Caring for your Jewellery

CARING FOR YOUR DIAMONDS

Diamonds may be the hardest substance on earth, but they are not indestructible.

While they can be cut or polished only by another diamond, a hard blow can cause them to chip.

Handling – Cleaning – Storage

• Diamonds should be handled sparingly. Contact with skin provides enough oil to alter the way diamonds look.
• Diamonds need to be cleaned regularly. A simple solution is to soak diamond jewellery overnight in an ammonia-based household cleaner.
• Fragile settings and estate jewellery doesn’t take kindly to being scrubbed with a toothbrush, so a soft, lint-free cloth can be used for wiping such delicate diamond jewellery.
• Harmful solutions, such as chlorine or abrasives should never be used when cleaning diamonds especially those set in jewellery. These are some of the metals often used in diamond settings and may loosen prongs or even dissolve the metal completely.
• Sometimes an ultrasonic cleaner is necessary to remove encrusted dirt on diamonds. If this is required, it is best undertaken by a professional jeweller.
• It shouldn’t be worn while doing rough work. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow.
• Diamonds shouldn’t come in contact with a chlorine bleach, which could happen during household chores. It damages and discolours the mounting.
• Diamond jewellery should be taken to a jeweller at least once a year to check for loose prongs and wear of mounting and a professional “shine-up”
• Precious pieces of diamond jewellery should be kept away in a fabric-lined jewel case or a box with compartments or dividers
  If ordinary boxes are used to store diamond jewellery, each piece should be individually wrapped in tissue paper.
  Diamond pieces jumbled in a drawer or jewellery case with other jewellery can scratch other jewellery and even scratch each other.

Caring for PLATINUM Jewellery

Platinum, a naturally white metal, never fades, does not change color. It is the optimal setting for diamonds or other gemstones as the naturally white metal doesn’t reflect any colr onto the stones, enhancing their brilliance.

Typically 95% pure platinum is one of the purest precious metals. Platinum’s purity makes it naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

The density of platinum makes it highly durable, so it doesn’t wear away over time. Therefore, platinum engagement rings and wedding bands are everlasting, perfect for a lifetime of everyday wear.

Platinum’s strength and durability makes it the most secure settling for diamonds and precious gemstones. Platinum prongs offer better protection for diamonds, which is why the most significant diamonds from the Hope Diamond to the 60-Carat Taylor-Burton Diamond are all set in platinum.

FAQs:

Where should I keep my platinum jewellery when I am not wearing it?

Store pieces separately, in a jewellery box or chamois bag so they don’t get scratched by other items

How do I care for my platimum jewellery?

Clean platinum in the same way you clean other free jewellery to maintain its fine appearance and ensure that it lasts. Either use a mild solution of soap and warm water and gently rub it with a soft cloth, or buy a jewellery cleaning solution.

Will platinum jewellery scratch?

All precious metals scratch, and platinum is no exception. It is unique in that the metal is only displaced, not lost. Have your platinum jewellery polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. Look for a qualified jeweller or platinum trained bench worker for all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.Can I wear my platinum ring a while doing housework such as cleaning or gardening?
Ideally, you should remove your platinum jewellery when undertaking housework. It is also advisable not to handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your jewellery. Although they wont damage the platinum chemicals may discolour diamonds or gemstones.

How will my platinum ring look years from now?

All precious metals age with daily wear. Over time, platinum develops a rich finish called a platina but it doesn’t wear away. Many people prefer the patina look. but you can have your platinum jewellery polished if you prefer maintaining a high shine.

GEMSTONES

The Stones of Color

Gemstones come in countless colors that mesmerize the eye. For years, these precious stones have captured the admiration and fancy of royalties to celebrities to commoners. Few have been able to resist the appeal of these coloured stones. They become even more irresistible when captured in timeless colours.
The qualities of a Gem are determined by its colour, appearance close to being the most, if not the most important attribute while assessing the value of a gemstone. Their beauty should also be able to stand the tests of time. If a gemstone is scratched or crumbled, it loses its value immediately.

Precious Care

Gemstones are durable, but some require special care:

• Use safe cleaning methods.
  • Warm water, mild detergent free soap and a soft toothbrush.
  • Pulsed water dental cleaning appliance.
  • Lint free germ cloth.
• Toothbrush must not be used on soft gems. It may easily scratch the gemstones and spoil its beauty. Instead, you can use a clean make-up brush and warm soapy water.
• Before cleaning your jewellery, make sure you cover the drain of the sink. Some gemstones will are likely to come loose while cleaning. By covering the drain, you can make sure you don’t lose your precious stones while caring for them.
• The jewellery should not be laid on a hard surface. It should always be placed on a soft pad.
• Ultrasonic cleaners can shake stones loose from their mountings and cause problems for porous stones like lapis and turquoise.
• Fracture filled and oil-impregnated stones like emeralds (treated) should never be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. It can remove the dye from treated lapis and turquoise and etch porous and organic colored stones.
• Avoid simple jewelry repairs that require heat. This can damage an irradiated red or purple tourmaline by causing its color to fade or change.
• A ruby that is loose in its mounting can easily fall off its prong setting.

PEARLS

The Wisest Gem

Pearls are amongst the oldest and most universal of all gems. They are the oldest jewels known to man and the only gem made by a living animal. The oldest surviving pearl necklace is nearly 2000 years old and was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian Princess.

Pearls have been used to display wealth and power. They have also stood as symbols of purity, chastity and feminine charm.

The value of pearls was such that it is claimed that once a pearl earring paid for a Roman general’s political campaign.

The most valuable pearls occur spontaneously in the wild, but they are extremely rare. These wild pearls are referred to as natural pearls. Cultured or farmed pearls from pearl oysters and freshwater mussels make up the majority of those that are currently sold.

Care for your Pearls

• Pearls are unique and classic beauties. If you own a Pearl, it is important to know how to care for them:
• Pearls are not meant for storage in bank safety deposits. They need a certain amount of moisture to be preserved. Airtight storage is a strict no.
• Pearls are meant to be flaunted, so use them regularly. The moisture that the human body provides ensures that your Pearls look good for a long time.
• Use of perfumes, make-up and hair spray can make the Pearls dull due to the ingredients they contain.
• Never try cleaning Pearls with any chemicals or soap. Many of these products contain chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine, which can damage Pearls.
• Swimming pool water can also damage Pearls.
• Cleaning Pearls with a soft damp muslin cloth after every use, goes a long way in keeping its grace.

Avoid direct contact of sanitizers or sanitized skin with pearls until completely dry before putting on your pearls.
As with perfumes and hairspray, the alcohol in the hand sanitizer can change the surface of the pearl, causing noticeable differences such as loss of luster and change in color if repeatedly exposed to such chemicals.