CARING |
Jewellery is often an investment and holds great sentimental value. Therefore, it’s important to care for your pieces to ensure they remain beautiful for years to come. Whether you're cleaning a diamond engagement ring, a cherished pearl necklace, or a gold bracelet, follow our guide to maintain your jewellery with confidence. Proper care and handling of your jewellery can help it maintain its beauty and sparkle for years to come.
General Care
Have a professional regularly inspect your jewellery for any damage or wear. If you have concerns about the condition of your pieces, visit your local JAA member. They will be delighted to help you keep your jewellery looking as pristine as the day you bought it. Here are some tips to maintain its beauty:
- If you are involved in any activity which could scratch, knock or damage your jewellery, take your jewellery off and keep in a safe place. If in doubt, take it off.
- Remove jewellery before going to bed.
- Keep well away from chemicals, especially chlorine. If it does come into contact with chemicals, rinse in water immediately
- Bathe and apply any lotions, sunscreens or perfumes before you put your jewellery on. Organic gemstones such as pearls and opals are particularly vulnerable to acids, even perspiration.
- Remove jewellery before swimming, whether that be at the beach on in a pool, and when going into a hot tub. Salt water can dull and erode metal and gemstones.
- Store jewellery separately, ideally in a soft-lined box or case, so that your favourite pieces don't tangle, rub or scratch one another. Pearls should be kept separately as they are easily scratched by hard gemstones.
- Make sure chains and necklaces are fastened when string to avoid tangling. Consider using a jewellery roll, especially when travelling.
- Remove jewellery while cooking, cleaning and washing up. As well as when exercising, particularly rings when lifting weights.
- When storing jeweller, be to keep it away from sunlight, excessive heat or damp conditions.
- Have your jewellery professionally checked, cleaned and polished at least once a year. This will assist in identifying an potential loose gemstones or worn settings before a loss occurs.
- Don't wear rings too big for your fingers or earrings without proper clasps. You don't always notice you've lost a piece before it's too late.
- Ensure you are adequately insured and that you have up to date valuations.
- If in doubt about the care, repair or valuation of your jewellery, then seek advice of a JAA jeweller. For a sign of a professional jeweller, look for the Jewellers Association of Australia member logo.
The best news of all is that your quality jewellery will very rarely be beyond repair or restoration.
CHECKLIST The plating is wearing off white gold, exposing a yellow tinge. Worn, damaged or missing claws on settings risk losing stones. Loose stones in their settings; may hear a rattle when gently shaken.
| Following are some things to look out for when caring for jewellery: A dive watch needs to be pressure tested annually. Loose catches and clasps or rough links on chains or bracelets. Any fractures in metal; may notice it catches on clothing. Pop into your local JAA jeweller to resolve any of these issues. | Too much movement in hinged joints. Pearls that are loose on their thread or where the thread is frayed. If a ring is too tight or loose, it can generally |
STORING FINE JEWELLERY AND WATCHES
An organised, clean jewellery box is the best place to store your treasured jewels and watches. Proper storage of your jewellery will help to ensure that it will last and also allow you to see your jewellery meaning you can wear it more regularly. Store your jewellery in a dry, temperature controlled environment, meaning it should not be close to heaters, air conditioning, humidifiers or radiators. Find a discreet yet memorable storage location to keep your jewels safe; consider less obvious locations such as hidden compartments, secret safes or inconspicuous places.
Don't jumble your jewels Store your jewellery in a fabric-lined case | Separate everyday jewels Frequently worn jewellery can be stored in a smaller box or jewellery trays for easy access. Choose a design that complements your decor so it can sit on top of a dresser. Having jewellery in a convenient spot will help you find what you need and keep track of your collection. For irreplaceable items, a secure safe is the best storage option. Consider rotating your favourite pieces during the various seasons. | Hang it up! Consider using organisers with hooks and clear pouches to keep earrings separate and visible. Place one pair per pouch to avoid posts scratching other gemstones. Hang them on the back of your door or inside your closet (a secure storage spot too!). For necklaces, use hanging organisers to prevent knotting and kinks, keeping them tangle-free and easy to access will help prevent a mess and the need for repairs. |
CLEANING
GEMSTONES
Colour and sparkle are one of the reasons that coloured gemstones are cherished, meaning it is vital to maintain their brilliance. Though, understanding the type of gem you're cleaning and the proper methods is crucial. Many coloured gemstones undergo treatments to enhance their appearance, which can interact negatively with certain cleaning products and damage the jewellery. If unsure, consult a jeweller for advice.
Despite their tough appearance, many gemstones are sensitive to heat. Always use warm, not hot or boiling water, for cleaning. Aggressive cleaning can weaken a gemstone's structure, especially those with inclusions. Gemstones like emeralds, often treated with oil to enhance colour, can be damaged by steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
For most coloured gemstones, cleaning with warm water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and a soft brush will suffice. Avoid hard brushes; a toothbrush labelled soft or extra-soft works well due to its small head and flexibility.
