Jewellery Care Guide

DIAMONDS

Whilst diamonds are the hardest minerals on earth, without proper care and attention, your diamond jewellery may still be susceptible to damage. Caring for your diamond jewellery appropriately will ensure its longevity, protect from loss or damage and keep it looking its best.

Regular cleaning of a diamond is crucial if the stone's fire and brilliance are to be maintained. The smallest deposits of grease or even natural oils from the skin, can dull the reflection of light from the diamond. Our customers are welcome to pop in with their diamond jewellery for a professional complimentary cleaning service ‘while you wait’. We will also be happy to check the setting of your stones to ensure that they are secure. If you need to clean diamond jewellery yourself, mix some mild liquid detergent with warm water, and use a soft bristle brush such as an old toothbrush to gently remove dirt and grease. Rinse and dry the jewellery, ideally with a jewel cleaning cloth. Note that diamonds can work loose from their settings if treated roughly. Should you wish to clean your diamond jewellery in the sink, ensure the plug is in place just in case a diamond has become loose.

Consider the environment in which you wear your diamond jewellery, and take care of it! Diamond jewellery should not be worn in an unneccessary situation that could knock the stone or damage the metal e.g. gardening and housework. Diamond jewellery should be kept separate from each other where possible so that the diamonds do not scratch other diamonds, gemstones, pearls or the metals of your other jewellery. The ideal place to store your diamond jewellery is in the beautiful presentation box in which you will receive with your purchase.

PEARLS

Pearls are soft and should be treated with care to ensure their longevity. They should not come into contact with water, moisturisers and creams, perfume or hairspray. A good rule of thumb is that they should be the last thing you put on when you go out, and the first thing you take off. Pearls may be cleaned with a cleaning cloth specifically for pearls, and should never be cleaned with water. Pearls need to be re-strung periodically ­ our staff will be happy to advise you and provide this service should you require it. Pearls should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in the pouch or box provided to avoid damage.

PRECIOUS METALS

Even the most durable precious metals are not indestructible and therefore it is not advisable to wear your precious metal jewellery when undertaking strenuous activities such as cleaning, gardening, or playing sports etc.

Your precious metal jewellery should be stored separately in the box provided, or in a fabric-lined case or pouch when not being worn to help reduce scratching or accidental damage.

We have included some general guidelines for care of your precious metal jewellery but Michael Matthews are always happy to undertake professional cleaning and refinishing of purchases from any of our stores. Please contact us if you are in any doubt about how to care for or clean your jewellery.

Gold
To maintain the look of your gold jewellery, it should be cleaned frequently. A simple way to clean your jewellery is to soak it in warm water with a few drops of gin (according to legend!) or detergent soap such as dishwashing liquid. A soft bristle brush such as a old toothbrush can be used for intricate detail. Make sure to rinse your jewellery well after cleaning and polish with a soft, lint-free cloth. Ensure that your drain is plugged if you clean your jewellery in the sink!

White Gold
When white gold is sold, it is usually ‘finished’ using a rhodium plating because white gold is naturally quite mellow in colour. The plating should last very well but is dependent on natural wear and tear­ rings and bracelets will wear more quickly than earrings for example. The quality of the white gold also plays a part in the ‘wear’ of white gold, for example ‘palladium rich’ white gold has a strong natural white base and so should ‘wear’ well. And be more durable. White gold jewellery will generally require re-rhodium plating every couple of years, here at Michael Matthews we are happy to undertake this service for a small fee.

Silver
Pure silver is a very malleable precious metal and is usually alloyed with copper to enhance its durability. Over time oxidation can occur, causing silver to become tarnished. To prevent this tarnishing, keep silver in a cool, dry place, stored in acid-free tissue, or in the tarnish proof box or pouch provided by us.

If your silver does become tarnished, it is easy to restore it to its original lustre by using a specialist silver polishing cloth, liquid polish or paste. Ensure any residues of polish or cleaning liquids are removed as some may cause silver to tarnish faster. Alternatively you may wash the jewellery in warm soapy water (such as dish washing liquid), using a soft bristle brush for intricate detail. After washing, rinse and ensure the jewellery is dried thoroughly by patting dry with a fine soft cloth.

The best way to prevent tarnish is to wear your silver jewellery or use your silver items often. However, silver should not be worn when it can come into contact with excessive perspiration, chlorinated water or household cleaners such as bleach or ammonia, and you should avoid applying body lotions, hair colours or perfumes while wearing your silver jewellery.

Platinum
Platinum can be cleaned in the same way as you would clean other precious metals - using a special Platinum cleaner or by soaking it in warm water with a few drops of ammonia or dishwashing liquid, and gently rubbing with a soft cloth or soft brush, then rinsing and drying thoroughly. Over time platinum may develop a natural patina that many people prefer over the "just polished" appearance of platinum, but we are happy to restore your platinum purchase to a high gloss finish again for you if you prefer.

If you have diamonds or gemstones set into your platinum jewellery, you should have it checked by us, or another trained professional regularly, and you should only allow a trained professional jeweller to undertake repairs for you.

Palladium
Palladium is resistant to tarnishing and discoloration, but like other precious metals it requires proper care to maintain its beauty. Your Palladium jewellery should not come in contact with other pieces when it is stored.

Abrasion, wear and tear, dust and dirt, lotions, perfumes or oils can all cause Palladium jewellery to lose its lustre. The most effective way to clean your Palladium jewellery is to wash it in a solution made up of mild liquid detergent and warm water. A small soft brush can help to release the dirt. Again, ensure that your jewellery is rinsed thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.

Professional cleaning every twelve months is advisable and will give us an opportunity to inspect the item for wear and tear, loose gemstones or worn settings.

Please feel free to pop into our store for professional cleaning, inspection or repair of your jewellery purchase.

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