Jewellery Care Guide

General Jewellery Care

Whether you’re cleaning a diamond engagement ring or a cherished pearl necklace our guide will help you to ensure it lasts the generations.

  • Last on, First off.

    Put all your jewellery on after applying your lotions in the morning and remove before applying at night time.

  • Store pearls separately

    Ideally you should keep your pearls in soft pouches to avoid scratches from other jewellery.

  • No chemicals

    Keep your jewellery away from chemicals, especially chlorine and cleaning chemicals.

  • Store chains safely

    Always fasten the clasps before storing to reduce the risk of them tangling with other jewellery.

  • Ask an expert

    Have your jewellery checked regularly to ensure any damage is repaired and loose stones are secured.

Jewellery Care Checklist

Common issues to keep an eye out for are:

-Worn or missing claws on settings, risking stone loss

-Loose stones, catches, clasps, or rough links on chains and bracelets

-Fractures or weak points in metals and excess movement in hinges

-Loose or frayed threads on pearls

-Worn plating on white gold

Contact the workshop

Organic Gemstone Cleaning

Gemstones are prized for their vibrant colors and sparkle, so proper cleaning is essential to keep them looking their best. Precious gems need special treatment to avoid accidental damage during cleaning, follow our tips to keep them in tip top condition.

Delicate by nature, pearls, coral, and amber require gentle care:

Avoid submerging in water.
Clean with a soft, damp cloth and warm water.
Use a soft brush for stubborn dirt, drying thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

🚫 Avoid: Steam, boiling water, ultrasonic cleaners, or heat (including hairdryers).

Recommended Cleaning Method:

Use warm water, a few drops of washing-up liquid, and a soft brush. Avoid hard brushes; a soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for its flexibility and head size. For heat-sensitive stones like malachite, use cool water to prevent damage.

Diamond Cleaning

Diamonds, despite being the hardest natural material, still require care. They can fracture or be scratched by other diamonds, and oil and grime can dull their brilliance.

Handling and Storage:

Store diamonds separately in fabric-lined cases or small plastic bags to prevent scratches. Keep them away from other jewellery.

Cleaning Steps:

Soak in warm water with a mild degreasing solution (a couple of drops of washing-up liquid). Gently brush with a soft toothbrush, then dry with a lint-free cloth. Take extra care with settings, as they may be fragile. Avoid bleach or harsh abrasives, which can damage the metal mount.

Cleaning Gold

Gold jewellery can lose its shine due to dirt and fingerprints, but with proper cleaning, it can look new again.

If Gold Has Gemstones:

Follow the gemstone-specific cleaning instructions to prevent damage.

General Cleaning:

  • Use lukewarm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid.
  • Soak the jewellery for 10 minutes.
  • Gently clean with a soft-bristled brush, ensuring all areas, including hard-to-reach places, are addressed.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Be Gentle:

Gold is a soft metal prone to scratching, so handle carefully during cleaning and drying.

Cleaning Silver

Silver tarnishes over time due to exposure to air, but tarnish can be removed easily with proper cleaning.

Preventing Tarnish:

  • Wear silver jewellery regularly to slow tarnishing.
  • Store in airtight bags and avoid humid environments.
  • Remove rings and bracelets before washing hands to prevent soap residue buildup.

Cleaning Silver:

  • Use a silver cleaning solution or cloth infused with anti-tarnishing agents.
  • Alternatively, soak in warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid, scrub gently with a soft brush, and rinse.
  • For stubborn tarnish, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and use a toothbrush to gently clean the affected areas. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Watch Care

A watch is a finely tuned piece of engineering that requires regular care to ensure longevity.

Regular Maintenance:

  • Service your watch every three to four years to keep it functioning for decades.
  • Check that the strap or bracelet is securely attached to the case.

Winding Tips:

Wind mechanical watches daily in a clockwise direction, removing the watch from your wrist to avoid undue pressure on the winder.

Water Resistance:

Be cautious with water resistance ratings. For swimming, a 100-meter water resistance is recommended, but even these watches should not be worn in baths or showers.

General Cleaning:

Regularly clean the watch case and strap with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. For deeper cleaning, consult a professional.

Why a Detailed Valuation Matters

Finally a professional jewellery valuation is key for insurance purposes. It should be detailed enough to describe your item in full, including its design and materials. You can book an appointment with our professional valuer for insurance, probate or for establishing a valuation to sell.

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