Your jewellery is an investment and deserves a little TLC - not only to keep it looking beautiful, but also to avoid preventable damage. Dust and dirt from everyday wear can leave your pieces looking flat and can even scratch some gemstones.
Loss and damage can be a nightmare, but never fear! Here’s our list of top 5 simple steps to keep the sparkle in your jewellery collection:
- Clean regularly with a soft bristle toothbrush in a bowl or other container using a gentle (ideally plant based) dishwashing liquid mixed with hot water. Avoid using harsh ammonia based jewellery cleaners as they’re not the best for the environment and may not be the best for your pieces either! Ultrasonic cleaners can be great for removing hard to reach grime, just avoid using on soft or porous gemstones. A bamboo skewer or toothpick is also a great tool to get into those hard to reach places! To dry, use a soft lint free cotton cloth or air dry and then gently wipe off with an impregnated jewellery polishing cloth (optional) if you want to bring back more shine.
- Store your jewels in a lined jewellery box or smooth tray (for example ceramic, leather or plastic) when not in use. Leave space between each piece to avoid abrasion - especially with diamonds, as they can scratch each other. When on the go or travelling, use a travel case if you’re taking a few pieces with you. This will protect your precious pieces and reduce the chance of leaving them on that hotel nightstand.
- Rings with gemstones set into them should be checked from time to time by an experienced bench jeweller. Stones can move in their settings and the metal around settings can become worn over time. Tightening settings and re-tipping or replacing claws (prongs) is a routine job for a jeweller and might just save you the heartache of losing a stone if it falls out!
- If damage happens or you need a resize, don’t panic - take your piece to an experienced bench jeweller, not a shopping centre (mall) chain jewellery store or multi-service kiosk. Chain jewellery stores rarely have a bench jeweller on staff and will send out the work to someone else. Not only will they charge you more, but the quality of the work may not be the best. Instead, look for an independent jeweller in your community who has been there for a long time and advertises that they do repairs and custom work (a manufacturing jeweller rather than a retail jeweller). When it comes to jewellery repair, experience matters and there’s a big difference between good quality repairs and just getting the job done. We’ve seen some beautiful antique pieces that have been ruined by a sloppy repair or resize, yikes!
- Some stones are more suitable for everyday wear than others. Diamonds and corundum (sapphires and rubies) are good choices. Opal and emerald are beautiful, but most suited to lighter or occasional wear.