Jewellery Advice

Storage

• Ideally, jewellery should be kept in a softly lined jewellery box, preferably one with compartments and dividers.
• Pieces can be wrapped in acid free tissue paper or silk to prevent them from scratching each other.
• Silver items can be stored in plastic zip-lock bags to help prevent tarnishing.
• Organic gems such as pearls, coral and amber need to "breathe", so never store these these in plastic bags. Instead use a piece of soft cloth or silk.
• Long exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colour of some stones to fade. Please avoid leaving pieces in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Wearing

• Apply perfume, make-up and hairspray before you put your jewellery on as the oils and chemicals they contain will damage certain stones.
• Avoid immersing jewellery in chemicals like chlorine. Remove jewellery before going swimming or putting your hands into water with bleach.

Cleaning

• To keep your jewellery clean, wipe it gently with a soft 100% cotton lint-free cloth each time you wear it.
• Most jewellery can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution and patted dry with a soft cloth.
• Soft porous gems (ie turquise, pearls, opals) will absorb water and anything that is in it. When the water evaporates any chemicals and minerals it contained will stay in the gem and can permanently spoil it. These types of stones can just be wiped with a soft cloth.
• If using commercial jewellery cleaners follow the manufacturers intructions very carefully as they may not be suitable for some types of stone.