or makeup

Cleaning:

• Clean regularly with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap
• Use a soft-bristled brush (like a baby toothbrush) for intricate details
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
• For extra shine, buff gently with a jewellery polishing cloth
• Professional cleaning once or twice a year is recommended

Storage:

• Store in a fabric-lined jewellery box or soft pouch
• Keep pieces separated to prevent scratching
• Gold is relatively soft, so avoid contact with harder metals

Natural Semi-Precious Stone Care

Daily Care:

• Remove stone jewellery before bathing, swimming, or doing household chores
• Avoid exposing stones to extreme temperature changes
• Keep away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, hairspray, and cosmetics
• Remove before exercising or engaging in physical activities
• Be mindful that many semi-precious stones are porous and can absorb liquids and oils

Cleaning:

• Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth after each wear
• For most stones, use lukewarm water with a tiny amount of mild soap
• Never soak porous stones (such as turquoise, opal, or pearl) in water
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, which can damage delicate stones
• Pat dry immediately with a soft cloth - never air dry
• Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, or jewellery dips

Storage:

• Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined compartment
• Keep away from direct sunlight, which can fade some stones
• Store in a cool, dry place with stable temperature
• Avoid storing in airtight containers, as some stones need to "breathe"
• Keep harder stones away from softer ones to prevent scratching

Special Considerations for Common Stones:

• Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz: Avoid prolonged sun exposure as colours may fade
• Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli: Very porous - avoid all liquids and chemicals
• Opal: Contains water and can crack if dried out; store with a damp cotton ball nearby
• Moonstone, Labradorite: Relatively soft; handle with care to avoid scratches
• Garnet, Peridot: More durable but still avoid harsh impacts

General Tips for All Jewellery

• Have your jewellery professionally inspected annually to check for loose stones or worn prongs
• Remove jewellery before sleeping to prevent damage
• Apply the "last on, first off" rule - put jewellery on after getting dressed and remove it first when undressing
• Keep jewellery away from extreme temperatures
• If a piece becomes damaged, have it repaired promptly to prevent further deterioration

With proper care and attention, your jewellery will remain beautiful and treasured for generations to come.