Jewellery Care
Now You’ve Got It, Look After It!
Jewellery is a very important gift, often given or received with precious memories. Jewellery is frequently given as a gift to commemorate signicant occasionssuch as 18th or 21st birthdays, wedding days, anniversaries or birth of a child.
So, now we’ve got it, how do we take care of it? First and foremost – get it insured with a good, all-risks policy giving world-wide cover. Then, at least if the worst happens you won’t lose out financially and will be able to replace your jewellery. Of course, no-one can replace the sentimental value.
Rings
Of course, not all jewellery is received as a gift. More and more women are buying jewellery for themselves, especially a diamond ring, often to mark a promotion in their career, or to celebrate a milestone birthday, or even just because we want to. And this marquise diamond ring by Paul Spurgeon would be a fantastic reward for all your hard work. Keep a check on claws to make sure they haven’t worn and avoid wearing rings when doing sport/housework/gardening.Claw-Set Jewellery This can be cleaned with a very soft toothbrush – an old baby’s toothbrush is ideal – dipped it mild soapy water. Take care to brush gently and avoid catching the bristles under the claws of settings. Be careful with emeralds and opals as they are very fragile. As far as turquoise, coral and pearls are concerned, trying wiping with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid this “toothbrush and soapy water” method if the gems have been “glued” into the settings.
Pearl Jewellery
With pearls it’s definitely a case of prevention is better than cure, so apply your perfume and hairspray and make sure they have dried before putting on your pearl jewellery. Wipe your pearls with a soft, very slightly damp cloth after wearing, taking care not to get the string wet. Your pearls should be stored separately in your jewellery box, perhaps in a cloth bag, as they can be scratched by the rest of your jewellery. How often pearls will need re-threading will depend on several factors but once a year would be adviseable.
Silver Jewellery
Silver is a beautiful metal and a perfect foil for brunettes and darker skin tones. It does, however have a drawback: it tarnishes. For day-to-day care wipe silver jewellery with a silver polishing cloth. If it has become quite tarnished then a proprietory silver cleaner can be used. Don’t leave your silver jewellery in the solution, there’s a reason it’s called “silver dip”, as it can turn black. Remember to rinse well in clean water and dry thoroughly. Tip: when rinsing your jewellery remember to put the plug in the sink; there’s many a diamond that’s gone down the U bend!
Necklaces
Necklaces and especially fine chains have an awful habit of becoming all knotted and it really does try the patience of a saint (not to mention your local jeweller!) to separate them. To avoid losing your temper, or to continue to be welcomed by your jeweller, keep each chain in a separate pouch. Don’t make like Miss Piggy either, flicking your hair all over the place. You’ll just get your hair caught in the chain and it could break with a sharp pull. The same is true of a fine chain worn too long, they catch on everything and longer chains really do need to be of a heavier gauge.
So, insure your jewellery, wear it and care for it and to enjoy it for some time.
