JEWELLERY CARE: KEY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR JEWELLERY IN TOP SHAPE

Whether it is fine or fashion jewellery, there is always a sentimental reason behind every piece of jewellery you own, and you would probably want to wear it forever. Here are some quick and easy key tips to take care of your jewellery to prevent tarnishing, scratches and dullness:

Store your jewellery away from direct sunlight and in separate compartments

Dust, pollution and daily wear all conspire to cloud the brilliance of a gemstone and dull the surface of precious metals. As with all fine things in life, it is best to take care to protect your jewellery and always store your designs in a fabric lined jewellery box or an air tight small sleeve, taking care not to drop, bash or scratch. Silica packs would also do a great job at keeping your jewellery looking fresh. Different gemstones as well as precious metals have different hardness and can easily scratch or knock each other if stored together, therefore it is important to store each piece separately.



Keep your jewellery dry and away from skincare

All metals become dulled and tarnished from contact with chemicals, so it is best to remove your jewellery when you shower, spray perfume, apply lotion or exercise, or even better, always put your jewellery on last when getting dressed. It is best to avoid wearing silver or gold plated jewellery when you go swimming or at the sauna. Do note that chlorine is especially damaging to jewellery. Try to rinse off any chemicals that come into contact with your jewellery straight away to avoid build up which can then make cleaning difficult. 



Gently clean your jewellery regularly

Show your pieces some love by giving them a wipe. Jewellery should be gently cleaned regularly in order to maintain its beauty and patina. A soft, lint free cloth or even better a gold or silver polishing cloth that can be sourced online or at specialist stores is an effective way to keep your designs shining bright.

Care should always be taken when cleaning gold plated jewellery to protect the layer of gold from being worn away or scratched. Although gold plated jewellery does not tarnish over time like silver, the gold appearance may slightly fade depending on wear and exposure to chemicals and cosmetics.



Wear your jewellery on rotation

Jewellery isn’t meant to be worn 24/7, give it a break and show some love to other pieces of yours. We also advise taking off your jewellery at night to prevent it from becoming scratched and tangled.

It is worth wearing your silver regularly though as with most precious metals, sterling silver tarnishes; it is less likely to happen as quickly if your silver designs are regularly worn.

It is advisable you do not wear your gold plated pieces everyday. Gold plated sterling silver is a layer of at least 1.5 microns thick gold over sterling silver. For everyday wear consider purchasing your favourite piece in solid gold.



If ever in doubt, it is best to seek professional advice rather than experimenting. Drop us a line at hello@thecollaborativestore.co.uk and we will happily answer any questions you may have regarding jewellery care. We also offer a repairs and reconditioning service including re-plating to our customers for a small fee.