Jewellery Care

Jewellery Care Made Simple

Jewellery is often valuable and has special meaning. To keep it looking beautiful for years, it's important to take good care of it. Whether it's a diamond ring, a pearl necklace, or a gold bracelet, follow these tips to keep it in top condition.

General Care Tips

  • Take jewellery off during any rough activity (cleaning, exercising, gardening, etc.).
  • Don’t wear it to bed.
  • Keep it away from chemicals like chlorine or bleach. 
  • Put on perfume, lotion, or makeup before wearing jewellery.
  • Store each piece separately in a soft box to avoid scratching or tangling.
  • Keep necklaces fastened in storage to stop them from knotting.
  • Don’t wear jewellery when cooking, cleaning, or washing dishes.
  • Store it in a dry, cool place—away from heat and sunlight.

Regular Check-Ups 

Take your jewellery to a professional jeweller now and then to check for damage or wear. They can also help with repairs and valuations (for insurance).

Things to watch out for:

  • Loose stones or clasps
  • Scratched or worn metal
  • Fraying pearl threads
  • Dull or chipped gemstones
  • Rings that don’t fit properly
  • Damaged hinges or links

Cleaning Gemstones

  • Gemstones can lose their sparkle over time. Clean them gently:
  • Most stones can be cleaned with warm water, a drop of washing-up liquid, and a soft toothbrush.
  • Avoid harsh brushes or very hot water.
  • Some stones (like emeralds) can be damaged by steam or ultrasonic cleaning.
  • Use cool water for delicate stones like malachite.

Cleaning Diamonds

  • Diamonds are strong but still need care:
  • They can still get scratched by other diamonds or metals.
  • Keep them separate from other jewellery.
  • Soak in warm water with mild soap, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
  • Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  • Avoid bleach or strong cleaners—they can damage the metal setting.

Cleaning Pearls, Opals & Other Organic Gems

  • These are much softer and more delicate than regular gemstones:
  • Don’t soak them in water.
  • Use a damp soft cloth to gently wipe each stone.
  • Don’t pull the string—this can damage it.
  • Let them air dry and never use a hairdryer or steam cleaner.

Cleaning Gold

  • Gold can quickly look dull from dirt or fingerprints. Here’s how to clean it safely:
  • Use warm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid.
  • Soak for 10 minutes.
  • Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
  • Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
  • Be careful if the jewellery has gemstones—check our gemstone guide above.

Cleaning Silver

Silver tarnishes (turns dull or black) over time when exposed to air.

To slow down tarnishing:

  • Store silver in airtight bags.
  • Avoid humid places.
  • Remove rings when washing hands.

To clean silver:

  • Use a silver polishing cloth or cleaner.
  • Or soak it in warm water with washing-up liquid, scrub gently, rinse and dry.
  • For tough tarnish, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Use a toothbrush to clean, then rinse and dry.

Final Tip:

If you're ever unsure how to clean or care for a piece of jewellery, take it to a professional jeweller for advice.