Fine jewellery is made to be worn, and worn often. A little care keeps it bright for decades. This is the routine we recommend, and it takes about five minutes.
The ritual
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.
- Let the piece soak for a few minutes to loosen everyday film: hand cream, soap and skin oils.
- Brush gently with a very soft toothbrush, paying attention to the back of the setting, where grime dulls a stone’s sparkle.
- Rinse in clean water, with the sink plug in.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and let it air-dry fully before you put it away.
What to avoid
- Chlorine. Take rings off before the swimming pool or hot tub, and before cleaning with bleach. Chlorine can weaken the alloys in gold over time.
- Abrasives. Toothpaste, baking soda and rough cloths scratch polished metal.
- Knocks. Remove rings for the gym, gardening and heavy lifting. Even hard stones can chip if struck at the wrong angle.
- Perfume and creams. Put jewellery on last, after everything else.
Stones that need a gentler hand
Pearls, opals and emeralds should not be soaked, and should never go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth instead. Gold-plated and vermeil pieces need the same gentleness: no soaking, no brushing, just a soft cloth, because the gold layer is thin.
Storing your pieces
Keep each piece separately, in its own pouch or compartment, so harder stones cannot scratch softer metals and chains cannot tangle. Fasten necklaces before you put them away.
When to bring it to us
Once a year, have a professional check claws and clasps, which wear slowly and invisibly. If a stone ever feels loose or a claw catches on fabric, stop wearing the piece and get in touch.
