Guide to Jewelery Care

Taking good care of your jewelry is important to maintain its beauty and value over time. Precious metals such as silver and gold will change naturally with use and exposure to weather, oxygen and moisture. Here are some simple tips to help your jewelery keep its appearance for as long as possible.

How to clean your jewelry

Cleaning is essential to keep your jewelry looking nice and shiny. Here is specific advice for different types of jewelry:

• Silver jewellery : Use lukewarm water and mild soap without perfume. Dip a soft toothbrush into the water and clean the jewelery gently. Rinse with clean water and dry with a silver cloth. If your silver jewelry has become tarnished, a silver polishing cloth can help restore the shine. However, never use a cloth intended for silver on gold-plated or black rhodium-plated jewelry, as it can alter their appearance.

• Gold Plated Jewelry : Gold plated jewelry is more delicate and requires extra care. Clean them gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush without rubbing too hard. Avoid harsh cleaning agents as they can remove the coating. Rinse gently with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. It is important to be extra careful, as too vigorous cleaning can wear down the coating over time.

• Black Rhodium Plated Jewelry : Black rhodium plated jewelry is sensitive to scratches and discoloration. Use only a very soft cloth to clean them gently, and avoid using silver bath or harsh detergents, as these can remove the black coating. Rhodium plating naturally wears off over time, and regular care can extend the life of the coating.

How to store your jewelry

Proper storage protects your jewelry from scratches and discoloration.

• Dry and Cool : Store your jewelry in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight, such as in a jewelry box or cloth bag. Avoid the bathroom as moisture and steam can cause tarnishing.

• Individual Storage : To avoid damage, jewelry should be stored separately, especially those with stones or delicate coatings.

Avoid chemicals and chemistry

Jewelery is sensitive to chemicals found in many everyday products. Make sure that:

• Avoid Chemicals : Remove the jewelery before cleaning or contact with chemicals such as bleach and ammonia. These can cause the jewelery to lose its luster or discolour.

• No Perfume or Lotion : Wait to put on jewelry until perfume, lotion and other body products are completely dry. These can break down the coating and affect the appearance of the jewellery.

• Remove Jewelery Before Sports and Bathing : Sweat, salt water and chlorinated water can change the color and coating of the jewellery. Be sure to take them off before physical activity.

Repair

Even if your jewelry is properly cared for, surface treatments and coatings will naturally wear over time. In order to preserve the jewellery's original shine, it may be a good idea to have it checked and 'replated' by a jeweller. This can be particularly relevant for gold-plated jewellery, where a re-plating can renew the appearance and extend the life of the jewellery.

At Hymness can help refer you to a jeweler who can help you with the right maintenance.