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DIAMONDS
Even though diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance, they still need careful handling. While diamonds are highly durable, they can fracture or scratch each other due to their directional hardness. Oils from fingers and general grime can quickly dull a diamond's brilliance.
Handle diamonds with care and store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches. Using individual small plastic bags or a fabric-lined case can help minimize damage, wear, and dirt build up.
Regularly clean your diamonds by soaking them in warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Gently brush with a soft, clean toothbrush, then dry with a lint-free cloth. Be cautious with the stone's setting, as it may be fragile. Avoid using bleaches or harsh abrasives, which can damage the metal setting.
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ORGANIC GEMS
Organic gems like pearls, opals, and amber have unique chemical compositions that differ from mineral gemstones like sapphires and diamonds. As a result, they require specialized care. These organic gems are softer and more susceptible to scratches and damage. They are also vulnerable to acids and many chemicals found in cleaning products. Here's a brief guide to help you care for your pearls, opals, and amber jewellery.
How to clean pearl, coral, and amber jewellery:
- Do not submerge the gemstones in water. Instead, dampen a soft cloth with warm water and gently rub each stone individually. Avoid pulling the stones through the cloth to prevent stretching or damaging the string.
- If stubborn dirt remains, use a soft brush to carefully remove it.
- Dry the gemstones with a lint-free cloth. Excess moisture can accumulate in the drill holes and near the knots, causing discoloration. Use a gentle breath or dab with the cloth to remove this moisture. Avoid using a hairdryer, as heat can damage the stones.
- Never use steam, boiling water, or ultrasonic tools, as these can irreversibly damage the gems.
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GOLD AND PLATINUM
Gold jewellery can quickly lose its shine due to fingerprints and daily dirt build up. Fortunately, these tips will help you restore its brilliance.
If your gold jewellery includes gemstones or pearls, take extra care when cleaning. Refer to the rest of the guide for specific instructions on cleaning different gems to avoid damage.
Using a cleaning solution specifically for jewellery is a safe option, but ensure it's suitable for the particular metal or gemstone. If uncertain, follow these steps:
- Add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid to a lukewarm bowl of water. Avoid extreme temperature changes, as they may damage the jewellery.
- Soak the jewellery for ten minutes to loosen dirt build up.
- Gently clean with a soft-bristled brush, such as an unused toothbrush.
- Thoroughly clean the entire piece, including hard-to-reach areas, and be extra careful with fragile parts like stone settings.
- Rinse well in clean water to remove soap residue and remaining dirt.
- Dry gently with a lint-free cloth or leave on a cloth to air dry.
- Gold is a soft metal prone to scratching, so be gentle during the cleaning and drying process.
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SILVER
Silver jewellery can tarnish over time, becoming dull or even black. Tarnishing occurs when silver is exposed to oxygen and sulphur in the air. Fortunately, while tarnish is unavoidable, it doesn’t damage the metal and can be easily removed with cleaning.
How to Prevent Tarnishing:
- Wear your jewellery: Simply wearing your silver pieces slows the tarnishing process.
- Proper storage: Keep silver jewellery in separate airtight bags to minimize exposure to air.
- Avoid humidity: Store silver in dry environments to prevent accelerated tarnishing.
- Hand hygiene: Remove silver rings and bracelets when washing your hands to avoid soap residue buildup, which can dull the surface.
How to Clean Silver:
For routine cleaning, a specialist silver cleaning solution or cloth works best. Look for products designed specifically for silver, and ensure that silver cleaning cloths are soft and infused with anti-tarnishing agents.
Using Household Items:
If you don't have specialist cleaners at home, you can use household items to clean silver:
1. Washing-up Liquid:
- Soak the silver jewellery in a bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid for ten minutes.
- Gently scrub the silver with a soft, clean brush.
- Rinse in clean, warm water.
- Leave to air dry.
2. White Vinegar:
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Soak a clean toothbrush in the solution and gently brush the tarnished areas.
- Rinse and leave to air dry.
These methods will help restore your silver jewellery's shine, making it look as good as new.
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WATCHES
Your watch is a complex piece of engineering that works tirelessly day after day. Just like a car, it requires regular servicing to ensure longevity. As a general rule, servicing every three or four years can help your watch last for decades.
Regularly check your watch, ensuring the strap or bracelet is securely attached to the case. If you have a mechanical watch, wind it in a clockwise direction, ideally at the same time each day. Remove the watch from your wrist when winding to avoid placing undue pressure on the winder.
Water resistance is often misunderstood. For instance, a watch marked "30 meters" isn't necessarily safe for swimming. This rating refers to the static pressure the watch can withstand. Activities like jumping into a pool can exceed this pressure, potentially letting water into the watch. For swimming, a watch with at least 100 meters of water resistance is recommended, but avoid wearing it in the bath or shower.