Cleaning & Caring for Your jewellery

Ensure to inspect your jewellery regularly. You may be oblivious to the fact that your precious pieces require cleaning. The accumulation of grime happens gradually and often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. However, you might be taken aback when you discover the extent of dirt and lacklustre appearance on some of your beloved items. Fortunately, the process of cleaning most jewellery pieces is relatively simple. Continue reading to learn more about it.

 

Gentle Soap

This cleaning method is incredibly simple, yet effective for most types of jewellery. It can serve as the sole cleaning step for many pieces, especially solid gold jewellery or fashion jewellery. Begin by washing your jewellery using warm water and mild, colourless, and fragrance-free liquid soap. Suitable options include Castile soap, soap specifically designed for woollens, or even a gentle hand soap without moisturizers, antiseptics, or harsh chemicals. Utilize a soft cloth or a brush with gentle bristles to remove any grime from crevices. However, take care not to let delicate gems like opals or pearls soak in water for too long, as it may damage them. After cleaning, ensure thorough rinsing and promptly dry your jewellery.

 

Polishing Cloth

Over time, sterling silver and other precious metals, including lower carats of gold, may tarnish naturally. Fortunately, the tarnish on precious metals can be easily cleaned off. If your precious metal jewellery has become tarnished, you can use a specialized jewellery polishing cloth to restore its shine. At our store, we provide a free professional-quality polishing cloth with every purchase. Simply dip the cloth in silver polish to eliminate stubborn tarnishes and the overall yellowing effect. Afterwards, rinse the piece and carefully dry it to ensure there is no residue from the cleaning process.

 

Silver Dip

To effortlessly eliminate tarnish from sterling silver, consider using silver dip. It is particularly effective for cleaning silver chains, which can pose challenges when relying solely on a polishing cloth.

You can typically find a silver dip or a similar product at your local supermarket, larger pharmacy, or hardware shop. Alternatively, you can explore a nearby jewellery store.

Remember to carefully follow the instructions provided, and ensure thorough rinsing and drying once you have finished.

 

Ultrasonic Cleaner

For intricate pieces that prove difficult to remove grime and dust from, investing in an affordable ultrasonic cleaner is worth considering. Simply follow the instructions provided, and the cleaner will effectively dislodge dirt and debris, even from inaccessible areas.

It's important to note that an ultrasonic cleaner does not remove tarnish. However, it excels in cleaning complex pieces (with exceptions mentioned below) that contain numerous crevices where dirt tends to accumulate and adhere.

 

Things to Avoid

  1. Avoid using traditional methods for cleaning jewellery such as toothpaste or baking soda paste. These methods gradually erode the metal, causing long-term damage and depletion to your precious pieces. This is especially true for gold vermeil, gold-filled, or plated jewellery. Familiarize yourself with the different types of gold jewellery to understand why this approach is detrimental.
  2. Exercise caution when using a polishing cloth, brush, or any abrasive material on the metal, especially if your jewellery has a delicate finish like gold plating, blackening, or a patina. Remember, excessive enthusiasm in cleaning your jewellery may have adverse effects.
  3. If your precious metal jewellery has blackened (oxidised) areas as part of the design then the dip and ultrasonic cleaner will remove these and cause your jewellery to look very different from before. Also, soft gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise or pearls may become tarnished or loosened in the process.

 

Tips for Properly Storing Your Jewellery

After cleaning your jewellery and achieving a dazzling sparkle, it's essential to consider the best storage practices to prevent frequent cleanings. Follow these guidelines to maintain the beauty and longevity of your precious pieces:

  1. Mind the Humidity: Avoid storing precious metal jewellery, particularly in bathrooms or other humid areas. Humidity accelerates tarnishing. If you reside in a humid location, exercise extra caution and clean your jewellery more frequently.
  2. Control Air Exposure: Ideally, store your precious metal jewellery away from free-flowing air. This measure not only slows down tarnish formation but also helps keep dust at bay. Utilize a pouch, small jewellery box, or similar container to safeguard your items.
  3. Display with Caution: If you prefer showcasing your jewellery, be aware that it will likely require more frequent cleaning. Regularly inspect your displayed pieces to ensure they maintain their sparkle.
  4. Prevent Scratches: Metal rubbing against metal, harder gemstones, or other solid surfaces can result in scratches. To avoid such damage, store your precious metal jewellery individually. Make sure beads or chains do not come into contact with pendants or other components.

By following these storage recommendations, you can extend the lifespan of your jewellery while reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.