A little gentle care keeps your jewellery looking its best. This guidance follows the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS) and Jewelers of America.
Everyday wear
- Take your jewellery off before swimming, a hot tub or the sea: chlorine and salt water can damage and discolour metals.
- Put jewellery on after sunscreen, lotion, perfume and hairspray. Pearls especially can be harmed by cosmetics, perfume and perspiration.
- Take rings and bracelets off for manual work, gardening and sport, where they can be knocked, snagged or scratched.
- Wipe pieces with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing.
Storing
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined box, or wrapped in soft tissue, so pieces don't scratch or tangle.
- Keep jewellery somewhere dry, away from heaters and humidifiers.
- Sterling silver tarnishes in air. An airtight bag, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip, slows this down.
Gentle cleaning
- For most pieces, warm water with a drop of mild dishwashing liquid and a soft brush is the safe choice. Rinse in lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Avoid bleach, chlorine, toothpaste and abrasive polishes: they can damage metal and scratch softer gems.
- Avoid baking soda and boiling water: AGS advises against both.
Gemstones that need extra care
- Pearl, opal, turquoise, moonstone, topaz and tanzanite: warm, soapy water only, never ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Emerald: most emeralds have filled fractures, so ultrasonic and steam cleaning are risky. Use warm, soapy water and gentle scrubbing.
- Pearl, opal, emerald, turquoise, moonstone, topaz and amethyst can be harmed by high heat or sudden temperature changes.
- Pearls: wipe with a very soft cloth after each wear.
Sterling silver
- A silver polishing cloth removes tarnish, and is the gentle option for silver set with delicate stones.
- Silver dips are meant for silver without set stones, and can strip an antiqued finish.
Not sure how to clean a piece? Ask us, or a professional jeweller can advise.