Care guide
How to Care for Your Fine Jewellery
Most fine jewellery needs only a gentle clean at home and a professional check once a year. Clean it with warm water, a drop of mild dishwashing liquid and a soft toothbrush, store each piece separately, and take rings off for heavy work, the gym, swimming and cleaning.
Cleaning and claw checks on jewellery from us are complimentary, any time. Pieces of $2,000 or more are also covered by our Lifetime Care Guarantee.
At home
Cleaning your jewellery
This works for diamonds, lab grown diamonds, sapphires and gold. Pearls and softer gemstones need different care (see below).
Soak
Soak the piece for a few minutes in warm water with a drop of mild dishwashing liquid.
Brush
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, especially behind the stone, where lotion and soap collect.
Rinse and dry
Rinse in clean water, with the plug in, and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
What to avoid
Bleach, chlorine, toothpaste and abrasive cleaners.
Metals
Gold, platinum and silver filled
Yellow and rose gold
Fine scratches appear with wear. A professional polish brings back the shine.
White gold
White gold is rhodium plated for its bright white colour. The plating wears over time and the warmer colour of the gold starts to show, so re-plating every 18 to 24 months keeps it bright.
Platinum
Platinum is naturally white and doesn’t need re-plating. It develops a soft sheen with wear, which can be polished back to a bright finish.
Silver filled
Silver filled pieces have a thick 9k gold layer over sterling silver, and are cared for and polished just like solid gold.
Gemstones
Diamonds, sapphires and pearls
Diamonds and lab grown diamonds
The hardest gemstones, and cared for in exactly the same way. A hard knock can still chip a stone or bend a claw.
Sapphires
Very durable, at 9 on the hardness scale, and cleaned the same way as diamonds.
Pearls
Pearls are soft. Wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing, keep them away from perfume and cosmetics, and don’t soak them.
Opals and softer gemstones
Don’t soak them or put them in an ultrasonic cleaner. If you’re not sure how to clean a piece, bring it in.
Claws and settings
Your annual check
Claws wear down slowly with everyday wear. If a stone moves or rattles, a claw catches on clothing, or a ring has been knocked hard, stop wearing it and bring it in.
Even if nothing seems wrong, have your jewellery checked every 12 months at Darby Street or Westfield Kotara. Cleaning and claw checks on jewellery from us are complimentary, any time.
Questions
Jewellery care questions
The things people ask us most about caring for their jewellery. If yours isn’t here, our team is happy to help, in store, by video or by chat.
How often should I clean my engagement ring?
A gentle clean at home every week or two keeps it sparkling, with a professional clean and claw check every 12 months.
Can I clean my diamond ring with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch gold and platinum. Use warm water, a drop of mild dishwashing liquid and a soft toothbrush.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?
It’s best not to. Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen stones in worn settings and aren’t suitable for pearls, opals and some other gemstones. We’ll clean your jewellery for you in store.
Why is my white gold ring turning yellow?
The rhodium plating has worn, letting the natural colour of the gold show through. Re-plating every 18 to 24 months restores the bright white finish. It’s complimentary under our Lifetime Care Guarantee for pieces of $2,000 or more.
How do I know if a stone is loose?
If the stone moves, rattles or a claw catches on clothing, stop wearing the ring and bring it in to be checked.
Do lab grown diamonds need different care?
No. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds and are cared for in exactly the same way as natural diamonds.
Do you clean jewellery bought elsewhere?
Yes, for a fee. Cleaning and claw checks on jewellery bought from us are complimentary, any time.
Do you provide valuations for insurance?
Yes. We recommend insuring fine jewellery, and we provide replacement valuation reports in store at Darby Street and Westfield Kotara, as we need to see the piece.