Jewellery Care Guide

At Anais&Aimee, we believe that proper jewellery care transforms beautiful pieces into cherished heirlooms. Our comprehensive care guide ensures your handmade sterling silver jewellery, gemstone necklaces, and pearl accessories maintain their lustre and beauty for generations.

Whether you own our healing crystal jewellery, statement floral bracelets, or delicate pearl pieces, following these professional care instructions will preserve their quality and extend their lifetime significantly.

Gemstone Jewellery Care Guide

Daily Care for Natural Gemstones

Lapis Lazuli Jewellery Care: Your lapis lazuli necklaces and earrings require gentle handling to preserve their celestial blue colour and golden pyrite inclusions.

• Daily Cleaning: Wipe with soft, lint-free cloth after each wear
• Deep Cleaning: Use lukewarm soapy water with mild detergent monthly
• Avoid: Harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaning
• Storage: Individual soft pouches away from direct sunlight
• Professional Care: Annual inspection for loose settings

Black Obsidian Jewellery Maintenance: Obsidian's volcanic glass composition requires specific care to prevent chipping and maintain its protective energy.

• Handling: Always handle gently - obsidian can chip if dropped
• Cleaning: Soft cloth with warm water, dry immediately
• Energy Cleansing: Sage smudging or moonlight charging monthly
• Storage: Padded compartments to prevent contact with harder stones
• Avoid: Extreme temperature changes and sharp impacts

Rose Quartz & Amethyst Care: These healing crystals maintain their metaphysical properties with proper care.

• UV Protection: Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
• Gentle Cleaning: Soft brush with mild soap for textured surfaces
• Energy Maintenance: Cleanse under full moon quarterly
• Chemical Avoidance: No perfumes, hairsprays, or cleaning products
• Temperature Stability: Avoid hot water and rapid temperature changes

Gemstone Storage Best Practices

• Individual compartments prevent scratching between different hardness levels
• Fabric-lined boxes protect polished surfaces
• Silica gel packets maintain optimal humidity levels
• Dark, cool environments preserve natural colours
• Regular rotation ensures even wear and energy distribution

Pearl Jewellery Care Instructions

Caring for Cultured Freshwater Pearls

Pearls are organic gems requiring special attention to maintain their nacre lustre and natural beauty.

Daily Pearl Maintenance:

• Last on, first off rule: Apply cosmetics, perfumes before wearing pearls
• Gentle wiping: Use soft, damp cloth to remove oils and residue
• Natural oils: Pearls benefit from skin's natural oils - wear them regularly
• Immediate cleaning: Address spills or stains immediately with damp cloth

Weekly Pearl Care Routine:

• Mild soap cleaning: Use pH-neutral soap with lukewarm water
• Soft brush technique: Gentle circular motions with soft-bristled brush
• Thorough rinsing: Remove all soap residue with clean water
• Air drying: Lay flat on soft towel until completely dry
• Inspection: Check stringing and clasps for wear signs

Pearl Storage Guidelines:

• Separate compartments: Prevent scratching from harder materials
• Breathable storage: Avoid airtight containers - pearls need moisture
• Soft fabric pouches: Silk or cotton bags ideal for travel
• Horizontal position: Prevents stress on stringing material
• Regular restringing: Every 2-3 years for frequently worn pieces

What to Avoid with Pearl Jewellery:

• Ultrasonic cleaners can damage nacre layers
• Chemical cleaners including ammonia-based products
• Hair spray and perfumes applied directly to pearls
• Extreme temperatures and rapid climate changes
• Prolonged water exposure during swimming or bathing

Sterling Silver Jewellery Care Guide

Maintaining 925 Sterling Silver Lustre

Our handmade sterling silver jewellery develops character over time when properly maintained.

Preventing Silver Tarnish:

• Regular wearing: Natural oils slow tarnish development
• Proper storage: Anti-tarnish strips in jewellery boxes
• Low humidity: Silica gel packets in storage areas
• Air circulation: Avoid completely sealed containers
• Quick cleaning: Address tarnish early for easier removal

Sterling Silver Cleaning Methods:

Light Tarnish (Weekly):

• Polishing cloth: Silver-specific cloths with anti-tarnish compounds
• Gentle circular motions: Work in small sections
• Immediate results: Tarnish removes with minimal effort
• No water needed: Dry polishing maintains protective layer

Medium Tarnish (Monthly):

