The question we’re asked more than any other is 'how do I keep my jewellery clean'? It’s simpler than you might think. With a few professional tricks of the trade, you can keep your jewels looking their very best.
General Care
By looking after your jewellery, it should last a lifetime. Our antique jewellery is by its very nature unique and has generally been handmade. There are, however, a few things to remember to look after it to keep it at its best. The most commonly damaged items we see are rings which always sustain more heavy duty wear than other items of jewellery.
We strongly advise you not to wear gem-set rings when gardening, at the gym, running, riding, or doing anything that could cause a rubbing motion or 'wear' on the ring's setting. If jewellery (especially rings) receives a heavy bash or knock, they can sustain damage causing the setting to either break or stones to be lost. If bracelets or necklaces are caught, they can be stretched and break. Take a common
sense approach and be aware that your jewellery will not respond well to heavy treatment.
Jewellery does not just break, there is always a reason. By being aware that your jewellery is antique and needs to be treated accordingly, you will ensure it stays in fabulous condition for many more years to come. If the worst does happen and something breaks or is damaged, please get in touch, let us know how the damage occurred, as this can help us when getting the repair done. Any gemstones that have come out should be kept in a bag or attached to a piece of card with sticky tape to keep them safe. We will then do our best to work with you to get the jewellery repaired. If you lose a diamond, a torch can be useful to try to find it, as it will sparkle in the light.
Keeping Gemstones Sparkling
If you want to keep your jewels sparkling, it’s important to keep them clean. Dirt is what blocks the light, making stones appear dull. Keeping each item clean is a simple job and best done regularly for items that are worn often.
The best way to clean jewellery is by hand with an old soft toothbrush and a little washing up liquid. For very dirty jewellery, soak it in a little bowl of warm water for a while and then gently apply the brush and the washing up liquid around the setting to get to the back and sides of the stone. Always remember to rinse with clean water over a container or ensure the plug is in the sink. Pat the item dry with some kitchen roll or a soft cloth like an e-cloth or old linen tea towel. Porous stones like turquoise and pearls should
not come into contact with washing up liquid, just use water.
In the unlikely event that a stone comes out, don’t panic, it was probably loose in the setting, so better that it’s out in the bowl than being lost elsewhere! Put it safely into some sellotape on an envelope or card and mark it so you know where it is. Then bring it in with your item of jewellery and we can get it re-set.
Know Your Materials
Rose-cut diamonds, enamel detailing and organic materials each require their own careful approach to cleaning. What works for one jewel or gemstone can easily damage another.
Pieces featuring pearls, coral, amber or turquoise need an especially gentle touch. These organic gems are porous and highly sensitive to chemicals, heat and moisture. To care for them:
Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove traces of perfume, sweat or cosmetics.
Store separately in a soft pouch or cloth-lined box to prevent scratching.
Never soak or use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on organic or
antique materials.
Pearls should never be scrubbed or submerged in water. Opals are vulnerable to temperature changes and emeralds can fracture under sudden pressure. Any piece with a foil-backed setting, often found in Georgian and early Victorian jewellery, should be kept completely dry, as moisture can lift the foil and alter the stone’s appearance.
If you’re unsure what your piece is made from, we are always happy to help. We can identify the materials and craftsmanship of your jewellery and offer care advice tailored to its era, setting and style.
A Note on Ultrasonic Cleaners
Our customers sometimes ask if they should invest in an ultrasonic cleaner. These devices work by shaking dirt away via sonic pulses. We do have an ultrasonic in our workshop, but we always advise caution: not everything can go into an ultrasonic, so for everyday domestic use, using one is probably inadvisable. Be aware that you must never put emeralds, opals, or pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner, as they are too fragile for this method and may be damaged by the process.
In Case of Problems
If something feels loose, chipped or just not quite right, get in touch with us straight away. Early intervention is always best: it allows us to assess how any damage has occurred and prevent further issues. Our workshop can usually resolve the problem quickly and safely.
At Thomas Glover, we believe that jewellery should be worn and enjoyed, but cared for thoughtfully. With regular cleaning and a little professional maintenance, your jewels will keep their beauty and brilliance for generations to come.
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