Best Practice Care Tips for Jewellery in Summer and Beyond

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Jewellery: Handmade and High-End, made to last. 

Proper care and maintenance of your jewellery not only keeps it looking its best but also extends its life and preserves its value. Whether you own sterling silver handmade pieces, fine jewellery in sterling silver and gold, gold-plated items, gemstones, or silk-strung freshwater pearls, this guide will help you ensure that each piece remains as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Sterling Silver & Solid Gold Jewellery

• Cleaning - Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish your sterling silver and solid gold jewellery. We provide a soft grey polish cloth with each of our pieces that you can use to keep your pieces clear of sweat and dirt by wiping after each wear.  Avoid abrasive cloths that can scratch the surface. For more thorough cleaning, use a mild washing up liquid diluted in warm water. Soak the jewellery, then clean it using a soft toothbrush, and dry it completely. Use a low heat hairdryer to ensure completely dry before storing or your jewellery will tarnish.

• Storage - Store sterling silver in a cool, dry place. Use anti-tarnish strips in your storage area and keep individual pieces in airtight bags to prevent tarnishing. It’s best to keep gold and silver pieces in separate compartments and away from sunlight and damp air. 

• Regular Checks - Since Sterling Silver is a soft metal and can be damaged easily, regularly check for loose parts or signs of wear. Have your fine jewellery inspected by a professional jeweller at least once a year to check for loose settings, worn prongs, or other potential issues (this especially refers to Diamond & precious gemstone pieces or engagement rings)

 Gold Plated Jewellery (Sterling Silver Core) SFT Vermeil

• Cleaning - Clean with a soft cloth or use a damp cloth to wipe but remember to dry thoroughly. Avoid using chemical cleaners or abrasive materials that can wear away the gold plating.

• Storage - Store separately in a soft pouch to prevent the plated jewellery from getting scratched by other pieces or sharp surfaces. 

• Precautions - NEVER expose gold-plated jewellery to harsh chemicals, including chlorine and alcohol, which will strip the gold finish. Body oils, moisturising creams, tanning solutions, perfumes etc all are damaging to the surface treatment of gold plated jewellery and the best advice is the last and first rule just like pearls...Gold plated jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. 

• Cleaning - Different gemstones require different care. Use a soft, damp cloth for cleaning most gemstones. For harder stones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, a solution of mild soap and warm water can be used. Diamonds naturally attract grease so will dull over time of not properly cleaned. I will follow up Monthly with specific care instructions for each gemstone however it's always best to bring your preciosu gemstones in for professional cleaning with your preferred specialist jeweller. 

• Storage -  Store gemstones separately to avoid scratches. Wrap them in soft cloth or place them in padded boxes, Never leave out in the open or on hard countertops such as marble or glass that can damage or chip them. 

• Handling - Always handle gemstones carefully to avoid damaging them. Avoid wearing gemstone jewellery during rigorous activities. 

I sent my cardinal rules for pearls in our last email but I will post a separate blog on caring for pearls here just in case you missed it (or you can search for your june emails from me and It will be there waiting for you!)

Extra tips for Jewellery Care & Maintenance When on Holiday

• Preparation - Choose which pieces to bring based on your activities and the security of your accommodation. Consider leaving extremely valuable or sentimental pieces at home. ( Although theres some debate about this )

• Transport - Use a travel jewellery organizer that has separate compartments or pockets for different pieces to prevent scratching and tangling.

• While on Holiday - Use the hotel safe to store your jewellery when not wearing it. Avoid wearing delicate pieces to the beach or pool.

• Cleaning on the Go - Pack a small, soft jewellery cleaning cloth to give your pieces a quick polish if they become dull during your travels.

• After Holiday Care - Upon returning home, clean all jewellery to remove any sunscreen, chlorine, or salt residue before storing them away.

By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that each piece of your jewellery collection remains pristine and sparkling for years to come. Whether at home or travelling, proper maintenance is key to preserving both the beauty and the value of your treasures.And of course if you have any specific questions regarding care tips or just general jewellery questions please feel free to message me and I will be happy to help!