• Silver polish cream: Apply with soft cloth or cotton swab
• Working time: Allow polish to work for 2-3 minutes
• Thorough removal: Clean all polish residue with damp cloth
• Complete drying: Ensure no moisture remains in crevices
• Final polish: Buff with clean, dry cloth for shine

Heavy Tarnish (As needed):

• Professional cleaning: Recommended for severe tarnish
• Gentle silver dip: Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully
• Neutralisation: Thorough rinsing after chemical treatment
• Protective coating: Apply anti-tarnish treatment after cleaning

Sterling Silver Storage Solutions:

• Individual pouches: Anti-tarnish fabric bags for each piece
• Chalk pieces: Natural moisture absorption in storage boxes
• Airtight containers: For long-term storage with anti-tarnish strips
• Regular inspection: Monthly checks for early tarnish detection

18K Gold Plated Jewellery Care Instructions

Preserving Gold Plating Longevity

Our 18K gold plated jewellery combines affordability with luxury appearance when properly maintained.

Daily Gold Plated Care:

• Gentle handling: Gold plating is delicate and can wear away
• Soft cloth cleaning: Wipe after each wear to remove oils
• Chemical avoidance: No perfumes, lotions directly on plated surfaces
• Dry storage: Moisture accelerates plating deterioration
• Regular rotation: Distribute wear across multiple pieces

Weekly Maintenance Routine:

• Mild soap solution: Lukewarm water with pH-neutral soap
• Soft brush application: Use soft-bristled toothbrush for details
• Quick immersion: Minimal water contact time
• Immediate drying: Thorough drying prevents water spots
• Gentle buffing: Soft cloth restores surface lustre

Gold Plating Preservation Tips:

• Last accessory on: Apply cosmetics before wearing jewellery
• First accessory off: Remove immediately after events
• Sweat avoidance: Remove during exercise and hot weather
• Professional replacing: Available when plating shows wear
• Quality assessment: Annual evaluation of plating condition

Signs Your Gold Plating Needs Attention:

• Colour changes: Green or dark spots indicating base metal exposure
• Uneven wearing: High-contact areas showing different colours
• Reduced lustre: Dull appearance despite regular cleaning
• Skin reactions: Irritation from exposed base metals
• Professional consultation: Contact us for replacing services

Professional Maintenance Services

When to Seek Professional Care

Annual Inspections Include:

• Prong setting checks for loose gemstones
• Clasp functionality assessment and adjustment
• Chain link examination for wear and stress points
• Replacing evaluation for 18K gold plated pieces
• Overall condition assessment and recommendations

Professional Cleaning Services:

• Ultrasonic cleaning for appropriate materials
• Steam cleaning for certain gemstone types
• Polishing and refinishing services
• Stone tightening and setting repair
• Restringing services for pearl jewellery

Warranty and Repair Information

Our Commitment:

• Lifetime craftsmanship warranty on construction defects
• Annual inspection included with purchase
• Repair estimates provided within 48 hours
• Genuine replacement parts used in all repairs
• Quality guarantee on all maintenance work

What's Covered:

• Manufacturing defects in construction and materials
• Prong rebuilding when worn through normal use
• Clasp replacement due to mechanism failure
• Chain repair for broken links (normal wear)
• Setting retightening for loose gemstones

Contact Our Care Specialists

Need Personalised Advice? Our jewellery care specialists are available to provide personalised guidance for your specific pieces.

Get in Touch:

• Email: info@anaisaimee.com
• Phone: 020 3006 8058
• Live Chat: Available on our website 9am-6pm
• Care Workshops: Monthly sessions on proper jewellery maintenance

Emergency Care Situations: For urgent repairs or care questions, contact our emergency care line for immediate assistance and guidance.

Eco-Friendly Care Practices

Sustainable Jewellery Maintenance

Environmentally Conscious Cleaning:

• Natural cleaning solutions when possible
• Minimal water usage in cleaning routines
• Biodegradable soaps for regular maintenance
• Cloth recycling - repurpose old cotton shirts
• Chemical reduction through preventive care

Extending Jewellery Lifetime:

• Proper storage prevents premature wear
• Regular maintenance reduces need for intensive treatments
• Professional care extends piece longevity
• Repair over replace philosophy
• Heirloom preservation for future generations

Remember: Well-maintained jewellery not only looks beautiful but also maintains its value and can be treasured for generations. Following these guidelines ensures your Anais & Aimée pieces remain as stunning as the day you first wore them.

For specific questions about caring for your unique pieces, don't hesitate to contact our expert care team. We're here to help your jewellery collection thrive.