Caring For Your Jewellery

I've had several customers in the store recently concerned of why the metal in their jewellery is cracking and discoloured. The first question I ask is if they've been wearing their jewels in chlorinated pools, hot tubs or while using cleaners containing bleach.

Chlorine can erode metals causing stones to be loosened and cause discolouring that will have to be professionally removed. Chemicals in household cleaners can damage the metal in your jewellery as well as abraid, erode and stain your gemstones.

ALWAYS REMOVE JEWELLERY BEFORE SWIMMING OR USING HARSH CLEANERS!

Here are a few others tips on taking the best care of your precious heirlooms:

1) Have your jewels cleaned and inspected atleast once a year. I do not charge for this service. It's best to know your stone is loose BEFORE is goes missing!

2) Don't store your diamond jewellery loose with other pieces. Diamonds can scratch and damage pearls, coloured gemstones and even OTHER diamonds!

3) Diamonds are known as the hardest substance on earth, but they are NOT indestructible, a hard blow can cause them to chip and fracture.

4) Prepared jewel cleaners can be damaging to soft/porous stones such as emeralds, pearls, opals, turquiose and cameos. You can clean your jewels by adding a few drops of dish soap to a glass of warm water and gently brushing with an old toothbrush.

5) ALWAYS put your jewellery on last, AFTER applying cosmetics, lotions and perfumes.

6) It is important to appraise your jewels. If they are lost or stolen, details of dimensions with photographs accurately document the quality, size and colour of gemstones to ensure you receive equal quality and value when replaced.

I hope this helps you take the best care of your jewels!