JEWELLERY CARE

Being Careful

Caring properly for your jewellery will ensure you have it for a very long time.

My rule is 'everything else goes on before your jewellery'. Creams, make-up, hairspray, perfume and the like are to be applied first and your jewellery is the final touch as the chemicals can cause harm to the metals and gemstones that make up your jewellery.

Be sure to take care when doing things that could be hard on your jewellery like gardening, mountain biking or lifting weights. The key to it's longevity is to keep it out of harms way. Metal and gemstones are fairly resilient but it is best to avoid questionable circumstances. Definitely don't drum on concrete counter tops with your ring on!!!

Taking Care of Tarnish

Sterling silver jewellery when exposed to the air will tarnish when not being worn so try to get into the habit of storing it in ziploc-style baggies and containers. This helps with tarnish and prevents your jewellery from getting needlessly scratched. Sterling Silver jewellery may also tarnish while you are wearing if for the first few times - don't panic! This is caused by the PH balance in your skin reacting with the copper in the sterling silver alloy. It should resolve itself and return to the tarnish-free surface you originally had just by wearing it. Your skin will polish the tarnish from the surface by going about your daily life. If it doesn't get in touch and we will see what needs to be done, there may be other things at work.     

I don't recommend using a silver dip or polish for cleaning, as they can be harsh chemicals, abrasive and just plain bad for the environment. In the studio I clean clients jewellery by making a small bath of warm water and a bio-degradable soap, using an old soft used toothbrush to dip and brush the tarnish away. It even safe to use on a piece of jewellery that has gemstones, beads or pearls. One thing to be sure of is to thoroughly dry your silver jewellery after wear, cleaning and before storing as the humidity is one of the main causes of tarnish.

Cleaning your Diamonds

You would be amazed what you can do just using an old soft toothbrush. Dipping it in warm water and gently scrubbing under your diamonds and gemstones may just be all you need to get them sparking again. If you need more intense cleaning feel free to bring it by the shop and I can give it a more professional clean.

When it is Past Caring For

If you find that you have jewellery that you are ready to part with because it is unused, out-of-date or just doesn't do anything for you, I am able to help you re-make it into something updated and wearable, keeping all of the sentimentality intact for future generations.