A few rule of thumbs for caring for your jewelry:
- Always put jewelry on after applying makeup, perfume and hairsprays.
- Take off jewelry before exercising, swimming, or doing household chores to prevent damage.
- Wipe your jewelry clean and dry with a soft polishing cloth.
- Store your jewelry separately to prevent them from getting tangled or scratched.
- Travel with care and invest in a travel jewelry case.
- Check for loose stones, worn clasps, or other signs of wear periodically.
Care of Gold
Gold does not tarnish, but it is a relatively soft metal, so care should always be taken with your gold jewelry. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the softer the metal; for example, 14K gold tends to be more resistant to scratching than 18K or 24K gold.
Cleaning Tips:
- Use a soft cloth to wipe your gold jewelry after each wear to remove oils and dirt.
- Take your gold jewelry to a professional jeweller to be cleaned and inspected periodically to maintain its shine and integrity.
Care of Pearls
Pearls are an organic gemstone, and therefore, tend to be quite delicate. Proper care of your pearl jewelry is essential to ensure your investment will last a lifetime. The following is a list of do's and don'ts:
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Do's
- Wear Often: Wearing your pearls regularly helps maintain their natural luster, as the oils from your skin keep them moisturized.
- Gentle Cleaning: Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing, and occasionally clean with mild soapy water. Allow the pearls to dry before putting them away.
- Regular Restringing: Restring your pearl necklace or bracelet every few years to maintain its integrity. The silk thread can stretch or weaken over time, especially with frequent wear.
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Don’ts
- Storage: Do not store your pearls with other jewelry as they can easily be scratched when metal or gemstones rub against them.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep pearls away from perfumes, hairsprays, and cleaning products, as chemicals can damage the surface.
- Avoid Heat: Do not expose to excessive heat; because they contain organic material and water, pearls can also crack if exposed to excessive dryness.
Care of Diamonds
While diamonds are incredibly hard, they can still chip or fracture from sharp impacts. It's also possible to scratch a diamond with another diamond, so please take care when wearing and storing your diamond jewelry.
Cleaning Tips:
- Clean your diamonds using a warm, soapy solution and a soft toothbrush.
- Keep diamonds away from household cleaners, chlorine, and other chemicals that can dull their shine.
Care of Gemstones
Be Mindful of Hardness. Different gemstones have varying hardness levels on the Mohs scale. For instance, softer stones like turquoise or opal require extra care to avoid scratching.
Cleaning Tips:
- Most gemstones can be cleaned with warm water, a touch of mild detergent and a soft cloth.
- Store gemstones separately in soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratches from harder materials.
Care of Chains
Treat your gold chains with care to prevent them from breaking or weakening. Simple precautions can help maintain their strength and beauty for years to come!
Care Tips:
- Avoid Excessive Pulling: Be gentle when putting on or removing your chain. Avoid tugging or pulling that could stress the links.
- Store Properly: Always store your chain flat in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent tangling and minimize stress on the links.
- Limit Exposure: Remove your chain during activities that may cause impact or friction, such as exercising, swimming, or engaging in heavy lifting.