Caring for your Jewellery

Posted on: 01/08/2024

Jewellery is more than just an accessory. For many, it’s an investment, and for many it hold deep sentimental value. That’s why looking after it properly matters. Whether it’s a diamond ring, a pearl necklace or a gold bracelet, our guide will help you keep your jewellery looking its best for years to come.

 

General Jewellery Care

To keep your jewellery in great shape:

• Have it checked regularly. A professional jeweller can spot early signs of damage, so pop into your local F.Hinds for a free inspection.
• Avoid impact. Remove jewellery during physical activity or whenever it might get scratched or knocked.
• Take it off before bed. This will avoid you damaging it during sleep.
• Keep it away from chemicals, especially chlorine. Rinse immediately if contact occurs.
• Apply lotions and perfumes before putting jewellery on. Pearls, emeralds and opals are especially sensitive.
• Store pieces separately in soft-lined jewellery boxes to avoid scratches or tangling. Fasten chains to prevent knots.
• Remove jewellery when bathing, showering, cooking, cleaning, or washing up.
• Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, heat, or damp conditions.

 

Jewellery MOT

We recommend a full insurance valuation for your jewellery every three years, ideally with photographs. At F.Hinds, we offer expert valuation services in-store.

Unsure about the care or condition of your jewellery? Visit your local F.Hinds for advice. Our staff are trained and ready to help with repairs, valuations, and maintenance.

Things to look out for:

• Worn, damaged or missing claws that could lead to lost stones
• Loose stones or rattling settings
• Faulty clasps, broken chain links
• Cracks or fractures in the metal
• Pearls that move freely or frayed threading
• Loose hinges on moving parts
• Worn plating on white gold
• Rings that no longer fit—most can be resized

 

Need help? Bring your jewellery into F.Hinds for a quick check-up and peace of mind.

 

Cleaning Gemstones

Gemstones can lose their sparkle without proper care, and you need to clean them correctly to ensure you do not cause damage.

Gemstones such opals, emeralds and onyx are porous, so it’s important to use the right cleaning methods. Use warm (not hot) water, a drop of washing-up liquid, and a soft brush (a soft toothbrush works well) to clean these stones.

When it comes to pearls, we recommend you use a clean, dry cloth to polish these up.

Non porous stones like diamonds, sapphires, ruby, amethyst and citrine may benefit from a clean in our Town Talk Ultrasonic Cleaner. But, you can also use the warm water method too.

Not sure what type of stone you have? Visit your local F.Hinds for advice before cleaning.

 

Diamond Care

Diamonds are the hardest natural material, but that doesn’t make them immune to damage.

• Store diamonds away from other jewellery to avoid scratching. Use soft-lined boxes or individual bags.
• Clean using warm water and mild washing-up liquid. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid bleach or harsh abrasives that can damage metal settings.
• Dry with a lint-free cloth.

For extra sparkle, bring your diamond jewellery into F.Hinds for a professional clean.

 

Cleaning Gold

Yellow gold can lose its shine, especially with everyday wear.

• Use lukewarm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid.
• Soak for 10 minutes.
• Gently clean with a soft-bristled brush.
• Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Be gentle as gold is soft and can scratch.

White gold has a rhodium plating on top, so we recommend you take extra care when it comes to looking after white gold to ensure it keeps its mirror-like shine. Please head to our White Gold Care Guide for more information on how to care for your white gold jewellery.

 

Cleaning Silver

Silver naturally tarnishes over time, but it's easy to restore.

To slow tarnishing:

• Wear it regularly.
• Remove before washing hands or using gels.
• Store silver in airtight bags in dry places.

To clean silver:

• Use a silver cleaning cloth or solution. We stock these in-store.
• Or: soak in warm water with washing-up liquid for 10 minutes, brush gently, rinse, and dry.
• For heavier tarnish, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, brush gently, rinse, and dry.

 

Here at F.Hinds we offer a full jewellery cleaning service, so feel free to pop into your local store to have this done. With regular care and a little help from us, your jewellery will stay sparkling for years to come.