How to Care for your Jewellery

Introduction:

Ensuring your jewellery remains lustrous and intact requires a blend of daily habits, periodic deep cleans, and professional check-ups. Wilson's have put together this brief guide which expands on the essentials, giving you the know-how to protect every piece, from gold bands to fragile pearls.

Everyday Protection Habits:

Keep your jewellery’s sparkle by treating it as the final flourish of your outfit and the first thing you remove. (The Last On & First Off Rule)

• Always apply lotions, perfumes, and makeup before donning jewellery.

• Remove pieces before chores, gardening, or any activity involving chemicals.

• Never wear precious items in chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or the ocean.

  
  

These simple routines prevent abrasive contact and chemical corrosion that dull metals and weaken settings.

At-Home Cleaning Protocol:

A consistent cleaning schedule stops grime and oils from building up in prongs and settings.

1. Weekly Wipe-Down

   
   

   • Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently buff surfaces.

   
   

   • Pay special attention to underneath settings and between links.

   
   

2. Monthly Soak & Brush

   
   

   • Prepare a bowl of warm water with a drop of mild, pH-neutral dish soap.

   
   

   • Soak for 10–15 minutes, then brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

   
   

   • Rinse under lukewarm running water and dry completely before storing.

   
   

3. Quarterly Ultrasonic (Optional)

   
   

   • Home ultrasonic cleaners can dislodge stubborn dirt, but avoid using them on porous gems (e.g., opals, pearls).

Storage Strategies:

Proper storage safeguards against tangles, scratches, and tarnish.

• Individual Pouches or Compartments

• Anti-tarnish Strips or Silica Gel Packets

• Cool, Dry Environment—Avoid Bathrooms

• Necklace Stands or Hooks to Prevent Knotting

  
  

Pro tip: Label pouches with the purchase date to track when pieces were last inspected or cleaned.

Professional Maintenance Schedule:

Even the most diligent at-home care can’t replace expert servicing.

• Biannual Inspections

  • Jewellers check prongs, clasps, and chain links for wear.

  
  

• Annual Re-polishing & Rhodium Plating

  • Restores white gold’s sheen and removes micro-scratches from all metals.

  
  

• On-Demand Repair

  • Promptly address loose stones or bent prongs to avert loss.

  
  

Ask your jeweller to log service dates and recommendations for your specific metals and gemstones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Awareness of pitfalls keeps your valuables safe:

• Skipping Insurance Updates

• Ignoring Loose Stones or Worn Prongs

• Over-cleaning with Abrasive Polishes

• Storing Different Metals Together

  
  

Regularly photograph pieces to document their condition and update your insurance valuation.

Further Tips & Innovations:

Consider investing in a home ultrasonic cleaner designed for jewellery, and research eco-friendly cleaning solutions free from harsh acids. Explore digital jewellery-management apps to catalogue items, track service history, and set reminders for future care. If you travel often, seek out compact, padded travel cases with customizable compartments. Amazon or eBay are good options when looking to purchase these items.