Jewellery Care
Jewellery Care and Cleaning Guide
Our jewellery holds tremendous value, whether as a personal treat or a cherished gift, and we desire to preserve these pieces for generations to come. To maintain your jewellery's pristine condition, it's essential to provide proper care and maintenance, as different types of jewellery require distinct cleaning methods. Read on to discover the best ways to clean gold, silver, sterling silver, and pearl jewellery, ensuring they remain radiant and exquisite over the years.
Tips for Daily Jewellery Care
Follow these crucial steps in your daily routine to keep your jewellery in optimal condition:
- Add jewellery as the final touch when dressing to avoid snagging on clothes.
- Store your jewellery with care to prevent tangling or scratching.
- Handle your jewellery gently and patiently, as it is often delicate.
- Regularly inspect fasteners and clasps for signs of wear and consider taking them to a jeweller for repair to extend the life of your pieces.
Jewellery Care Dos:
- Avoid wearing jewellery while bathing, showering, or swimming to prevent tarnishing and loss.
- Refrain from wearing jewellery to bed to prevent losing earrings and tangling necklaces.
- Remove jewellery before engaging in housework, DIY projects, or gardening to prevent damage and injury.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners on your jewellery, as they can cause irreparable damage.
- Prevent direct contact between your jewellery and perfume, hairspray, body lotion, foundation, or other products, as they can significantly damage its appearance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery?
If you wear your jewellery regularly, aim to clean it at least once a month. For a more thorough cleaning, consider taking your pieces to a professional jeweller once a year. Even jewellery stored in a box most of the time should be cleaned every few months to prevent dust, grime buildup, and tarnish.
How to Clean Jewellery at Home
While heavily tarnished or discoloured jewellery may require professional cleaning, you can maintain your pieces' good condition at home with these methods.
How to Clean Gold Jewellery
For yellow gold jewellery, a simple yet effective method at home involves:- Adding a few drops of baby shampoo or mild detergent to warm water in a bowl.
- Dipping a soft-bristled brush into the water and gently stroking the jewellery to remove dirt and grime.
- Rinsing and buffing the jewellery with a soft cloth for a smooth, shiny finish.
How to Clean Silver Jewellery
To remove tarnish from silver jewellery:- Create a paste using 3 parts bicarbonate of soda (or cornstarch) and 1 part water.
- Applying the paste to your silver jewellery, excluding any diamonds or pearls.
- Gently working the paste into the jewellery with a soft brush or cloth to remove tarnish.
- Rinsing off the paste and buffing the jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth for a shiny finish.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver shares the tarnishing characteristic of traditional silver, so you can clean it using the same method as for silver jewellery.How to Clean Pearls
Pearls, whether cultured, freshwater, or simulated, require gentle care:- After each wear, clean pearls with a soft cloth or tissue.
- Allow cosmetics, perfume, or hairspray to dry completely before wearing pearls to prevent damage.