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How to keep jewellery looking its best for a lifetime

How to keep jewellery looking its best for a lifetime 

Jewellery has a unique ability to hold sentimental value but also add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a recent purchase, you want your jewellery to sparkle and shine for a lifetime. But to ensure this happens, it’s vital to first understand how to care for your precious pieces properly. In this blog post, we will share expert tips on how to maintain your jewellery‘s lustre and beauty so it lasts a lifetime. 

1. Regular cleaning: 

Routine cleaning is key to jewellery maintenance. It might seem a hassle, but it’s worth it – and it’s super easy, too. Here’s how to do it: 

  • For diamonds and gemstones: Soak your jewellery in warm, soapy water for a few minutes and gently scrub with a soft brush to remove dirt and oils. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth. 
  • For gold and silver jewellery: Use a mild jewellery cleaner or a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean cloth. 

Read our full guides to cleaning gold jewellery, silver jewellery, platinum jewellery, diamond jewellery and pearl jewellery here. 

2. Professional cleaning: 

Consider having your jewellery professionally cleaned occasionally. Jewellers have specialised equipment and techniques to restore the brilliance of your pieces and inspect them for loose stones or damaged settings. If you suspect your jewellery has any element of damage – such as loose claws – take it to a jeweller immediately to avoid losing stones or causing further damage to the piece. 

3. Proper storage: 

Storing your jewellery correctly is crucial to prevent scratches and tarnishing. Here’s how to do it: 

Use jewellery boxes: Keep individual pieces in soft, fabric-lined jewellery boxes to prevent scratching and tangling. 

Separate metals: Store gold, silver, and other metals separately to prevent chemical reactions that can lead to tarnishing. 

Separate gemstones: some gemstones are harder than others and could scratch softer gemstones if tangled up together. Keep diamonds and softer gemstones as separate as possible in your jewellery collection. 

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4. Regular inspections: 

Check your jewellery regularly for signs of wear and damage. Loose stones, weakened clasps, or bent prongs can lead to costly repairs if left unattended. As mentioned above, if you notice anything ‘off’ with your jewellery at all, consult a professional jeweller asap. 

5. Avoid harsh chemicals: 

Remove your jewellery before exposure to household chemicals, such as cleaning products, chlorine, or hairspray, as they can damage metals and gemstones. 

6. Remove it when necessary: 

Be mindful of when and where you wear your jewellery. Remove it before engaging in activities like swimming, gardening, or exercising, which can expose your pieces to unnecessary wear and tear. 

7. Insurance: 

Consider insuring your valuable jewellery. In the unfortunate event of loss or theft, insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind. 

Want some more advice?

Any questions? Our friendly team of experts would love to help you – get in touch, here. Want to learn more about jewellery care? Read our top 5 hacks and tricks article, here.