Looking after jewellery is essential if you are to keep your investment sparkling for many years to come. Avoiding damage from daily life is the key to preserving your jewellery. Metals such as silver easily tarnish when not worn and softer metails such as gold can easily be scratched so always remember to take your jewellery off when popping down to the gym or cleaning the house. Other culprits that can damage your jewellery are perfume and soaps. Some acrylic designs and semi-precious stones are particularly susceptible to any form of chemical attack. Always put your makeup and perfume on first before wearing your jewellery or take it off before showering. Opals do not like water - you might have heard of the saying Opal for tears. This is probably because if you get an opal wet it can crack the stone. Special pieces with enamel, brushed and oxidised finishes such as Nick Hubbard jewellery should never be polished with a silver jewellery cloth as this can remove the finish.

The best way to clean your jewelry is with a soft (used) toothbrush and luke warm soapy water. If the pieces are very dirty, you can soak them in the water before gently brushing. Do not use cleaners such as silver dip unless the piece is very tarnished. A silver cleaning cloth can be used on shiny silver pieces but should not be used on brush, oxidised or enamel finishes. For scratches and really tarnished pieces it may be worth seeking the help of a jewellery workshop who have specialised cleaning and polishing equipment to return your jewellery to its original lustre.

Summary of Jewellery Cleaning Tips 

1. Clean jewellery with a soft toothbrush and luke warm soapy water.

2. Never get opals wet.

3. Never use a silver cloth on special finishes such as brushed or oxidised pieces.

4. Dry your jewellery if it gets wet.

5. Remember to remove your jewellery before household chores or work.

6. Wear your jewellery often.

7. Put makeup and perfume on before jewellery. 

8. Keep your jewellery collection in a jewellery box

Checking Diamonds and Gemstones:

Losing a stone from a ring can be very upsetting. It's a good idea to check your jewellery setting for any looseness or missing claws. If the diamond or gemstone stone moves in the setting, put it in some kind of small bag or container and take it to your nearest qualified jeweler. A good indicator of a loose prong or claw is if the piece gets caught in clothing or hair by a prong.

Care of your jewellery

Tarnish will occur as a result of oxidation, caused by interacting of metal, silver or gold plated costume jewelry with certain elements such as oxygen or sulfur as well as with certain acids. To keep your jewellery tarnish-free wear it regularly and when not in use store it in a suitable jewellery box. Frequently clean your jewellery and thoroughly dry your jewellery after exposure to water. We recommend Windrose Jewellery boxes for storing jewellery as they have soft cushioned interiors with special draws and holdings for a wide range of jewellery pieces.

Follow these guidelines and your jewellery will sparkle for many years to come! 

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