Caring for your beloved jewellery is an essential task that shouldn’t be neglected. In order for your jewellery to remain radiant and looking new for as long as possible, keep an eye on any pieces that look like they may need attention. We suggest bringing your jewellery in to the workshop here at least once a year so that we can also check all the settings and claws for you for anything that might have come loose over time (to prevent any unnecessary losses) and to re-Rhodium plate any White Gold items for you as well. This service is available for a nominal fee and is free of charge for any items that were made here. But in order to keep your pieces looking brand new at home - you can try to following steps as well:
- Store in a jewellery box that has a seal and is designed to keep each piece of jewellery separate. If possible, individual ziplock bags can also assist in keeping jewellery in better condition for longer.
- Avoid extreme temperatures where there is high humidity and moisture in the air. While quite unavoidable in some areas (especially in South Africa), it is recommended to take measures such as storing your jewellery near dehumidifiers or with silica packets (or even good old chalk) in order to absorb any moisture from the air around it.
- Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming or exercising as moisture on the skin is the leading cause of tarnishing in jewellery. You want to wear your pieces on dry skin only – as far as possible.
- Avoid contact with household cleaners, harsh or perfumed soaps and materials or surfaces such as treated wood (any organic surfaces that have had any kind of longevity treatment). The chemicals used tend to exacerbate tarnishing and are very bad for the skin as well.
- It is recommended that you alternated your jewellery pieces from time to time if possible in order to preserve their natural longevity. While we do make use of only the highest quality materials and gemstones available in the trade, it is still good to give your jewellery a rest and avoid daily wear whenever you can.
- If you own any silver or costume jewellery, keep this separate from your gold pieces as some metals (depending on the alloys they might have) can react with one another and cause unnecessary damage to your more expensive items.
- Make use of a polishing cloth as often as you can (consider keeping one inside your jewellery box). Use this to clean your jewellery with a gentle wipe when you remove it and store it away, as this will assist with any excess moisture and/or oils from the skin.
- Sometimes, simple is the way. For pieces that have lost their lustre over time you can use a drop or two of plain old Sunlight Liquid in some hot water and an old toothbrush. You will be amazed at the results you can get on a Diamond ring using this nifty little trick! For best results, focus on the backs of stones and settings where your skin makes the most contact with the piece. Rinse thoroughly!
- It stands to reason that you want your most beloved jewellery to stay in the best possible condition for as long as possible, so it is a terrible idea to put it through unnecessary physical harm if you can void it. When working with your hands or doing something that is not conducive to taking care of your jewellery pieces, rather remove them first. In most instances it is far easier and more cost effective to prevent the need for repair entirely.
Do you have any clever tips and tricks that we may have missed? Let us know!