It has quite often come to our attention that many people dont know how to look after their jewellery. Most jewellery items are somewhat durable but never indestructible. Over time, it will naturally evolve, some scratches will start to appear and other wear and tear and eventually become dull - all very normal!!

So just in case you wanted to know, here are a few handy tips!

Cleaning

We advise a professional cleaning once every year or two. This will keep your jewellery shining bright and will give the opportunity to tighten any loose stones to avoid losing any.

You can also help keep your jewellery shiny at home by using an old soft toothbrush and some warm water with washing up liquid. Simply let it soak for 10 minutes in some warm tap water and then scrub gently with the toothbrush all over. If, however your jewellery contains emeralds, opals or pearls, we strongly advise to take it to a professional. These particular gems are incredibly soft and brittle and hate hot water. Pearls are very porus - a bit like a sponge! - and risk becoming discoloured.

Top tip - if you are wearing pearls and perfume - Spritz first!! Then wait 5 minutes before you put your pearls on. Any chemicals or oils can gradually cause discolouration.

Storage

Store your jewellery in a dark and dry place, preferably in the box it came in or a different designated jewellery box you have at home. If you have precious coloured gem stones in your item, these should also be stored in a dark, dry place and out of the sunlight for long periods of time.

Take it off!

As beautiful as your jewellery is, it is strongly advised to take it off when you are doing anything dirty or heavy with your hands. Such as swimming, both in the pool or the sea. The salt of the sea or the harsh chlorine chemicals can cause scratches and discoloration. Gardening or cooking preperations such as making pastry or meatballs. Anything that makes your hands dirty or brings them into close contact with chemicals, we advise to remove them first.

You should take off your jewellery when applying moisturiser or hand cream. Especially if your ring has stones in it. This is due to the cream getting trapped underneath the stones and will make it look dull and lifeless. It is very difficult to clean behind any stones once it has been set. But above all things, you must take it off before any gym activities and weightlifting.

What to avoid

Avoid any chemicals. Gem stones, precious metals and any sort of plating and enamel can be affected. Such as Sweat, Body lotions, Fake Tan, Any Cleaning Products etc. If you are wearing a pearl necklace and want to wear perfume - spritz first, wait 5 minutes and then put on your jewellery. Avoid chlorine and remove before any swimming or sea activities.