Jewellery Care
Over time, fine jewellery can become a treasured family heirloom if it is cared for properly. Dust, pollution and daily wear all conspire to cloud the brilliance of gemstones. The surface of gold, platinum and silver jewellery can become dulled. Timeworn prongs and clasps can result in the loss of a stone or an entire piece of jewellery.
Professional cleanings are recommended as often as once a year. We encourage you to bring your Royal Gem jewellery back to us for professional servicing. Our staff are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of jewellery care, including cleaning gemstones, restringing pearls and repairing clasps and earring backs.
Storage is also important. At the time of purchase, all Royal Gem jewellery is packaged in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. Between wearings, we recommend that you place your jewellery in its original casing or another suitably lined box or pouch.
CARING FOR GOLD
Gold doesn’t tarnish, but it can be dirtied or dulled by the oils in your skin, body lotion, makeup or other substances.
There are lots of products out there that promise to clean gold, but you can do it easily on your own.
- Mix a squeeze of mild dish detergent with warm water in a bowl.
- Put the gold item into the soap mixture and let sit for a few minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry.
- Remove item from soapy water, rinse it and dry thoroughly with a soft polishing cloth.
CARING FOR GEMSTONES
Take care to protect your jewellery from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Many stones such as amethyst, emerald, kunzite, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite and tourmaline are very delicate and easily abraded. Enamel can also chip or scratch when struck. 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, ultrasonic cleaning and household chemicals can also damage jewellery.
CARING FOR DIAMONDS
Even a diamond can chip if hit with enough force or at just the right angle.
To clean diamonds, use a mild solution of six parts water to one part ammonia and apply with a soft bristle brush.
CARING FOR PEARLS
If worn often, pearls should be cleaned and restrung professionally once a year. Between cleanings, wipe pearls gently with a damp cloth.