Fine Jewellery Care Guide

With proper care, your fine jewellery will last a really long time. Here are some tips to keep your jewellery looking its best. All fine jewellery should be treated with care. After wearing your jewellery, wipe with a clean, soft, barely damp cloth to remove any dirt or cosmetics. Store each piece of jewellery individually in a soft pouch or cloth to prevent scratching.

• Avoid salt water and harsh chemicals such as chlorine or detergents, which can harm gold and gemstones.
• Take your jewellery off before you go to bed.
• When you travel, pack your jewellery carefully. A variety of protective soft rolls and pouches are available.

Special Care For Diamond Jewellery

• A diamond is the hardest substance known to man. However, though your diamond is very durable, it can still be chipped by a strong blow. Never wear your diamond while doing rough work.
• While chlorine and other chemicals won’t harm your diamond, they can damage or discolour the mounting. Always remove your diamond ring before using any chemicals.
• For everyday light cleaning of diamond jewellery, use a toothbrush and warm slightly soapy water in a bowl (never over the sink). Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
• Store your diamond jewellery individually, as diamonds can scratch other diamonds as well as other jewellery.

Special Care For Gemstone Jewellery

Most coloured gemstones routinely undergo heating or other treatments to further enhance their natural beauty. These enhancements are generally permanent. However, extra care should be taken with all coloured gemstone jewellery. If cared for properly, it can last a really long time.

• Never expose any gemstone jewellery to salt water, chemicals, perfume or hairspray. These substances may slowly erode the finish and polish of the gems. Do not subject gemstone jewellery to sudden temperature changes.
• Opals, emeralds and tanzanite require extra precautions.
• Do not use commercial cleaning solutions, ultrasonic steam cleaners, cold or hot water to clean these gems. Use only a soft cloth and lukewarm water. Opals are especially sensitive to temperature variations, which can cause cracking. Remove your opal jewellery before washing dishes, handling frozen foods, or in very cold weather.
• Store your gemstone jewellery in cotton, never plastic. Keep each piece separate as these gemstones are easily scratched by other pieces.

Special Care For Gold & Platinum Jewellery

• For light cleaning of your gold or platinum jewellery soak the jewellery in a bowl of mild liquid detergent and lukewarm water. Brush lightly with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with warm, then cool water to remove dulling residue, and dry with a soft cloth. To remove heavy grease or oil, dip your precious metal jewellery into plain rubbing alcohol, then follow the directions above.
• Remove jewellery before bathing, swimming, gardening or exercising.
• Chemicals such a chlorine or cleaning solutions can damage your jewellery. Hairspray, perfume or perspiration may also dull the finish of precious metals.
• Because gold is a naturally yellow metal, white gold is created by mixing other alloys with the pure 24K gold. White gold is routinely coated with a rhodium finish. Rhodium is in the platinum family, and therefore tarnish resistant. The rhodium finish on white gold will wear off over time depending on how the jewellery is worn, cared for and cleaned. This finish can be reapplied as needed.