Looking after and cleaning your jewelry is essential to preserve its beauty, value, and longevity. Over time, everyday exposure to skin oils, lotions, perfumes, and environmental pollutants can dull the shine of precious metals and gemstones. Regular cleaning helps restore their sparkle and prevents buildup that could cause long-term damage. For example, dirt and grime can loosen settings, increasing the risk of losing stones. Proper care also helps you spot early signs of wear and tear, such as weakened clasps or prongs, allowing you to fix issues before they become costly problems. The following page covers how to care for:

- Gold Jewellery

- Silver Jewellery

- Platinum Jewellery

- Gold Filled Jewellery

- Gold Plated Jewellery

- Pearls & Opals

- Diamonds

- Gemstones

Gold's naturally intense colour and distinctive lustre combine to give this metal its lasting beauty. As pure gold (24ct) is quite soft, it is mixed with other metals to make 9ct & 18ct gold which is more durable. Solid gold jewellery will not rust or corrode however it may scratch, mark or wear down if not carefully looked after or maintained.

Store your gold jewellery carefully in a segmented jewellery box or gem bag to prevent it from being scratched by other items

Take off your gold jewellery when bathing, showering, or washing up as soap tends to cause a film that can make it appear dull. Chemicals in swimming pools and spa pools will weaken gold which in turn will lead to breakages, so it's recommended to remove your gold jewellery before swimming.

Regularly clean your gold jewellery as perfume, fluoride in water, or even the acidity of your skin can cause discolouration. For care at home, wash occasionally with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft tooth brush. Rinse in clean water and polish with a soft dry cloth.

WHITE GOLD:

White gold is a blend of gold, silver, and palladium, and has a neutral dull yellow hue. As an industry standard, white gold is rhodium plated to form a strong, high shine protective bond. However, to maintain its lustre, it needs to be re-plated occasionally.

Like most precious metals, in time silver will tarnish. To prolong the life of your silver jewellery, avoid wearing your silver jewellery in chlorinated water. Avoid your silver jewellery coming into contact with sunscreen or perspiration as this can increase the tarnishing process.

For care at home, simply clean your silver jewellery with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush, being mindful of any stone settings. Use a polishing cloth to buff out any marks or scratches and store your silver jewellery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Platinum is one of the strongest metals used in jewellery with a natural intense silvery white lustre which perfectly enhances diamonds and gemstones. Blemished and scratches can be polished off, bringing your platinum jewellery back to its original bright lustre without the need for rhodium plating.

Care for platinum like you would solid gold.

Unlike solid gold jewellery, gold filled jewellery is made by pressure bonding gold to a base metal such as silver or copper to make it feel like solid gold. It has 100% more gold than gold plated jewellery and if well maintained, it should last for many years without chipping, discolouring, or tarnishing.

Care for your gold filled jewellery like you would solid gold jewellery.

Gold plated jewellery uses chemicals or electricity to bond a light layer of gold over another metal. This gold layer is very thin and may be easily damaged, so avoid contact with perfumes, sunscreen, or chemicals. Remove your gold plated jewellery while swimming, showering or during any physical activity that may harm the layer of gold through excessive sweating.

Gold plated jewellery should be cleaned very gently with a dry soft polishing cloth only.

Pearls and opals are precious, delicate gems and should be treated as such.

Store your pearls and opals separately or in a soft gem bag to protect them from being scratched by harder stones or other jewellery. Put your pearl or opal jewellery on after you have applied cosmetics, perfume or hairspray.

Don't wear pearls or opals in the shower, while swimming, gardening, or playing sport. Never clean them with a harsh detergent, jewellery cleaner, or ultrasonic cleaner as this may cause damage.

Opals may be cleaned gently with a mild detergent and soft toothbrush or cloth.

Pearls may be wiped with a damp cloth to remove perspiration.

Diamonds need to be looked after to remain at their brilliant & sparkling best. A clean diamond not only reflects light better, but looks bigger than one that has been dulled by skin oils, soap, and everyday use.

Don't wear your diamond jewellery when using household cleaning products. It won't harm the diamond but could pit, or discolour the mounting. Remove your diamond jewellery whilst participating in physical activities like gardening or exercising to avoid hard knocks and damaging the diamond or mount.

Keep your diamond jewellery in a segmented jewellery box or individual box to ensure the diamonds don't scratch each other or other jewellery.

To keep their lustre, diamonds should be cleaned regularly. Add any mild liquid detergent to a bowl of warm water and brush your diamond jewellery gently with a soft toothbrush. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free, cloth.

Bring your diamonds in store at least once a year for a check-up. Our friendly team can professionally clean your diamond jewellery with the greatest care, making them look like new and ensuring your diamonds are secure.

Gemstones vary greatly in their care requirements so it's important to know what gemstone you have. Consult with our friendly staff in store to discuss your specific gemstone care requirements.

Generally, it is advised to remove your gemstone jewellery when exercising, gardening, swimming, and showering. Avoid exposure to perfumes, lotions, and chemicals and store your gemstone jewellery separately in a gem bag or individual box to avoid damage from your other jewellery pieces.

Until you know what your gemstone is , do not an ultrasonic cleaner as this may discolour or crack your gemstone. Clean your jewellery gently with a soft damp cloth.