Care
How to care for your jewellery
The right care keeps your jewellery looking beautiful for many years. Below we have put together practical advice on wearing, cleaning and storing it.
Everyday care
Put your jewellery on only after perfume, lotion, cosmetics and hairspray, and take it off before bathing, sleeping, swimming, sport, cleaning and heavy manual work. After wearing, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove traces of cosmetics and dirt.
Care by material
Solid 18-karat (750/1000) gold
18-karat gold is durable, but it can become scratched and lose its shine through minor surface damage. Clean it with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft cloth or brush. Dry the jewellery thoroughly after cleaning. Avoid polishing pastes and abrasives, which can dull the surface.
925 sterling silver
Silver reacts naturally with its surroundings, so it may darken over time. To restore its shine, use a special silver polishing cloth. For heavier tarnish, choose a gentle product intended for 925 sterling silver, following the manufacturer's instructions. Store your jewellery in a dry, airtight pouch or box to limit contact with the air.
Plated silver
A decorative finish such as gold plating or rhodium plating can wear away gradually. Clean the jewellery gently with a soft cloth, without vigorous polishing or rubbing. Do not use silver-cleaning liquids or strong chemicals, as they may damage or discolour the finish. Do not use home methods with bicarbonate of soda or toothpaste either.
Cubic zirconia
To keep cubic zirconia sparkling, clean it with a soft brush and a mild soap solution, paying special attention to the spaces under the stones where residue collects. Rinse carefully and dry thoroughly. Avoid strong pressure, sudden temperature changes and knocks, which can loosen the setting. For stones set in delicate or plated jewellery, use only methods that are safe for the whole piece.
More advice
What to avoid
To keep your jewellery looking its best and lasting as long as possible, it is worth knowing about a few less obvious risks that can damage it:
- Over-polishing – cleaning too vigorously can gradually remove delicate finishes, as well as the natural patina or deliberately darkened details that are part of the design.
- Using the wrong cleaning method – a product that suits one metal is not always safe for jewellery with stones, gold plating or another finish. If in doubt, check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Storage
Good storage reduces the risk of scratches, tangling and loss of shine. It is worth thinking not only about where you keep your jewellery, but also about how you lay it out:
- Keep pieces apart – compartments, soft pouches or separate small boxes stop pieces rubbing against each other. Diamonds and other hard stones can scratch metal and softer stones.
- Use the box or pouch it came in – it keeps the piece from knocking against other jewellery, and holds its certificate in one place.
- Choose stable conditions – avoid keeping jewellery on a windowsill, in the bathroom or near radiators. Moisture, temperature swings and direct sunlight can affect some metals, stones and finishes.
- Mind the materials around silver – rubber, wool and some kinds of paper can contain compounds that speed up tarnishing. Silver is best kept in suitable, dry packaging, away from such materials.
- Protect jewellery when travelling – use a case with separate compartments or soft fastenings. Pieces thrown loosely into a wash bag easily tangle, rub together and get damaged.
Regular, gentle care lets you enjoy your jewellery for years to come. If you have a question about a particular piece, please get in touch.