Jewellery Care

Your jewellery is precious and deserves to be treated with care. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your pieces remain as beautiful as the day you first wore them.

1. General Care Tips:

• Avoid Exposure: To keep your jewellery looking its best, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, including bleach, chlorine, perfumes, and lotions, which can damage metals and stones. Always apply cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions before putting on your jewellery. This applies to all types of gemstones and metals.
• Chlorine and Bleach Warning: Avoid wearing your jewellery in swimming pools, hot tubs, or when using household cleaners that contain bleach or chlorine, as these can severely damage gold, silver, and platinum, as well as affect many gemstones.
• Physical Activities: It’s advisable to remove your jewellery before engaging in physical activities such as swimming, showering, or exercising at the gym. Water and sweat can accelerate tarnishing, while vigorous movements can place undue stress on your jewellery. For example, lifting heavy weights can bend rings, potentially loosening the settings and increasing the risk of losing stones.
• Storage: When not in use, store your jewellery in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratches. Keep pieces separate to avoid tangling and damage.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your jewellery regularly using a soft cloth to maintain its shine. For deeper cleaning, use mild soapy water and a soft brush, especially for intricate designs. Ensure your jewellery is thoroughly dried before storing.

2. Caring for Specific Metals:

• Gold: Gold is durable but can weaken over time if exposed to chlorine or bleach. To maintain its lustre, polish it gently with a soft cloth. Avoid wearing gold jewellery in the pool or hot tub, and keep it away from bleach and other harsh chemicals.
• Silver: Silver can tarnish over time and is also vulnerable to damage from chlorine and bleach. Use a silver polishing cloth to restore its shine, and store it in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth to prevent oxidation.
• Platinum: While more resistant, platinum can still be affected by chlorine and bleach with repeated exposure. Regular polishing can keep it looking new, or you can embrace the patina for a more vintage look.
• Plated Jewellery (Grainne Morton): Plated jewellery is more delicate and requires special care to maintain its finish. Avoid exposure to water, sweat, perfumes, and lotions, as these can wear away the plating. We offer a replating service for Grainne Morton pieces for a small fee to restore their original appearance.

3. Caring for Gemstones (Listed by Hardness):

• Diamonds (Hardness: 10):
  Diamonds are the hardest natural material but can still chip or become loose in their settings. Clean diamonds regularly with mild soapy water and a soft brush. Have your diamond jewellery checked by a professional to ensure the stones are secure.

• Sapphires and Rubies (Hardness: 9):
  These stones are very durable but can still scratch or chip. Clean them with mild soapy water and a soft brush, and have the settings checked regularly.

• Topaz (Hardness: 8):
  Topaz is a durable gemstone but should be protected from sharp blows. Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth.

• Aquamarine (Hardness: 7.5-8):
  Aquamarine is relatively hard but should be protected from harsh impacts. Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth.

• Emeralds (Hardness: 7.5-8):
  Although emeralds are relatively hard, they can be more fragile due to natural inclusions. Clean them gently with a soft cloth and handle with care to prevent damage from impacts.

• Amethyst, Citrine, and Quartz (Hardness: 7):
  These stones are durable but can scratch or chip. Clean them with soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as some quartz varieties can fade.

• Opals (Hardness: 5.5-6.5):
  Opals are beautiful but delicate, with a softness that makes them susceptible to scratching. They are also sensitive to changes in temperature and can be damaged by water. Clean opals with a soft, damp cloth and avoid immersing them in water or exposing them to extreme temperature changes.

• Turquoise (Hardness: 5-6):
  Turquoise is relatively soft and porous, so it can absorb oils and chemicals. Clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid exposure to liquids, including water, as this can cause discolouration.

• Pearls (Hardness: 2.5-4.5):
  Pearls are very delicate and can easily scratch or become damaged by chemicals, including those found in cosmetics and perfumes. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth and store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching.

4. Professional Maintenance:

• Inspections: We recommend having your jewellery professionally inspected once a year to check for loose stones, worn prongs, or other potential issues.
• Repairs: If your jewellery needs repair, bring it to a professional jeweller. Avoid attempting to fix it yourself, as this can cause further damage.

5. Special Considerations:

• When to Remove Jewellery: Take off your jewellery when swimming, gardening, or doing any activity that could expose it to chemicals, sharp objects, or heavy wear. Vigorous activities, such as lifting weights or other strenuous exercises, can bend rings or put stress on settings, potentially loosening stones or damaging the piece.
• Travel: When travelling, store your jewellery in a secure travel case with individual compartments to protect each piece.

6. Eco-Friendly Practices:

• Recycling: Consider recycling your old or broken jewellery. We can help you repurpose or remodel pieces, giving them new life while reducing environmental impact.

7. Contact Us for More Information:

If you have any questions about caring for your jewellery or need professional advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@aetla.co.uk or call us on +44 131 220 5811.