Jewellery care
Cleaning with care.
Practical care notes for cleaning, storing, and checking pre-loved jewellery without damaging delicate stones or settings.
Everyday care
- Wipe jewellery with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
- Keep pieces away from perfume, hairspray, lotions, and chlorine.
- Store items separately to reduce scratching and tangling.
Gold and silver
- Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush for sturdy plain metal pieces.
- Dry thoroughly before storage, especially around settings and chains.
- Use a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish on sterling silver.
- Silver cleaning kits can work well for plain silver, but avoid dips on pieces with pearls, opals, turquoise, glued stones, or oxidised detail.
Gentle stones
- Pearls, opals, turquoise, amber, coral, and glued settings need extra care.
- Avoid soaking porous or organic gems.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless a jeweller confirms the piece is suitable.
When to ask a jeweller
If a stone moves, a claw looks raised, a chain is stretched, or a piece has age-related wear, have it checked before cleaning. Pre-loved jewellery often carries small signs of its past, and gentle handling helps preserve its character.