Jewellery Care Guide

Jewellery Care Guide

At Jenelle's Jewellers, we craft each piece of jewellery with care and attention to detail. To ensure your treasures last a lifetime, it’s important to know how to properly care for them. Below are some easy tips and best practices to keep your jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you received it.

General Jewellery Care Tips

1. Store Your Jewellery Properly
When not in use, store your jewellery in a dry, cool place. To prevent tangling and scratching, place each item in a separate compartment or use soft pouches. Avoid storing different metals together, as this can lead to tarnishing.

2. Avoid Exposure to Chemicals
Jewellery can be sensitive to chemicals found in everyday products such as perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning agents. Be sure to remove your jewellery before applying products and avoid wearing them while cleaning or swimming.

3. Remove Jewellery Before Physical Activities
Activities like exercising, gardening, or heavy lifting can cause damage to delicate jewellery. We recommend removing your pieces before engaging in any physical work or activities that may expose them to potential harm.

Care for Specific Types of Jewellery

Gold Jewellery

  • Gold is resistant to tarnish, but it can still accumulate dirt and oils. Clean your gold jewellery using a soft cloth and mild soap with warm water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a non-abrasive cloth.
  • Store gold pieces separately from other metals to avoid scratching.

Silver Jewellery

  • Silver is prone to tarnishing over time. To prevent this, store silver jewellery in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag.
  • Regularly clean your silver jewellery with a soft polishing cloth or a silver-specific cleaner to maintain its shine.

Gemstone Jewellery

  • Different gemstones have varying levels of hardness and sensitivity. Avoid exposure to heat, sunlight, and chemicals, which can cause discoloration or damage.
  • Clean gemstones with a soft brush using warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for delicate gemstones like opals, pearls, or emeralds.

Diamond Jewellery

  • Diamonds are tough but still require gentle care. Clean them regularly using a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap.
  • Avoid touching the stones too often, as oils from your skin can dull their sparkle.
  • Have your diamond settings checked periodically by a professional to ensure they are secure.

Pearl Jewellery

  • Pearls are delicate and porous. To protect their luster, avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, or hairspray.
  • After wearing, gently wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth to remove oils and dirt.
  • Store pearls in a soft, cloth-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches.

How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:

  1. Mild Soap and Warm Water: Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak your jewellery for a few minutes to loosen dirt
  2. Soft Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush) to gently scrub the jewellery, focusing on crevices where dirt may accumulate.
  3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the jewellery under clean water to remove any soap residue. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or air dry thoroughly before storing.
  4. Polishing Cloth: For metals like gold and silver, use a jewellery-specific polishing cloth to restore shine and remove tarnish.
Professional Jewellery Maintenance

    For intricate or valuable pieces, we recommend having your jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected once or twice a year. This ensures that the settings remain secure, and any potential wear is addressed before it becomes a problem.

    Final Care Tips

    • Put Jewellery On Last: When getting ready, always make jewellery the final touch after applying cosmetics, perfumes, and sprays.
    • Regular Inspections: Check your jewellery regularly for any signs of wear, such as loose stones or worn clasps, and address them as soon as possible.
    • Handle with Care: Even though some pieces, like diamonds, are extremely durable, handling them gently will prolong their life and shine.

    Have Questions About Caring for Your Jewellery?

    If you’re unsure how to clean or care for a specific piece, feel free to reach out to us at online@jenellesmj.co.za. We’re happy to offer personalized care advice or recommend professional cleaning services.