Caring for your Fine Jewellery
Caring for your fine jewellery is paramount to keeping it looking its best for years to come. We are able to draw on over 190 years of experience of caring for fine jewellery, diamonds and precious gemstones so we are well equipped to pass on some helpful tips
To ensure the longevity of your fine jewellery, here are some of our best care tips;
- Regularly inspect your jewellery by checking the catches and examining the claws that hold the stones. Gently shake the piece close to your ear; if you don't hear any sound, it means the stones are securely set. Silence is golden!
- If any stones appear loose, take them to a reputable jeweller as soon as possible to check the settings. The loss of a much-loved stone can be as devastating as it is costly.
- To clean precious metal, dampen a cloth with surgical spirit (not methylated spirits) and rub carefully, then dry with a non-abrasive cloth. Your jewellery will thank you for the gentle touch.
- Every six months, take your jewellery to a reputable jeweller for professional cleaning. Improper cleaning or storage can damage your pieces and dull their brilliance. A professional touch can make all the difference.
- Diamonds are renowned for their hardness on the Mohs scale, but they can still be chipped or cracked if struck at certain angles, so care should be taken to avoid harsh contact or dropping on marble floors (in particular).
- Rubies and sapphires are relatively hard on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for everyday wear. However, like diamonds, they can still be chipped or cracked if struck, so care should be taken to avoid strong contact.
- Porous stones such as emeralds and opals can crack and fracture if non-alcoholic-based cleaning products are used. The product enters the stone and expands, whereas alcoholic-based cleaning products evaporate away. Emeralds are even more precious as they are typically oil-treated to improve clarity and lustre.
- Storing your jewellery correctly is also very important. Avoid leaving your jewellery in strong sunlight for long periods, as certain coloured stones can change or lose colour. Morganite is one such stone, but with proper care, this shouldn't be a problem.
- If not cleaned properly your diamonds and gemstones will appear colourless and lifeless. Diamonds generally attract grease and can become coated in an oily film when they are immersed in dishwater. Contact with hand and body lotions also adds to the build-up of grease and dirt.
To clean your diamonds, use a small amount of liquid soap in hot water and dry them with a lint-free cloth to remove any dirt and grease, restoring their sparkle. Alternatively, for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication (and perhaps a bit of fun), soak your diamonds in vodka or gin for half an hour. Then, gently scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse with cold water. The alcohol works wonders, leaving your diamonds as dazzling as a perfectly mixed martini.
To clean rubies and sapphires, use warm soapy water (or the gin/vodka technique mentioned above) and a gentle soft brush, then dry them with a lint-free cloth to remove any dirt and grease. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated stones.
Using the wrong cleaning technique or products can remove this oil, leaving the stone lifeless. The safest way to clean porous stones like emeralds and opals is with warm, soapy water and gentle scrubbing. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning and steam cleaning, as well as the gin and vodka technique.
Gemstones with two-phase inclusions (containing liquid and gas, such as emerald, quartz, tourmaline, and topaz) should never be left in sunlight or on hot surfaces, as the liquid and gas can expand and split the stone. Always ask for specific care details at the point of sale.
Gold jewellery can discolour if stored with other pieces, it can also scratch very easily so we recommend storing gold separately. Keep gold away from harsh chemicals, such as cleaning and beauty products, to prevent discolouration.
Platinum can be cleaned like gold, but due to its hardness, it can be stored less formally. It doesn't chip but rather displaces within the same piece and polishes up as good as new.
In short, any dirt will affect the colour and brilliance of a gemstone - hindering the 'play of light' within the stone.
The advice is simple; caring for your jewellery and it will sparkle and last you a lifetime and beyond.