The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Fine Jewellery

Fine jewellery is more than an accessory — it's an investment, a memory, and often a piece of your story. With the right care, your treasured pieces can last a lifetime and beyond. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you first wore it.

How to Clean Your Fine Jewellery at Home

You don't need to visit a jeweller every time your pieces lose their sparkle. A gentle at-home clean can work wonders.

What you'll need:

• A small bowl of warm (not hot) water
• A few drops of mild dish soap
• A soft-bristled toothbrush (a baby toothbrush is ideal)
• A lint-free or microfibre cloth

Steps:

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm water.
2. Place your jewellery in the solution and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
3. Gently scrub with the soft toothbrush, paying attention to settings and crevices where dirt builds up.
4. Rinse thoroughly under clean, lukewarm water.
5. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing.

Note: This method works well for gold, platinum, and most gemstones. Avoid soaking pearls, opals, emeralds, or any pieces with glued settings — these require extra care or professional cleaning.

When to Take Your Jewellery Off

As much as we love wearing our favourite pieces every day, there are certain moments when it's best to take them off:

• In the shower or bath — Soap, shampoo, and conditioner can leave a dull film on metals and gemstones over time.
• Swimming — Chlorine in pools can damage and discolour gold and platinum, while saltwater can be abrasive to delicate settings.
• At the gym or during exercise — Sweat is corrosive, and physical activity increases the risk of knocks, scratches, and bent prongs.
• While cooking or baking — Food particles can get trapped in settings, and harsh ingredients like lemon juice can affect certain metals.
• When cleaning the house — Household chemicals, bleach, and cleaning products can cause serious damage to fine metals and stones.
• Applying beauty products — Perfume, hairspray, lotions, and makeup can coat gemstones and dull their brilliance. Always put jewellery on last.
• While gardening — Soil and grit can scratch surfaces and damage delicate settings.
• Before bed — Wearing jewellery to sleep can cause chains to tangle or break, and prongs to catch on fabric.

Tips to Keep Your Jewellery Looking Fresh

A little everyday care goes a long way. Here are our top tips for maintaining that just-bought brilliance:

• Store pieces separately — Jewellery can scratch itself and other pieces. Use individual pouches, a lined jewellery box, or separate compartments to keep everything safe.
• Keep it dry — Moisture is the enemy of fine jewellery. Always ensure pieces are completely dry before storing them.
• Wipe after wearing — A quick buff with a soft cloth after each wear removes oils, sweat, and residue before they build up.
• Avoid direct sunlight — Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade certain gemstones, including amethyst, topaz, and rose quartz.
• Check your settings regularly — Gently wiggle gemstones with your fingertip to check they're secure. If anything feels loose, visit a jeweller before wearing again.
• Get a professional clean once a year — Even with great home care, an annual professional clean and inspection keeps your pieces in top condition and catches any wear before it becomes a problem.
• Use anti-tarnish strips — Pop these into your jewellery box or storage pouches to slow tarnishing on silver pieces.
• Know your gemstones — Different stones have different needs. Do a little research (or ask us!) about the specific care requirements for your pieces.

At Seven Swans Fine Jewellery, we believe every piece deserves to be cherished. If you have any questions about caring for your jewellery or would like a professional clean, we'd love to hear from you.