Our jewellery is chosen and created to be worn and enjoyed. However, antique, vintage, and fine jewellery requires thoughtful care to preserve its beauty and integrity. Many gemstones and historic settings are more delicate than modern pieces and should be handled with particular consideration. This guide provides general care advice. For piece-specific guidance, please contact us directly.
General Jewellery Care
Jewellery should be stored separately to prevent scratching or abrasion. We recommend keeping pieces in their original box or a soft-lined jewellery case. Jewellery should be removed before sleeping, bathing, swimming, exercising, or undertaking household tasks. Avoid contact with chemicals, perfumes, lotions, cleaning products, and hairsprays, as these can damage both stones and metals over time.
Gemstones
Emerald
Emeralds are naturally included stones and are often treated with oils to enhance their appearance. These inclusions make them more vulnerable to knocks and pressure. Emeralds should not be exposed to ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, or harsh chemicals. Avoid sudden temperature changes and remove jewellery before physical activity. Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild, non-chemical methods only.
Garnet
Garnets are generally durable but can still chip or fracture if struck. They should be protected from sharp impacts and abrasive surfaces. Avoid exposure to chemicals and prolonged heat. Garnet jewellery should be cleaned gently with a soft cloth and stored away from harder stones that could scratch the surface.
Ruby
Rubies are relatively hard stones, but can still be damaged by sharp blows or improper cleaning. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless confirmed safe for your specific piece, particularly if the stone has inclusions or treatments. Rubies should be kept away from harsh chemicals and extreme heat. Clean with a soft cloth and store separately to prevent scratching.
Diamond
Diamonds are very hard but can still chip, particularly along edges or points. Oils, lotions, and everyday residue can dull their appearance, so regular, gentle cleaning is recommended. Natural oils from the skin, along with everyday dust and residue, can quickly build up on a diamond’s surface and dull its brilliance. Avoid wearing diamond jewellery during heavy activity. Store diamonds separately, as they can scratch other diamonds.
Sapphire
Sapphires are durable stones suitable for regular wear, but care should still be taken to avoid knocks and abrasions. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Clean sapphires with a soft cloth and gentle methods only. Store separately from softer stones.
Opal
Opals require particular attention due to their high water content. They are sensitive to dehydration, heat, and sudden temperature changes. Opals should be kept away from harsh sunlight and dry conditions and should never be exposed to chemicals. Improper care may result in cracking, clouding, or surface damage.
Special Note on Foiled Stones
Foiled stones, commonly found in antique jewellery, require particular care. They should not be exposed to moisture, water, or humidity, as this can damage the foil backing. Avoid direct sunlight, chemicals, perfumes, and lotions. Foiled stones should never be submerged and should be worn with care.
Organic Gemstones
Organic gemstones require special care due to their natural composition. Unlike mineral gemstones, organic gemstones are formed from biological or natural organic processes and are generally softer, more porous, or contain water or organic material. As a result, they are more sensitive to heat, moisture, chemicals, and impact, and require gentler handling to prevent damage.
Organic gemstones can include amber, coral, pearl, jet, tortoiseshell, and certain historic foiled stones commonly found in antique jewellery.
Care and Cleaning for Organic Gemstones
Organic gemstones should not be submerged in water or exposed to steam, ultrasonic cleaners, or harsh chemicals. Clean gently using a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with warm water. Each stone should be wiped individually, taking care not to pull or strain threads, settings, or mountings. Dry thoroughly using a soft cloth and avoid heat sources, as excessive heat can cause cracking, discolouration, or structural damage.
Store organic gemstone jewellery separately in a padded container and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, dry environments, or humidity. Jewellery should be removed before bathing, swimming, exercising, or applying perfumes and lotions.
Metals
Gold
Gold is durable but can scratch and wear over time, particularly higher karat gold, which is softer. Avoid exposure to chemicals, chlorine, and abrasive surfaces. Remove gold jewellery before swimming or cleaning. Avoid contact between gold jewellery and household bleach, as bleach can cause discolouration and weaken the metal over time. Clean gently with a soft cloth and store separately to prevent scratching.
Silver
Silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. Store silver jewellery in a dry, airtight environment when not in use. Avoid wearing silver in water or humid conditions. Tarnish can be gently removed with a silver polishing cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, as these can strip the surface.
Antique and Vintage Jewellery
Antique and vintage jewellery should be worn with additional care due to age and historical construction methods. Settings may be more delicate, and stones may be secured differently than in modern jewellery. Regular checks are recommended to ensure stones remain secure. Natural signs of age are part of the character of these pieces and do not constitute faults.
Care for Storing Chains
Chains should be stored carefully to prevent tangling, stretching, or unnecessary wear. Whenever possible, store chains laid flat or hung individually to avoid knots forming. Fine and antique chains are particularly delicate and should be kept separate from heavier pieces that may place strain on the links.
Chains should be fastened before storing to help maintain their shape and reduce stress on the clasp. Store in a soft-lined pouch or jewellery box, away from moisture, humidity, and direct sunlight. Avoid storing multiple chains together, as friction between links can cause wear over time.
Regularly check clasps and links for signs of wear, especially on antique or fine chains, and avoid sleeping or exercising while wearing them to reduce stress on the metal.
Cleaning and Maintenance
We recommend professional cleaning and inspection for valuable or antique jewellery. Do not attempt repairs or adjustments yourself. If you are unsure how to care for a specific piece, please contact us before cleaning or wearing it regularly.
Cleaning Method:
The safest and most reliable method for cleaning most jewellery at home is to use warm water and a mild soap. Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of gentle, mild soap. Allow the jewellery to soak briefly, then use a soft-bristle toothbrush to carefully remove surface dirt. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. A microfiber or jewellery polishing cloth is ideal for gently reviving shine without scratching.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your jewellery, please do not hesitate to contact us for guidance.