Jewellery Care Tips to Keep Your Pieces Sparkling

Fine jewellery is more than just an accessory - it’s a keepsake, a memory, and sometimes even a legacy. Whether you wear your pieces every day or only on special occasions, taking the right steps to care for your jewellery can help it last for generations. At Silveri Jewellers, we want you to enjoy your treasures for years to come. Here's how to protect and care for your gold, sterling silver, pearls, diamonds, and gemstones.

General Tips to Protect Your Jewellery

No matter the material, these jewellery care basics apply to almost every piece:

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Remove your jewellery before swimming in chlorine pools or hot tubs, using cleaning products, or applying lotions and perfumes.

• Store smartly: Keep pieces in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box to prevent scratches. Store each item separately to avoid tangling and friction.

• Take them off: Remove rings before gardening, working out, or doing heavy lifting to avoid knocks and wear.

• Clean gently: Use a soft cloth to polish your jewellery after wearing. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and water unless otherwise noted below.

Caring for Specific Types of Jewellery

Gold Jewellery

Gold is durable but can still scratch. To care for gold:

• Soak occasionally in warm water with mild soap, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush.

• Avoid wearing gold jewellery in pools, as chlorine can weaken the metal over time.

• If you wear multiple gold rings on the same finger - like a wedding set - they can shift and spin throughout the day, causing them to rub against each other. Over time, this friction can wear down the sides of the bands, thinning the gold and dulling the finish. To help prevent this, consider having your rings professionally soldered together. This creates a more stable, unified piece that stays in place and reduces long-term wear and tear.

Sterling Silver

Silver naturally tarnishes, but you can keep it shiny:

• Store silver in an airtight bag with anti-tarnish strips.

• Clean with a silver polishing cloth or a mix of mild soap and water. Avoid toothpaste or baking soda - these can scratch the surface.

Pearls

Delicate and organic, pearls require special care:

• Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove body oils.

• Store flat in a fabric-lined box - never hang pearl necklaces.

• Avoid direct contact with perfumes, hairspray, and cosmetics.

Diamonds

Diamonds are tough but still need care to stay brilliant:

• Soak in warm soapy water, then scrub gently with a soft brush.

• Get them professionally checked once a year to ensure prongs are secure.

Gemstones - Everyday Wear Considerations: Wearing gemstone jewellery daily, especially rings or bracelets that are more exposed to contact, can lead to:

• Surface scratches on softer stones like opal, moonstone, and turquoise.

• Chips or cracks from knocks and bumps, especially in stones with natural inclusions like emeralds.

• Loss of lustre from exposure to sunlight or chemicals, which can affect colour in stones like amethyst and topaz.

Care Tips for Gemstone Jewellery:

• Rotate your jewellery: Give gemstone pieces a break and switch them out to reduce daily wear and tear.

• Know your stones: Familiarize yourself with the hardness and sensitivity of each gem. For example, sapphires and rubies are more durable, while opals and pearls require extra care.

• Avoid direct sunlight and chemicals: Some stones, like amethyst and citrine, can fade with prolonged sun exposure.

When in Doubt, Ask an Expert

If you’re unsure how to clean or store a particular piece, or if your jewellery needs a little TLC, we’re here to help. At Silveri, we offer jewellery cleaning and inspection services to keep your items safe and stunning.

Keep Your Sparkle for Years to Come

With just a little care and attention, your jewellery will continue to shine through every season of life. Follow these simple tips to help protect your investment - and preserve the beauty of every treasured piece.

Need a cleaning or repair? Visit us in-store or contact us for expert care.