The Complete Guide to Jewellery Care: Cleaning, Storage, and Gemstone Care
At Powells Jewellery, we understand the profound connection you have with your jewellery, and we believe that caring for these treasures is an act of preserving not just their physical beauty but also the stories they hold. By taking the time to properly care for your jewellery, you're not only maintaining its sparkle and shine but also safeguarding its value and ensuring it can be enjoyed for years to come. These tips, suggested by our team of experts here at Powells Jewellery, will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to keep your beloved pieces looking their absolute best for years to come.
Understanding Your Jewellery
Before diving into cleaning and care techniques, it's crucial to understand the composition of your jewellery. Different materials require specific care:
Precious Metals:
Gold, silver, and platinum are popular choices for their durability and lustre. However, they can still be susceptible to scratches, tarnish, and dents.
Gemstones:
From diamonds and sapphires to emeralds and pearls, gemstones vary in hardness and require gentle handling.
Daily Habits for Jewellery Care
Did you know small everyday habits such as going to the gym for your daily workout, or even performing your routine house cleaning can significantly impact the longevity of your jewellery? These activities can expose your jewellery to elements that can accelerate wear and tear. That's why it's so important to develop the habit of removing your jewellery before engaging in manual activities.
Apply Cosmetics First:
Put on your jewellery last, after applying makeup, perfume, and hairspray. This prevents exposure to harsh chemicals that can damage the shine and integrity of your pieces.
Remove Before Activities:
Always take off your jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising, or doing household chores. Water, sweat, and harsh cleaning agents can cause discoloration, loosen stones, or dull the brilliance of your jewellery.
Chlorine’s Damaging Effects:
Chlorine is particularly harmful to jewellery, especially gold. It can actually eat away at the metal, weakening it and making it more prone to breakage. This is why it’s crucial to remove your jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools or using hot tubs.
Handle with Care:
Avoid touching the stones or metal with oily or dirty fingers. This can transfer dirt and grime, diminishing the sparkle of your jewellery.
By taking these simple steps, you can prevent damage from sweat, chemicals, impacts, and other potential hazards, ensuring your jewellery remains beautiful for years to come.
Cleaning Your Jewellery
Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, grime, and everyday build-up. This build-up can come from a variety of sources: skin oils and sweat, which can react with metals; lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays, which can leave a sticky residue; and dust and environmental pollutants, which can settle on the surface of your jewellery. This accumulation not only makes your jewellery look dull but can also create a breeding ground for bacteria and other microscopic particles.
Cleaning at Home:
For certain gemstones, a gentle cleaning at home is acceptable. We recommend this only for diamonds, rubies, sapphires, quartz, topaz, aquamarine, and garnets. Use the following method:
Mild Soap and Water:
Mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid in lukewarm water. Soak your jewellery for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, paying attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Commercial Jewellery Cleaners:
If you choose to use a commercial jewellery cleaner, ensure it is specifically formulated for the type of gemstone you are cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Important Note on Treated Gemstones: Be aware that some diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are treated or filled to enhance their appearance. These treatments can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners, causing the filling to come out or the colour to change. As it is often difficult to tell if a gemstone has been treated, we advise caution and recommend professional cleaning for these stones.
Gemstones Requiring Professional Care:
Some gemstones are particularly delicate and should only be cleaned by a professional jeweller. These include:
Emeralds:
Emeralds should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Only warm soapy water and a soft brush should be used.
Opals:
Opals require the same delicate care as pearls.
For any other gemstones not listed above, we strongly advise contacting us at Powells Jewellery for expert advice.
Caring for Precious Metals:
Platinum and Yellow Gold:
Light scratches can often be polished out by a professional jeweller, restoring the metal's shine.
White Gold:
White gold can be polished and then re-rhodium plated to restore its bright white finish, bringing it close to its original showroom condition.
Storing Your Jewellery
Proper storage is crucial to prevent scratches, tangles, and damage. Without proper care, your precious pieces can become scratched from rubbing against each other, tangled into frustrating knots, or damaged by exposure to the elements. Taking the time to store your jewellery correctly is a small investment that yields significant rewards in preserving its beauty and longevity.
Separate Storage:
Store each piece of jewellery separately in a soft-lined box or pouch. This prevents scratches and tangles.
Avoid Moisture:
Keep your jewellery away from moisture and humidity. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Travel Protection:
When travelling, use a jewellery case or wrap each piece individually in soft cloth to prevent damage.
By implementing these simple storage strategies, you can prolong the life of your jewellery and keep it looking as beautiful as the day you acquired it.
Regular Inspections
Regularly inspecting your jewellery is crucial for several reasons, all aimed at preserving its beauty, integrity, and value. Rather than reacting to damage after it has occurred, regular inspections allow you to take a proactive approach to jewellery care. By identifying potential problems early on, you can prevent them from escalating into more serious issues that could compromise the beauty, integrity, and value of your precious pieces.
Professional Check-ups:
Take your valuable jewellery to a professional jeweller for inspection at least once a year. They can check for loose stones, worn claws, and other potential problems.
DIY Inspections:
In between professional check-ups, you can inspect your jewellery at home. Look for loose stones, feel for claws that are sharp or catching, and any signs of wear and tear.
This proactive approach is key to ensuring the longevity of your jewellery.
Additional Tips
Insurance:
Consider insuring your valuable jewellery against loss, theft, or damage.
Jewellery Appraisals:
Have your jewellery appraised by a registered valuer to determine its value. This will be helpful in case of loss or theft.
By following these simple jewellery care tips, you can ensure that your precious pieces remain beautiful and sparkling for generations to come. Remember, prevention is key, so make it a habit to care for your jewellery regularly.
