For jewellery to stand the test of time and passed from one generation to another, you need to look after it well. Here’s our guide to keeping the sparkle in your favorite pieces.

Have your jewellery checked every year

To keep your jewellery in excellent condition, it’s a good idea to have it checked and cleaned at least once a year by a professional jeweller. They can identify signs of damage or wear and tear on the piece and will make sure all clasps work properly – you don’t want to lose your family heirloom by accident. Your jeweller can check and repair all the parts of your piece – for example a ring may need a stone replacement, re-sizing, re-setting or altering the claw or shank.

You can find an professional jeweller here. 

Learn how to care for your jewellery

Looking after a diamond is different to looking after a watch, so it’s important to learn about the requirements of each different piece of jewellery. From different metals to different stones, all require a different cleaning solution to keep them looking their best.

When not to wear your jewellery

We love wearing our favourite things, but there are certain situations where you should avoid wearing your jewellery. Wearing jewellery to the beach, swimming or playing sport is not recommended as it can easily get scratched or knocked out of shape. It can even cause injury to somebody else.

Avoid repeated contact with chemicals

Repeated contact with perfume, cosmetics, household detergents and insecticides can cause damage to precious stones and wedding bands. Don’t forget to remove rings when washing your hands with soap as small particles can get lodged in the filigree.

Store your jewellery properly

It’s important to store your precious jewellery properly. Store pieces individually, in the original box if possible, as stones can get scratched when in contact with other jewellery. Necklaces should always be laid out flat to avoid the chain knotting.

Clean precious metals regularly

Whether they are a mixture of metals such as sterling silver, or pure metals such as gold, pewter or titanium, all require different cleaning processes. Contrary to urban legend, toothpaste can be too abrasive and leave dull scratches. Instead, use a gentle detergent when cleaning sterling silver, a soft-bristled brush for detailed designs, and a soft cleaning cloth for plain pieces.

When cleaning gold, use warm water and detergent-free soap, or ask your jeweller for a specific cleaning product. Most importantly, don’t clean your jewellery over the sink – it’s far too easy to drop it down the plughole by accident.

Read our natural and organic guide to cleaning jewellery, here.