Jewellery can be a prudent investment, often holding sentimental value over time, so proper care is essential to keep it looking its best for years to come. Whether you wear your jewellery daily or reserve it for special occasions, taking the right precautions & measures will help maintain its beauty & longevity. Follow these expert tips to clean, store & protect your jewellery & silverware at home.

General Jewellery Care

Jewellery, especially fine & antique pieces, requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance & structure. Here are some essential care tips:

• Remove jewellery before engaging in physical activities such as exercise, cleaning or gardening to prevent accidental scratches, dents or breakage.
• Remove jewellery before riding or grooming horses.
• Keep jewellery away from harsh chemicals such as chlorine, perfumes & lotions. These substances can cause discolouration & weaken settings.
• Store pieces separately in a soft-lined box or pouch to prevent scratching & tangling. Harder gemstones like diamonds can scratch softer stones & metals.
• Fasten chains & necklaces before storing to avoid knots & breakage.
• Have a professional check your jewellery regularly for signs of wear, such as loose stones, worn claws or weakened settings.
• Ensure valuable pieces are properly insured & professionally valued. This provides peace of mind should they ever be lost or stolen.

Common Jewellery Care Mistakes to Avoid

• Sleeping with jewellery on, which can cause damage, chain tangling & unnecessary wear.
• Showering or swimming while wearing jewellery, as water & chemicals can cause tarnishing & discolouration.
• Storing jewellery in humid conditions, which accelerates tarnish & metal degradation.
• Overloading jewellery boxes, leading to scratching, entanglement & unnecessary wear.
• Leaving natural gemstone-set jewellery, including amber, opal & tortoiseshell, in direct sunlight.

Cleaning & Caring for Different Metals & Gemstones

Gold Jewellery

Gold is a durable metal but still requires careful handling to maintain its beauty:

• Clean with warm water, mild soap & a soft brush – but avoid this method for jewellery set with pearls, coral, tortoiseshell or turquoise.
• Avoid wearing gold in chlorinated pools or while applying lotions & perfumes.
• Use a specialist gold polishing cloth to maintain its shine.

White Gold Jewellery

• White gold is plated with rhodium to enhance its brilliance. Over time, this plating wears away & may need reapplication.
• Clean gently with a soft cloth & mild soap solution.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning products that could damage the plating.

Silver Jewellery

Silver naturally tarnishes or oxidises when exposed to air, but regular care can keep it bright:

• Wear silver jewellery frequently to slow down tarnishing.
• Store silver in an anti-tarnish pouch, airtight bag or acid-free tissue to reduce exposure to air & humidity.
• Use a silver polishing cloth or specialist cleaner to remove tarnish.
• Avoid wearing silver jewellery in chlorinated pools or when applying lotions or perfumes

Platinum Jewellery

Platinum is one of the most durable metals, but it can still develop surface scratches:

• Clean with a mild detergent & a soft cloth, avoiding abrasive materials.
• Over time, platinum develops a soft patina, which some prefer, but it can be polished to restore its original finish.

Diamond Jewellery

Diamonds are incredibly hard but can chip if struck with force. They may also lose their brilliance if not cared for correctly:

• Diamonds attract grease & dirt. Clean with warm soapy water & a soft brush.
• Store separately to prevent diamonds from scratching softer gemstones or metal settings.
• Have diamond settings professionally checked to ensure they are secure.

Pearls, Opals & Other Organic Gemstones

• Pearls & opals are delicate & porous. Carefully wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove any residue.
• Store separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches.
• Avoid exposure to perfumes, hairspray & harsh chemicals.
• Pearls should be re-strung periodically, especially if worn frequently.

Coloured Gemstones (Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies, etc.)

• Clean with warm water & a soft brush, avoiding strong detergents & ultrasonic cleaners.
• Some gemstones, such as emeralds, require extra care as they are more brittle & prone to chipping or scratching.
• Store in a padded box to prevent damage.

Gold-Plated & Rhodium-Plated Jewellery

• Do not polish plated jewellery, as this can wear away the coating.
• Clean with a soft, damp cloth & avoid chemical cleaners.
• Store in a separate pouch to avoid scratches & prolong the plating’s lifespan.

Silverware Care & Maintenance

Cleaning Polished Silverware

• Wash with warm, soapy water & dry immediately with a soft cloth.
• Use a silver polishing cloth regularly to maintain shine.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface.
• Do not use brass polish.
• Be aware gas central heating can cause silverware to tarnish more quickly.

Removing Tarnish from Silverware

• Store silver in anti-tarnish bags or cloths.
• Use a quality silver polish to remove tarnish & restore brilliance.
• Frequent use of silverware helps to slow tarnishing.

Glass & Claret Jug Care

• Avoid leaving red wine in decanters overnight to prevent staining.
• Rinse immediately with warm water & use a small amount of rinse aid to prevent water spots.
• For stubborn stains, use diluted vinegar & rinse thoroughly.
• Dry completely using a soft cloth or allow to air dry upside down.

Professional Cleaning & Maintenance Services

Even with the best care, jewellery & silverware benefit from professional attention:

• Professional Cleaning – We offer expert jewellery & silverware cleaning services to restore shine & brilliance.
• Repairs & Restoration – If you notice loose stones, worn clasps or other signs of wear, we can repair & restore your cherished pieces.
• Replating Services – We provide rhodium plating for white gold jewellery to maintain its lustrous appearance, as well as gilding & hard gold plating for silverware, e.g. dishes, spoons, etc.

For more information, or to book a cleaning or repair service, visit Andrew Lamputt Silversmith & Jeweller, 28 St. Owen Street, Hereford, or telephone 01432 274961.

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