General Tips
- Store your jewellery in a clean, dry place.
- Don't heap your jewellery, they can scratch one another. Keep jewellery that is not worn in a fabric-lined jewellery box or one with compartments. If you use an ordinary box, wrap each piece individually with soft tissue paper.
- Wipe your jewellery with a soft cloth after each wear to remove any oils and dirt.
- Avoid wearing fine jewellery when performing manual tasks or household chores.
- Wear your jewellery only after 2 minutes after applying cosmetics, hair sprays and lotions. These products can leave a dull film on jewellery, and may contain chemicals that damage your jewellery.
- Have your jewellery checked for loose prongs and worn mountings at least once in six months, and every three months to have them cleaned. You can enjoy a complimentary professional cleaning service at Aspial boutiques.
Mohs Scale
An important factor to consider when caring for your jewellery is their hardness. This is based on Mohs Scale (from 1 - 10), a gem-trade standard to measure ability to resist abrasion. The higher the Mohs Scale number, the harder the stone. Here are the ratings for some of the more popular gemstones and metals:
Gemstone / Metal Hardness
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Diamond
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10
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Emerald
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7.5 - 8.0
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Gold
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2.5 - 3.0
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Jade
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6.5 - 7.0
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Opal
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5.0 - 6.5
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Pearl
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2.5 - 4.0
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Platinum
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4.3
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Ruby
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9.0
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Sapphire
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9.0
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Topaz
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8.0
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Diamonds
Some diamond jewellery, such as engagement and wedding rings, are worn all day long. Diamonds can get smudged and dusty. Cosmetics, lotions and natural skin oils can leave a film on diamonds, cutting down their brilliance. Some tips to keep your diamonds sparkling:
- Do not wear diamond rings when doing rough work, though diamonds are the hardest substance, a sharp blow can chip it.
- Keep your diamonds away from chlorine, it will discolour the mounting of your diamond jewellery.
- To maintain the brilliance of your diamond, simply dip the jewellery in a lukewarm solution of mild detergent, use a soft toothbrush to dislodge any dirt and grime under the setting. Rinse with clean water then dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth.
- Handle clean jewellery by the edges, avoid touching clean diamonds with your fingers.
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Coloured Gemstones
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There is a large variety of coloured gemstones, a number need special care. However, the general rules for caring and cleaning your coloured gemstones are listed below.
- Most natural gemstones are heat treated upon extraction by traditionally accepted jewellery industry techniques. This will affect the method you care for and clean your jewellery.
- Wipe your gemstones with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth after each time you wear it. This will remove chemicals, oils and perspiration from your gemstones.
- Keep your gemstones in individual soft pouches.
- Exposing your gemstones to salt water and harsh chemicals, like chlorine, will erode the finish and polish of the gemstones.
- Do not wear your gemstone jewellery while doing household chores or exercising.
- Ultrasonic cleaners may damage gemstones that are fragile, so be extra careful when using them.
Cultured Pearl
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Pearls are products of living organisms. Pearls are very delicate and highly susceptible to damage, as such particular care should be given to pearls.
- Pearls can be cleaned with lukewarm water and a soft damp cloth. Do not use other chemicals, they can damage your pearls.
- Place your pearls in a soft pouch or wrap in tissue when storing them. Pearls have soft surface and can be scratched by other jewellery.
- Never store your pearls in plastic bags.
- Put on your pearl jewellery after applying cosmetics, lotions or hairspray and wipe it carefully with a soft damp cloth after use.
- The threads on which pearls are strung on weaken with wear. Bring your pearls for restringing once a year.
Platinum
Platinum has become a popular choice on its own and as a setting for diamonds and other precious gemstones. It is one of the most durable metals and is resistant to tarnishing and discolouration by chlorine and other chemicals. But, platinum jewellery stills needs proper care, despite its durability.
- Clean platinum jewellery as you would your other fine jewellery.
- Store your platinum jewellery separately to avoid scratches. Scratches can appear on platinum, but this is minimal because of its durability.
- For jewellery that has a combination of platinum and other fine jewellery components, clean these pieces as you would if they were not paired with platinum.
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Karat Gold Jewellery
Gold is a rare soft metal. Based on a karat system where 24K is pure gold, values in between correspond to parts karat and per alloy, so 18k gold =8 parts gold and 6 parts alloy. Some tips to care for your gold jewellery:
- Soap can cause your gold jewellery to become dull, so remove them before showering and cleaning.
- An inexpensive way of cleaning gold jewellery, is using a soft chamois cloth to restore the shine and luster.
- Gold jewellery can also be cleaned using a soft bristle brush in soap and water. After brushing, rinse the jewellery with lukewarm water and allow it to dry.
- Chlorine will damage and discolour gold jewellery, so do not wear gold jewellery while using chlorine bleach or in the swimming pool.
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