Jewellery Care Guide
Jewellery lasts when it's looked after. Our pieces are finished in gold and silver platings designed for everyday wear — a few simple habits keep them shining for years.
The golden rules
- Last on, first off. Put jewellery on after perfume, lotion and hairspray; take it off before swimming, showering or exercise. The chemicals in everyday products are the number one cause of dull plating.
- Keep it dry. Water, sweat and humidity are the main causes of tarnish on plated finishes. Take rings off when washing up; wipe earrings after a long day.
- Store separately. A pouch or box compartment stops pieces scratching each other — stones against metal, chain against chain. Keep them away from the bathroom; bedrooms are drier.
- Polish gently. A soft, dry jewellery cloth is all you need after wearing. Never use chemical cleaners or abrasive cloths on plated pieces — they can wear through the finish.
- Put it away at night. Sleeping in jewellery bends chains, catches stones on bedding, and rubs plating against skin for hours. Thirty seconds of unclasping doubles a piece's life.
Care by piece type
Earrings
Wipe the posts and backs with a soft dry cloth after wearing — skin oils build up where you can't see them. For pavé and stone-set styles, use the dry cloth only; never soak them.
Necklaces
Chains are the most fragile thing in your jewellery box. Close the clasp before storing so chains don't tangle, and store them flat or hanging rather than in a knotted pile. If a chain kinks, don't pull — lay it flat and ease the link straight with two fingers.
Rings
Rings take the most knocks — take them off for the gym, washing up and hand cream. Rotate which rings you wear rather than living in one; plated finishes last far longer with rest days.
Bracelets & anklets
Bracelets rub against desks, sleeves and wrists all day, so wipe them down in the evening. Tennis bracelets: check the clasp closes fully before putting one on — cheap insurance.
Do & don't
Do
Use a soft, dry cloth · store in pouches or a lined box · put jewellery on last, take it off first · check clasps weekly · keep the little care card that arrives with your order
Don't
Swim or shower in plated pieces · spray perfume directly onto jewellery · use silver dip or chemical cleaners · sleep in chains · store pieces loose together in one dish
Travel & storage
A small travel pouch with separate compartments is worth its weight in gold-tone chain. If you're packing without one, wrap each piece in a soft cloth and chain necklaces through a drinking straw or card to stop knots. Keep everything in the coolest, driest spot you can — a handbag pocket in a hot car is a plating killer.
If something dulls or tarnishes
Slight dulling on plated finishes is normal and often revives with a firm-but-gentle buff from a dry jewellery cloth. If a piece has tarnished deeply or a stone has come loose, contact us with a photo — if it's a fault in the piece rather than wear and tear, our Returns & Refunds policy covers you.
Want to know exactly what your piece is made of before you buy? See the Materials Guide.