Diamond care
They say diamonds are forever, but it’s still a very good idea to give them a regular clean.
Over time product build up and dirt can make diamonds lose their sparkle, so here are some quick tips on how to clean a diamond to ensure yours never look lacklustre:
Always remove diamond jewellery before taking a shower
Soap can quickly cause a layer of film and further build up to occur, dulling diamonds over time. It’s also a good opportunity to let your skin breathe, plus you can leave your jewellery to soak in a gentle cleaning solution while you wash!
Use a soft toothbrush to clean your diamond
Cleaning diamonds is an easy task, all you need is a soft bristled toothbrush and some warm water to get in between the prongs holding your diamond in place, as well as gently scrubbing off any dirt or build up on the stone itself.
Remove diamond jewellery when applying creams
Whether it’s your everyday moisturiser or sun cream at the beach, avoid wearing your jewellery while applying cream to ensure it doesn’t get behind the diamond or between the prongs, causing build up and dullness. It’s also a good idea to apply hairspray, make up and perfume before putting jewellery on because over time this can cause tarnish on the prongs, clasps and bands holding the diamond in place.
Be cautious with ultrasonic cleaners
While these devices are excellent at removing dirt and grime build up on diamonds, the vibrating fluid they create can also cause diamonds to move and loosen in their clasps. They could then be lost or require fixing at a later date.
Gold care
If your jewellery is worn every day, it comes into contact with a lot of dirt and takes a fair few knocks and scrapes. This is why it’s a good idea to follow these simple tips to keep it safe and clean, to ensure the gold metal lasts and lasts.
Take off jewellery when going
swimming or using a hot tub
Chlorine isn’t kind when it comes into contact with gold and can discolour and even damage the metal if it is regularly submerged. If you don’t swim often and forget to remove it just once then don’t panic, but if you’re regularly in the pool or a hot tub it’s a good idea to leave the jewellery in your locker, in its original presentation box or wrapped in a soft cloth in a zip pocket on your bag or coat.
Never use toothpaste
to clean gold
Many people recommend this but it can actually damage softer gold in higher carats – such as 18ct gold jewellery. Toothpaste is an abrasive substance, designed to keep your tough teeth enamel clean; on gold it can cause a great deal of damage if used often.
Remove gold jewellery when
performing cleaning tasks
If you are not wearing protective gloves while using cleaning products, such as bleach or everyday cleaning spray, then it’s a good idea to remove all jewellery to avoid discolouration or damage. Ensure you wash your hands before putting gold or diamond rings back on after cleaning.
How to clean a ring
A little washing up liquid mixed in with some warm water is all you need to create an effective soaking solution for your gold jewellery. Pop the ring into this mixture and leave to soak for around 15 to 30 minutes before removing and wiping dry with a soft, clean cloth. Use the toothbrush mentioned earlier to clean the prongs and inside of your ring if there is any substantial product build up.
How to clean a necklace
Remove the pendant from the necklace and if the stone or embellishments are attached using glue do not soak this in the solution mentioned above. Instead, take a damp, clean cloth and gently wipe this over the pendant to remove any dirt build up. Unclasp the chain and drop this into the washing up liquid mixture to soak. This should lift any dirt or residue and once removed also wipe this over with a clean cloth – remember to be extra careful if you have a fine chain.
How to clean earrings
For hygiene reasons, we recommend taking an alcohol swab and cleaning the earring hooks that sit within your piercing, between wears. To clean the earrings themselves, if they feature prongs and diamonds, grab that soft toothbrush and warm water and gently remove any dirt or residue. Dry with a soft cloth and your earrings should be sparkling and ready to wear.
Pearl care and maintenance
Pearls are organic gemstones, requiring specific care protocols due to a structural composition that is significantly softer than diamonds or precious metals. Their natural lustre develops over time and deserves careful preservation. By following these essential care and cleaning practices, you can help maintain the beauty, strength and brilliance of your pearl jewellery for years to come.
The order of wear
Apply perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and lotions before putting on your pearl jewellery. The acids and chemical compounds found in everyday beauty products can erode the pearl's outer layer (the nacre), gradually dulling its natural lustre. At the end of the day, pearls should be the first piece of jewellery you remove, limiting unnecessary exposure to oils, perspiration and cosmetics.
Everyday care
Pearls naturally absorb oils and moisture from the skin. After each wear, gently wipe them with a soft, clean, slightly damp cloth to remove any residue before storing. Always remove pearl jewellery before swimming, showering or using household cleaning products, as chlorine, saltwater and harsh detergents can permanently damage organic gemstones. For pearl necklaces and bracelets, prolonged exposure to moisture can also weaken the silk thread over time.
Proper storage
Store pearl jewellery separately from harder gemstones, metal chains and other jewellery to prevent scratches caused by friction. Place pearls flat in a soft pouch, a dedicated jewellery compartment or their original presentation box. Avoid airtight plastic containers, as pearls benefit from small amounts of ambient moisture that help preserve their natural structure and prevent dehydration.
Clean gently with mild soap
If your pearls require a deeper clean, use lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap. Dampen a soft microfibre cloth with the solution and carefully wipe each pearl individually. Avoid soaking pearl necklaces or bracelets, as prolonged contact with water can weaken the silk thread. Finish by wiping away any soap residue with a clean damp cloth.
Allow pearls to dry naturally
After cleaning, lay your pearl jewellery flat on a soft towel and allow it to air dry completely before wearing or storing. Never use a hairdryer, radiator or direct sunlight to speed up the drying process, as excessive heat can damage the nacre and affect the silk thread used in strung pieces.
Avoid harsh cleaning methods
Pearls should never be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, jewellery dips or abrasive polishing cloths. These methods are intended for harder gemstones and precious metals and can permanently damage the delicate nacre. Likewise, avoid household cleaning products, vinegar, baking soda and alcohol-based solutions, as these can dull the pearl's natural finish.
FAQs
There are several things you can do daily to take care of your diamond jewellery piece. We recommend removing it when undergoing household chores, alongside other activities such as when you go to the gym and when you use the bath or shower too. Another top tip is also to make sure not to store your diamonds next to other diamonds to avoid scratching too.
There’s a lot of information out there on how you keep a diamond in pristine condition, however in our eyes you can’t go wrong with the traditional method of a good soak in hot water and washing up liquid. Alongside a very soft toothbrush, once the ring has soaked gently brush your ring to remove any dirt build-up. Once complete, safely dry the ring and polish it using a polishing cloth.
It of course depends on what type of jewellery you’re sleeping in, but we recommend not to sleep in it to extend the lifespan of your jewellery piece/pieces. Not only does this protect your jewellery for longer, but it also gives your skin a chance to breathe and lessens the chance of any future skin irritation.
For frequent wear, professional restringing is recommended once a year. For occasional wear, an interval of every two or three years is sufficient. Over time, the silk thread absorbs environmental moisture and oils, causing the structure to stretch and weaken. Professional restringing incorporates precise knotting between each individual pearl, securing the strand so that the gemstones remain intact if a break occurs.
We recommend cleaning your diamond ring once a week or every fortnight. If you’re wearing your diamond ring every day, dirt and bacteria can build up quite quickly, so it’s important to keep on top of keeping it clean.
Get In Touch
If you'd like to find out more about which gold we recommend for different types of jewellery, please get in touch with our Customer Care Team, on 01 691 7886 or enter into a Live Chat
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