CARE GUIDE

JEWELLERY CARE INSTRUCTIONS

In addition to the monetary value, many people place high sentimental value on their jewellery. Take good care of your jewellery and it will continue to sparkle for years to come. Follow our advice and you'll have no trouble caring for your jewellery, whether it's a diamond ring, earrings with pearls, or a precious gemstone bracelet.

GENERAL CARE

A professional should inspect jewellery on a regular basis for damage or wear. If you have any concerns about the condition of your jewellery, contact your local jeweller. Her/him will take great pride in assisting you in keeping your jewellery looking as good as the day you purchased it. Here are a few pointers on how to maintain your jewellery in good condition:

Remove your jewellery before engaging in any activity that could scratch, knock, or damage it. If in doubt, remove it and store it safely.
Take it off before going to bed.
Keep it away from chemicals, particularly chlorine. If it comes into contact with chemicals, immediately rinse it with water.
Before you put on your jewellery, take a bath/shower and do not apply any lotions or perfumes. Organic gemstones, such as pearls and opals, are especially vulnerable to acids and even perspiration.
Store it separately, preferably in a soft-lined box or case, to prevent your favourite pieces from tangling, rubbing, or scratching one another. Pearls, in particular, should be stored separately because hard gemstones can scratch them.
To avoid tangling, keep chains and necklaces fastened when storing.
Remove your jewellery while cooking or cleaning.
When storing jewellery, keep it away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and damp conditions.

SHOP ALL

ORGANIC GEMS CLEANING

Organic gemstones such as pearl, opal, coral and amber have different chemical compositions than mineral gemstones such as sapphires and diamonds. As a result, they require additional forms of care. Most organic gemstones are much softer than mineral gemstones and are easily scratched and damaged if not properly cared for. They are vulnerable to acids and many chemicals found in cleaning products due to their chemical makeup. This brief guide should assist you in avoiding damage to your pearl, opal, coral and amber jewellery.

CLEANING OF GEMSTONES

Gemstones are purchased for their glimmer and colour, so it's critical to keep them looking their best. However, it is critical to understand the type of gem you are cleaning and how to restore it to its former glory.

Many coloured gemstones have been enhanced in appearance by treatment. Some cleaning products may react negatively with these treatments, causing damage to the jewellery. If you are unsure, take your jewellery to a jeweller.

Although a gemstone may appear to be resistant to heat, many are not. When cleaning, always use warm water rather than hot or boiling water. If gemstones are aggressively cleaned, inclusions within them can weaken their structure. Mechanical cleaning, such as steam and ultrasonic cleaning, can harm gemstones that have been oiled to improve colour, such as emeralds.

Cleaning nearly all coloured gemstones with warm water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and a soft brush will be enough. Avoid using hard or rigid brushes. Because of the size and flexibility of the head, a toothbrush is usually an excellent tool. It is critical to use a toothbrush that is labelled as soft or extra-soft.

PEARL, OPAL, CORAL AND AMBER CLEANING

Avoid immersing the gemstones in water. Instead, dampen a soft cloth with warm water and gently rub each stone. Pulling the stones through the cloth risks stretching or damaging the string. If some of the gemstones still have stubborn dirt on them, a soft brush should help remove it. Take your time and go slowly.

Using a lint-free cloth, dry the gemstones. Excess moisture can collect in drill holes and around knots, causing discoloration. This should be removed with a hard blow with the breath or by dabbing with a cloth. To remove moisture, do not use a hairdryer because the heat will damage the stones.

Never use steam, boiling, or ultrasonic cleaning tools because they will permanently damage the gems.

Care Guide _Amber Wind_Luxury jewellery from Switzerland_Hand made designer jewellery in 18K gold, natural coloured gemstones and diamonds_3

CLEANING OF DIAMONDS

Diamonds, despite being the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, require special care. They are hard, but due to their directional hardness, they can still fracture and be scratched by other diamonds. Finger oil and general dust and grime can quickly adhere to the diamond surface and reduce its brilliance.

Handle your diamonds with care and store them separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching other pieces, including diamond jewellery. Keeping the diamonds in small plastic bags or a fabric-lined boxes will help to reduce damage, wear, and dirt buildup.

Clean the diamond on a regular basis. Soak in a degreasing solution in warm water (a couple of drops of washing-up liquid will be enough). Brush gently with a soft, clean toothbrush before wiping dry with a lint-free cloth. Take extra care with the stone's setting, as it may be delicate. Bleaches and other harsh abrasives should be avoided. This has the potential to damage the precious metal in which the diamond is set.

GOLD CLEANING

It is not uncommon for gold jewellery to lose its lustre quickly. Fingerprints and daily dirt build up can quickly dull even the most gleaming gold. Fortunately, we have some pointers to help you restore its lustre.

If the gold jewellery contains gemstones or pearls, please be extra cautious when cleaning it. Check out the rest of the guide to learn how to clean the individual gems without damaging the jewellery.

A cleaning solution designed specifically for jewellery is a safe bet but make certain that any solution you use is intended for the correct precious metal or gemstone. If in doubt, the following steps should be followed:

To a lukewarm bowl of water, add a few drops of washing up liquid (or another mild degreasing solution). Extreme temperature changes may cause damage to the jewellery, so avoid immersing it in hot or ice-cold water.
Soak the jewellery for ten minutes to loosen any dirt build up.
Clean gently with a soft-bristled brush, such as an old toothbrush.
Make sure to clean the entire piece of jewellery and get into hard-to-reach places and be extra cautious when cleaning delicate parts of the jewellery (such as a stone's setting).
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue and dirt remnants.
Allow to air dry or gently dry with a lint-free cloth.

Gold is a very soft metal that is easily scratched. Keep this in mind while cleaning and drying and be as gentle as possible.