Jewellery Care
We want you to be happy with our jewelry for as long as possible. Understanding how to care for and protect your treasured jewelry can make a world of difference in maintaining its beauty.
Be careful with sunlight and heat
Just as the sun’s harmful rays can damage our skin, light and heat can affect a colored gemstone’s durability and color. Over time, and in excess, they can also fade or damage some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz, and shell cameos. Pearls and other delicate materials, such as ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light.
Keep your jewelry away from chemicals
Exposure to chemicals can damage or discolor metals – gold, silver, and plated metal – and may harm some colored gems. Even everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, perfume, or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems. Fine jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated swimming pool or before using household cleaners. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate gems or vintage jewelry.
Avoid harsh cleaning
Never use jewelry cleaning methods involving toothpaste or baking soda which is rubbed onto the metal. This will remove tiny amounts of metal every time you do it and over time it will damage and deplete your precious jewelry.
Also take care when using a polishing cloth, brush, or anything else which is rubbed against the metal, particularly if your jewelry has a more delicate finish (such as gilding, vermeil, plating, or any patina or coloring).
Too much enthusiasm with jewelry cleaning may not be a good thing!
Store your jewellery carefully
Avoid storing precious metal jewelry/plated metal jewelry in particular in a humid place - especially the bathroom. Humidity will speed up tarnishing a lot, so it's best avoided. If you live in a humid place, then extra care should be taken and more cleaning is undertaken.
Ideally precious metal jewelry/plated metal jewelry should be stored away from free-flowing air. This will also slow down tarnish, plus it will help keep dust at bay. Keep it in a pouch, small jewelry box, or similar if you can.
If you like having your jewelry on display, then be aware that it's likely to need a clean more often, so keep an eye on it.
When to remove your jewellery
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Before swimming and strenuous activities. Salt water and chlorine can damage your jewelry. Add sweat to the list when it comes to sterling silver/plated jewelry.
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Before applying sunscreen and bug spray. Lotion can get into the crevices of chains and prongs, and both lotions and sprays create a film on your jewelry, making it dull and dingy.
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In direct sunlight. The sun can bleach certain materials, especially natural elements and some plastics.
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Before going into a hot tub or swimming pool. Chlorine can damage and discolor metals (like gold and platinum) and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
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Before gardening. Dirt and small rocks are abrasive. If not cleaned right away, your jewelry can be permanently damaged. Beware the dangers of gardening gloves too.