JEWELLERY MAINTENANCE

JEWELLERY MAINTENANCE

Jewellery is to be enjoyed, admired and used, but also nurtured and well cared for. Although expensive jewellery can be bought, it rarely means that they simply can be replaced. Often, emotions, personality and memories of  key moments in life or about people that matters, are connected to jewellery

Whether you wear your jewellery every day or just for certain occasions, the jewellery is subject to wear or even an accident. But with care and caution, you can help your jewellery retain its shine and shape.

Tips to care for your jewellery:Pearls

 

It is said about pearls that they become even more beautiful when used. It is also true that the heat from the skin can give life to the pearls, but they can still look colourless and worn if they are not being cleaned properly. Therefore, frequently use a soft cloth to remove traces of sweat, creams, soaps or impurities. Please also note that pearls are an organic material that easily gets harmed. Therefore they do not tolerate the substances from perfumes or hair spray, and in some cases may also be harmed by certain types of medication excreted through the skin.
Pearl Chains
Usually the string in your string of pearls is made of silk. This means that it can be tender, and the knots can attract dirt and come to look dull. So be sure to change strings annually, and if you wear the necklace every day, you should do this every six months. Always protect your pearls from contact with hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics, ammonia and especially vinegar, which will instantly begin to corrode away the beautiful surface.

Silver

Silver may oxidize and should be maintained daily. By using certain types of medicines and in warm periods, the acid in your sweat can affect the copper in the silver alloy and make the jewellery black. For some people it means that they cannot wear silver all year round, but instead it is recommended to wear 14ct gold and above, where the copper content is too small to be attacked. Alternatives may be titanium or steel. The best way to keep your everyday silver jewellery is to clean them once a day with an impregnated polishing cloth. Ask your goldsmith on polishing directions to avoid scratches.

Gold

Gold does not oxidize, but gold-plated jewellery will naturally darken a bit over time because the plating will be exposed to a greater or lesser degree of wear. How quickly that happens depends on how much you use your jewellery and what you use it for. Pure gold can be polished by your goldsmith.

Gems

 

In extreme cases jewellery with gems can be cleaned by your goldsmith with an ultrasonic bath/machine. But you should avoid getting it done too often, as the bath may make the gems loose in there sockets/claws of the ring and the risk of losing the gems will be greater. Precious stones as with diamonds are tough, but they must be cleaned to maintain brightness. The stones when cleaned, the best way is with luke warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Other stones, like opals, amber, coral, turquoise and emeralds are more fragile. With these, you should consult your goldsmith.

Overall

 

• In general jewellery should be treated gently, lovingly and with care.
  You should, among other things always take your jewellery off when washing your hands, taking a bath or a shower, exercise, doing any physical work, and every night beforer you go to bed. Avoid perfumes, lotions or similar on your jewellery, and keep them separate in small chamois leather bags, so they do not scratch each other.
  At your local goldsmith, you can always get advice on maintaining your individual jewellery. Here you can also buy polishing cloths and obtain advise on the maintenance of your jewellery.

•  Harsh chemicals such as chlorine or bleach may also cause dullness and discoloration
• Plan to have a jeweler inspect your piece every 12-18 months to ensure nothing is out of place, loose, or damaged in a way that requires repair.  If you are able to see or hear the stone move within its setting, take it as a warning that the prongs need tightening.  Also be sure to inspect clasps and catches to make sure they are able to function properly.  Neglecting these important inspections may result in greater damage or even a lost piece.
• When storing your jewelry it is best to keep you pieces separate from each other in order to prevent damage.  Diamonds especially may scratch other stones with only slight contact and should be placed in a case or separated by a divider in your jewelry box. Silver jewelry should absolutely be kept away from gold to avoid tarnishing the gold.  Be careful not to store opals or pearls in a dry, dark space for too long (such as a safety deposit box) where the close air seems to dry out both stones and discolor pearls.
  
  Of course, the most important factor for you to remember regarding maintaining your jewelry is to enjoy it! Your jewelry selections are a beautiful reflection of your personality, aesthetic preferences, and often a lovely way to remember an important event or occasion.  When properly cared for with these tips, your jewelry will last a lifetime; show it the care befitting the rare, valuable and precious article that it is.

Take care of your jewellery - they are a part of you!

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