Jewellery Care


Things to Remember….

                                                                                                     
Jewellery is precious, and needs to be handled with care…

* Rings can collect dirt behind the stones. Transparent gemstones can be cleaned by soaking in soapy water, using a soft toothbrush to clean the stone.
* Diamonds rubies & sapphires can be cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water. It will add a sparkle.
* Plain water is safe to clean all gemstones
* Avoid detergents containing ammonia or acetone
* Opaque stones like onyx, lapis, turquoise should be wiped clean with a soft cloth.
* Pearls, corals and amber should be cleaned with a moist cloth

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* If stored in a heap in a drawer, gemstones can scratch the gold / silver.
* Remember to wear your gemstone jewellery the last thing before going out.
* Remove all gemstone jewellery at night.

Pearls

• Pearls are organic gems comprised of calcium carbonate, they require more specialized care than most other gemstones. They are particularly subject to deterioration from contact with chemicals, including perfumes, hair spray or household cleaning agents.
• Always wear on your Pearls after you have applied your make up and perfume.
• Pearls are “special-occasion” wear. Remove them whilst working in the kitchen.
• Wipe Pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth, after you take them off.
• Never apply any cream ( hand / body) with your Pearl ring on.
• If your Pearls are dirty, clean with a mild soap and water solution
• Never use detergents to clean Pearls
• Never rub Pearls hard, whilst cleaning. This can wear away the nacre ( or luminous coating)
• Pearl jewellery should not be put into an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Pearls can scratch easily. Store them separately.
• They are best stored in a soft, cloth bag
• Avoid using plastic to store Pearls. Some plastic emits chemicals that may damage your Pearls.
• Pearl strands should be stored flat rather than hanging so the thread won't stretch out prematurely
• Avoid storing Pearls in lockers or safety vaults for long periods. The dry atmosphere can cause small fractures on the Pearl’s surface.
• Re-string your Pearls periodically, before the silk / nylon cord gives way.
• Knotting between Pearls offers additional security for your necklace. If it gives way, you won’t lose more than a Pearl.
• Pearls will naturally darken with age and wear. They may acquire a creamy or golden appearance, which cannot be removed.

Emeralds

• They require special handling. Avoid knocking Emeralds around, or exposing them to heat.
• Avoid contact with perfume, hair spray etc.
• Clean with a soft toothbrush or a soft, moist cloth.Do not soak Emeralds
• Every 2-5 years, have an experienced jeweler re-oil your Emeralds, to keep them looking their best.
• Velvet lined boxes are the best, when it comes to storing Emeralds.
• Emeralds can get scratched if stored along with Diamonds or Sapphires.

Ruby

• Hard and durable, rubies are easy to care for, but can chip or fracture if handled rough.
• Avoid contact with creams, lotions or chemicals.
• Sudden temperature changes can crack the stone.
• If very dirty, dip in alcohol to cut away the grease, or use warm, soapy water to clean. Wipe clean with a soft flannel cloth.
• Store in a fabric lined box, away from other jewellery.
• Rubies can scratch other softer gemstones, if stored together.

Corals

• Coral is extremely fragile. Handle it with care.
• Corals are porous, so take care that it does not come into contact with any chemicals, and do not soak Corals in water.
• Store separately in pouches
• If any of the Corals are loose, visit the jeweler and fix them immediately. Re-string Corals in necklaces professionally.
• Refrain from using harsh cosmetics or sprays while wearing Coral jewelry.
• Clean Coral jewelry with a soft damp cloth.

Diamonds

• Diamonds do not scratch easily and can only be cut by another Diamond
• Avoid contact with hair sprays, perfumes or chemicals.
• Even perspiration can leave a residue on Diamonds and dull their sheen.
• Soak Diamond jewellery in a solution of cold water (6 parts) and ammonia ( 1 part) for 30 mins. Swish it in the solution, rinse and drain on a tissue
• Gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should loosen most dirt and greatly increase the brilliance of the diamond - be careful, however, not to scratch the precious metal
• Periodically have your jewellery checked, to ensure mounting, setting and safety catches are secure.
• One diamond can scratch another diamond. It is important to store different pieces of jewellery separately. Store individually in soft cloth pouches.

Sapphire

• Sapphires are quite durable, but a hard knock can split or chip your Sapphires
• Clean regularly to keep their “fire” bright.
• Remove Sapphire jewellery before engaging in strenuous chores
• Do not expose Sapphire jewellery to chlorine bleach, for it can damage the setting.
• Sudden temperature changes can cause the Sapphire to crack.
• Clean at home, with a soft cloth, warm water and a mild detergent.
• If very dirty, soak it for 10 mins. In water, gently clean residue with a soft toothbrush.
• If Diamonds and Sapphires are the only stones in your jewellery, it is safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the piece
• Store separately in soft pouches.

Tourmaline

• Rare and expensive Tourmalines can get scratched with pressure.
• Clean Tourmalines with warm soapy water.
• Intense heat may alter the colour.
• Sudden temperature changes can lead to fracturing.
• It does not react to chemicals.
• Do not use ultrasonic cleaners for Tourmalines
• Store separately in a soft pouch.