Jewellery Care Guide

Jewellery is more than an accessory — it’s often a treasured keepsake. Proper care keeps your pieces looking their best and lasting for years. This guide will help you understand how to clean, store, and protect your jewellery, as well as when to seek professional help.

Everyday Jewellery Care

  • Avoid Knocks and Scratches:
    Remove jewellery when doing physical work, exercising, or handling heavy objects. Even small bumps can scratch metals or loosen stones.

  • Avoid Exposure to Chemicals:
    Perfumes, hairspray, cleaning products, and cosmetics can damage metals, plating, and delicate gemstones. Apply products first, then put on jewellery.

  • Remove Jewellery When Washing Hands or Swimming:
    Soap, chlorinated water, and saltwater can cause tarnishing or weaken clasps and settings.

Cleaning & Polishing

  • Gold, Platinum, and Silver:
    Use a soft, lint-free cloth for regular polishing. Mild soap and lukewarm water can be used for deeper cleaning, but always rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

  • Gemstones & Pearls:
    Clean with a damp cloth. Do not soak pearls or porous stones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for soft or delicate stones.

  • Plated Jewellery (Gold/Rhodium):
    Polishing too aggressively can wear the plating off. Wipe gently and avoid harsh chemicals.

Jewellery Cleaning guide

Metal-Specific Care

  • Gold: Soft and can scratch easily. Store separately from harder metals.

  • Silver: Tarnishes naturally; store in anti-tarnish cloths or pouches.

  • Platinum: Very durable, but still prone to surface scratches. Clean with a soft cloth.

  • Rhodium-plated pieces: Keep away from abrasive surfaces; plating may wear over time.

Gemstone-Specific Care

  • Diamonds: Extremely hard but can scratch other stones. Clean with warm, soapy water.

  • Pearls: Soft and delicate. Avoid water and chemicals; wipe with a soft cloth after wearing.

  • Opals & Soft Gemstones: Sensitive to heat, light, and chemicals. Store in soft pouches.

  • Coloured Gemstones: Avoid ultrasonic cleaning unless confirmed safe by a professional.

Storage & Travel

  • Store jewellery in individual pouches or a compartmentalised box to prevent scratching or tangling.

  • Keep silver and other easily tarnished metals away from moisture and air (anti-tarnish strips help).

  • When travelling, use a soft jewellery roll or small pouches for each piece.

Repairs & Servicing

  • Check clasps, settings, and chains regularly for wear.

  • Take jewellery to a professional if stones are loose, metal is bent, or pieces show excessive wear.

  • Routine professional cleaning can restore shine and extend the life of your jewellery.

  • Do not attempt DIY repairs on precious metals or gemstones — mistakes can be costly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clean my jewellery?
A: Gently clean every few weeks; professional cleaning at least once a year is recommended.

Q: Can I wear my jewellery while swimming or showering?
A: Avoid it. Water, chlorine, and soaps can damage metals and gemstones, and water can loosen settings.

Q: How should I store my jewellery?
A: Keep pieces separated in soft pouches or a compartmentalised box. Store silver in anti-tarnish cloth.

Q: Are all gemstones safe to clean with the same methods?
A: No. Softer or porous stones like pearls, opals, and some coloured gems require gentle cleaning and no soaking.

Q: When should I get professional help?
A: If stones become loose, clasps fail, or your jewellery is scratched, tarnished, or damaged. Professional attention can prevent further damage.