CARE GUIDE
The very nature of jewellery and its association with occasion and gifting makes it highly personal and very special. Due care should therefore be taken to look after and preserve your pieces.
Storage
Jewellery should be stored in a soft pouch, in the original SW&F box or in a separate compartment of a jewellery box. This ensures that the jewellery will be less likely to be scratched as it will not come into contact with other items.
Gold
9 & 18ct gold jewellery can be gently cleaned using special clothes. These can be bought from most jewellers. However, one must take care not to be too forceful as this can damage the surface of the gold. Care should be used when using cleaning agents with jewellery that incorporates stones as they can be damaged.
To maintain the original condition of jewellery on a day-to-day basis, it should be cleaned with a polishing (jewellers) cloth.
Gold can also be cleaned using hot soapy water and rinsing thoroughly afterwards but it should be dried with a soft cloth, not tissue or paper towels. Do not leave jewellery with gemstones immersed in water for too long as some stones are quite porous, and this can damage then.
Silver
Sterling silver tarnishes, especially when exposed to salt air and products containing sulphur, such as some papers. However, silver that is regularly used typically needs less care, so we recommend that you use or wear your silver regularly.
Silver should be cleaned using special silver cleaning cloths. These can be bought from most jewellers. However, one must take care not to be too forceful as this can damage the surface of the silver. Care should be used when using cleaning agents with jewellery that incorporates stones as they can be damaged.
To maintain the original condition of jewellery on a day-to-day basis, it should be polished with a high-quality silver cloth that is non-abrasive.
Silver can also be cleaned using hot soapy water rinsing thoroughly afterwards but it should be dried with a soft cloth, not tissue or paper towels. Do not leave jewellery with gemstones immersed in water for too long as some stones are quite porous, and this can damage them.
Pearls
Always put on your pearls after you have applied make-up, perfume and any moisturizers as some chemicals may harm pearls.
Occasionally clean your pearls gently with a cloth dipped in warm mild soapy water. Rinse the cloth in fresh water and wipe pearls clean. Dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
Store your pearl jewellery wrapped in a soft cloth to protect it from rubbing against harder gems or abrasive objects.
Strings of pearls are made with polyester cotton. Due to the fine nature of this material, it is advised that periodical restringing occurs to maximize the lifetime of your piece.
Gemstones
Take care to protect your jewellery from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Even a diamond can chip if hit with enough force or at just the right angle. Many stones such as amethyst, emerald, kunzite, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite and tourmaline are very delicate and easily abraded. Gemstones can scratch other gemstones and wear away at precious metals. Therefore, avoid stacking those rings and bracelets that would be vulnerable to such abrasion. Extreme temperatures, perfumes, cosmetics and household chemicals can also damage jewellery.
To clean diamonds, use a mild solution of six parts water to one-part ammonia and apply with a soft bristle brush.
Sometimes an ultrasonic cleaner is necessary to remove encrusted dirt on diamonds. By sending high frequency sound waves through a detergent solution, ultrasonic cleaners cause vibrating fluid to remove accumulated dirt and grime. However, they can also shake loose stones from their mounting, so this method shouldn't be used on fragile settings, and is best undertaken by a professional jeweller.
Regular cleaning will keep your diamond jewellery in gleaming condition. Store all gemstones in their box, a pouch or in a separate compartment within a jewellery box to prevent scratching.