JEWELLERY CARE

by RB Diamond Jewellers Jun 10, 2021 0 Comment

DIAMOND JEWELLERY

Everyday wear can cause wear and tear and trauma to fine jewellery. It is particularly true for diamond rings since hands are subjected to considerable abuse. Therefore, You should avoid wearing delicate pieces every day.

CLEAN YOUR DIAMOND REGULARLY

To keep your diamond jewellery looking fabulous:

1. Soak it in a gentle degreasing solution, such as water with a few drops of mild dish soap, for a couple of minutes.
2. After removing the jewellery from the cleaning solution, use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt. The toothbrush should be new and reserved exclusively for cleaning your jewellery.
3. Use it to clean hard-to-reach places like the back of the diamond, which tends to collect the most oil and dirt.

Alternatively, you may purchase jewellery cleaner, which comes with its own easy to follow instructions.

DON'T USE HARMFUL SOLUTIONS

Chlorine bleach or abrasives (such as household cleansers or toothpaste) should never be used when cleaning diamond jewellery. Chemicals like chlorine can damage some metals used to alloy gold for diamond settings, and abrasives can scratch gold and other metals.

Excessive heat and sudden temperature changes may also fracture some gems. Heat can remove the natural moisture these gems need to keep their beauty. Pearls, for instance, can dry out, crack and discolour. Opals can turn white or brown, develop tiny cracks, and might lose their play of colour.

CHECKING FOR LOOSE STONES

Regularly check rings to ensure claws or settings are not damaged. If there is damage, avoid wearing the item until it is fixed.

COLOURED GEMSTONES

You can clean most coloured gems with warm water, and You can also use mild dish soap (no detergents) and a soft brush and a soft, lint-free cloth. Be sure to rinse your jewellery in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions since you risk losing loose stones – or even an entire piece of jewellery - if you rinse directly in the sink.

PEARLS

Soft gems, such as Pearls, are porous and must be kept separately from other jewellery wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch; on the other hand, they can easily scratch. Do not store pearls in an airtight container as they need moisture. Use a new, clean makeup brush and warm, soapy water to clean them softly. Lay a strand of pearls on a towel to dry. The wet silk thread can stretch and attract dirt, so don't touch your strand until it is completely dry. It would be best if you restrung pearls worn often once a year or every two years.

TREATED COLOURED GEMSTONES 

Many coloured gemstones are routinely treated to improve the appearance of colour and clarity. These treatments can be negatively affected by heat, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaners. Knowing whether your gem has been treated is the first step to learning how to care for it.

Coloured gemstones are more brittle than diamonds. For most coloured gemstones, You should take great care to avoid striking or knocking them against hard surfaces.

You should never clean most in an ultrasonic machine because the solution may penetrate the stone and cause it to shatter. Instead, wash coloured gemstones with warm suds and ammonia using a soft brush (coarse brushes, including toothbrushes, scratch gold mounts), rinse with water, and dip in alcohol.

Remember that certain gemstones may fade from extended exposure to heat or strong sunlight, so protect and store them when you aren't wearing them.

STORAGE

Proper jewellery storage is often overlooked. It would be best if you never tossed jewellery into a drawer or on top of a dresser − that's asking for scratches and damaged gems.

Most jewellery pieces come in a box or pouch from the store, which is a perfect place to keep them. Sterling silver, for example, should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth. Jewellery boxes that feature individually padded slots for rings and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets are ideal.

Pearls and opals draw moisture from the air, so storing your opal or pearl jewellery in a dry area, such as a safe deposit box, can sometimes do more harm than good.

When travelling, protect your jewellery pieces from scratches or other impact damage by padding them in a separate box or case.

Jewellery should be the First thing to take off after use or before bed and the last thing to wear when getting ready for the day.

https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-Tips-Caring-Jewelry