Fine jewellery is made to be worn, and most of what keeps it looking right is simple. Here is what I suggest between visits.
Cleaning at home
A small bowl of warm water, a drop of washing-up liquid and a soft baby toothbrush will clean almost any diamond ring. Brush gently behind the stone, where lotion and soap collect, rinse in clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid bleach and swimming pools: chlorine weakens gold over time.
- Take rings off for the gym, gardening and moving furniture.
- Put pearls on last, after perfume and hairspray, and wipe them before putting them away.
- Store pieces apart, so diamonds don’t scratch softer stones and metal.
When to bring it in
Come in if a stone moves or rattles, a claw catches on clothing, or a ring has gone out of round. These are quick to fix and expensive to ignore.
A claw that catches on a silk shayla is a claw that is about to let go.
What we do in the salon
Every piece we make has free cleaning and setting checks for life. We clean it in steam and an ultrasonic bath, check every claw under the loupe and polish out light scratches, usually while you have a cup of tea. Once a year is about right for a ring worn every day.
