Jewellery Care Guide

Keep Your Jewellery Looking Its Best

Fine jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed. A little care keeps it shining for years to come. This guide covers everyday wear, safe cleaning and storage.

Everyday Care

Avoid chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, lotions and cleaning products. They can dull metal and affect settings.
Take your jewellery off before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping.
Put jewellery on last and take it off first. Apply make-up and fragrance before you put it on.
Store each piece separately in a soft-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches.

The Real Gem tip: a gentle wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing removes oils and keeps the shine.

Cleaning at Home

Different materials need different care. Here's how to clean your jewellery safely.

Gold and platinum

Mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid with warm water.
Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
Rinse well and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Diamonds

Diamonds attract oil easily. Soak in warm water with a few drops of mild, ammonia-free detergent.
Brush gently, then rinse under running water (with the plug in).
Dry carefully and polish with a microfibre cloth.

Coloured gemstones (sapphire, ruby, emerald and others)

Use lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners: some gemstones, especially emeralds, can be damaged by vibration or heat.

For more on each stone, see our Gemstone Guide.

Storage and Travel

Keep fine jewellery somewhere dry, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Use a jewellery box with separate compartments to prevent tangles and scratches.
Fasten chains and lay them flat to avoid knots.
When travelling, use a padded case or pouch.

Professional Servicing

Even the finest jewellery benefits from a check-up. We recommend having your pieces checked and cleaned once a year.

We can:

professionally clean and polish your jewellery
check claws and settings for wear
resize rings or adjust chains

Good to know: regular checks catch worn claws early, before a stone works loose.