Jewellery Care

WHITE GOLD JEWELLERY

White gold is one of the most popular precious metals for jewellery pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings and most of all engagement and wedding rings. White gold can lose its shine due to general wear. White gold is an alloy containing 75% pure white gold and 25% alloy metals (e.g. silver, palladium, nickel) and this represent the 18 karat white gold.   Nine karat white gold is composed of 37.5% pure white gold, 42 % silver and 20% copper. Whatever it is possible to find slight variation on this combination.

White gold can have a slight yellow tinge due to the alloys used. Most white gold jewellery is given rhodium plating to deliver a fresh glistening white appearance.

 

HOW TO CLEAN WHITE GOLD JEWELLERY

What you need: (1) a glass bowl (2) mild dish soap (3) soft bristle toothbrush (4) clean microfibre cloth

  • Pour slightly warm water (250ml) into a glass bowl and add mild dish soap (5ml or one 1 teaspoon)
  • Allow the jewellery to soak in the mixture for approximately 30 minutes.
  • After 30 mins scrub the jewellery lightly with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any dirt in hard-to-reach areas. Do not scrub hard, as you may risk scratching the surface. 
  • Rinse in slightly warm water to remove any traces of detergent. Ensure your sink has a plug in or use the colander for rinsing so that you don’t drop your jewellery piece down the drain!
  • Dry with a clean microfibre cloth for best finish.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT CLEAN GOLD JEWELLERY WITH?

Alert: We do not recommend lemon juice and or vinegar for cleaning gold as they are extremely unsafe and could cause damage to your jewellery

 

DOES WHITE GOLD LOSE ITS SHINE?

Yes it does as most white gold jewellery is coated with Rhodium for extra shine. Avoid putting white gold jewellery in contact with other metals. This will preserve its finish and reduce the risk of unnecessary scratching and discolouration. Excessive friction with other metals and materials is the number one reason for rhodium plating wear.

Avoid contact with harsh chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine as they can also damage the surface of the white gold jewellery. It is recommended that you remove all white gold jewellery pieces prior to swimming, showering or household cleaning.

Our final recommendation is to apply make-up, hair spray and perfume before putting on jewellery as the chemicals in these products may damage the precious metal and the gemstones.

 

YELLOW GOLD JEWELLERY

Yellow gold is also one of the most popular precious metals for jewellery pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, engagement and wedding rings. Yellow gold can lose its shine due to general wear.

18 karat yellow gold is an alloy containing 75% pure yellow gold and 25% alloy metals (e.g. copper, silver).  

9 karat yellow gold is composed of 37.5% pure yellow gold, 42.5% silver and 20% copper. While pure yellow gold does not tarnish and will retain its original colour forever, the strong presence of alloys in 9 karat gold are susceptible to discolouration. Special care is needed to ensure your 9 karat gold jewellery keeps its original shine.

 

HOW TO CLEAN YELLOW GOLD JEWELLERY

What you need: (1) a glass bowl (2) mild dish soap (3) soft bristle toothbrush (4) clean microfibre cloth

  • Pour slightly warm water (250ml) into a glass bowl and add mild dish soap (5ml or one 1 teaspoon)
  • Allow the jewellery to soak in the mixture for approximately 30 minutes.
  • After 30 mins scrub the jewellery lightly with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any dirt in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Rinse in slightly warm water to remove any traces of detergent. Ensure your sink has a plug in or use the colander for rinsing so that you don’t drop your jewellery piece down the drain!
  • Dry with a clean microfibre cloth for best finish.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT CLEAN YELLOW GOLD WITH?

Alert: We do not recommend lemon juice and vinegar for cleaning gold as they are extremely unsafe and may cause damage to your jewellery.

 

DOES YELLOW GOLD LOSE ITS SHINE?

Yellow gold does tarnish and scratch over time. To preserve the luster of your gold jewellery, avoid exposure to household bleach and other cleaning products, which will quickly cause gold to discolour and possibly disintegrate.

We also recommend you don’t go into the swimming pool (contains chlorine) or shower as well as undertake household cleaning with yellow gold jewellery on as harsh chemicals can make the surface dull.

Our final recommendation is to apply make-up, hair spray and perfume before putting on jewellery as the chemicals in these products may damage the finishing of the precious metal and the gemstones.

 

DIAMOND AND GOLD JEWELLERY CARE

Diamond and gold jewellery deserves true care.  It’s advisable to not wear your precious jewellery when swimming, showering, sleeping, gardening and undertaking household cleaning as each situation has the ability to damage the gold and the gemstone. We recommend precious gemstones and gold jewellery is cleaned with lukewarm water, mild dish soap (no detergents) and a soft bristle toothbrush.

Alert: Use of a toothpaste, baking soda and abrasives must not be undertaken as they can damage gold and diamond jewellery!

 

HOW TO CLEAN GOLD & DIAMOND JEWELLERY

What you need: (1) a glass bowl (2) mild dish soap (3) soft bristle toothbrush (4) clean microfibre cloth

  • Pour slightly warm water (250ml) into a glass bowl and add mild dish soap (5ml or one 1 teaspoon)
  • Allow the jewellery to soak in the mixture for approximately 30 minutes.
  • After 30 mins scrub the jewellery lightly with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any dirt in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Rinse in slightly warm water to remove any traces of detergent. Ensure your sink has a plug in or use the colander for rinsing so that you don’t drop your precious jewellery piece down the drain!

DOES DIAMOND LOSE ITS SPARKLE?

A well-polished diamond is known for its sparkle as the gemstone radiates rainbow colours when light hits the surface.  Diamond jewellery can attract dirt, grease and dust easily if worn while doing daily chores. Regular cleaning however will restore the sparkle.

We advise you avoid wearing your diamond jewellery often as it can get dirty from make-up application, hairspray, lotions, oils, dust, cooking, gardening, swimming, showering, sleeping, house cleaning chemicals to name but a few aspects.

 

STORING YOUR JEWELLERY

Store your precious jewellery pieces in a suitably lined jewellery box ensuring your pieces are in a dark, cool and dry place and avoid sunlight exposure when storing your jewellery. Keep jewellery pieces apart so they do not rub together or tangle, particularly diamonds with other gemstones.

Take care not to drop, bash or scratch your diamond and gold jewellery, since diamonds, which are naturally hard stones, can get damaged when knocked.