JEWELLERY CARE

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:  The 925 sterling silver items/findings have not been Rhodium plated and therefore will need to be regularly polished to retain the shiny lustre as tarnishing will naturally occur and cannot be avoided.

Sterling silver jewellery is strong enough to be worn every day and the good news is that regular wear will prevent the build-up of tarnish.  Silver requires relatively little maintenance, but there are still a few things you'll need to consider if you want to keep your jewellery looking its best:

  • Moisture, air, perfume, make-up, lotions, creams, chlorinated or salt water and household cleaning products can all damage or tarnish your jewellery
  • Proper storage of your jewellery can also help to maintain its condition.  Store your jewellery in a dark and dry place.  This will help to limit oxidisation from the air
  • Before putting your jewellery away, wipe each piece with a cloth to remove any residue and dry it.  You may wish to add a couple of silica gel packets to help absorb moisture or use an airtight anti-tarnish bag or airtight bag with an anti-tarnish tab within to protect your jewellery
  • When tarnish develops, silver jewellery can be cleaned simply by polishing it with a soft cotton cloth, which may be impregnated with a silver cleaner for greater effect, although care should be taken if the jewellery has stones or pearls.  There are also sterling silver cleaning solutions available, but there is a possibility they could damage your jewellery if used incorrectly and these are not recommended if your jewellery has stones or pearls


HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR GOLD FILLED JEWELLERY

Caring for gold filled jewellery is relatively easy. You need to be aware of what may cause it to tarnish and give it a good clean when necessary. Gold filled jewellery is far more durable than gold plated jewellery but it will age at different rates depending on how you treat it:

  • Wearing it on the beach for a week and slathering it in suncream is not wise; keeping it away from harsh substances and giving it a clean every now and again is
  • Chemicals, cosmetics, perfume, lotions and creams are harsh on jewellery. Put your jewellery on last and take it off first
  • Take off your gold filled jewellery at night and give it it a gentle rub with an absorbent soft cotton cloth


HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR FRESHWATER PEARLS

Pearls are durable, but care is necessary to keep them beautiful and lustrous:

  • Gently wipe pearls with a soft cloth to remove body oils or dirt before putting them away

  • Pearls should be stored away from other objects or jewellery that may scratch the pearls surface. Wrap the pearls in linen, soft cloth, or place in a soft pouch. Do not store pearls in an airtight package such as a plastic bag because pearls need moisture. If the environment is too dry, the pearls may crack

  • Keep pearls away from chlorine bleach, vinegar, ammonia, hairspray, perfume, and cosmetics, as these substances will damage the pearls surface. Make sure to put pearls on after finished spraying perfume or hairspray and putting on makeup. Also, remove pearls before exercising to keep them away from perspiration