10 JEWELLERY CARE MISTAKES YOU NEED TO STOP MAKING

If you are staring at a jewellery box full of tangled chains and tarnished pieces you are probably committing some of these everyday jewellery errors. Great jewellery aftercare, regular cleaning and careful jewellery storage are the building blocks of a timeless jewellery collection.

Taking jewellery aftercare seriously will pay dividends when it comes to extending the life of your collection and keeping your diamond rings, watches and bracelets in great condition. Here are the top 10 jewellery aftercare mistakes your jeweller almost certainly wants you to stop making:

1. Using DIY cleaning methods with your jewellery
2. Your jewellery has never been cleaned
3. You swim or shower with jewellery on
4. Sleeping with your jewellery
5. Wearing your pearls first
6. Your jewellery isn’t stored properly
7. Ignoring visible jewellery damage
8. Layer too much jewellery at the same time
9. You don’t have jewellery insurance
10. You’ve never had your jewellery valued

Your Jewellery Has Never Been Cleaned

Nobody wants to wear grime-covered jewellery. If you are wondering why your silver pieces have a pewter tinge or why your diamonds are flat and lifeless, they probably need a good old clean.

If you can't clean your jewellery at home, make sure to take them to the experts. Some gemstones can be irreparably damaged by steam and ultrasonic cleaning methods, so it is vital to get it right.

You Swim And Shower In Your Jewellery

Soap scum, chlorine and saltwater residue can build up on your jewellery over time. Do your jewellery a favour and take off your favourite pieces before you jump in the shower or take a dip. You'll save yourself plenty of cleaning time too.

And don't think your diamonds are immune. Diamonds are famously hard, but that doesn't mean they can't chip if they sustain a blow. Don't risk it and take your engagement ring or diamond jewellery off before you do anything physical.

You Sleep In Your Jewellery

We've all had that moment when you wake up with a dead arm having slept on it for too long. Now imagine putting that sustained pressure on the mount of a precious pair of gemstone earrings, or the chain of a gold necklace? Over time this will weaken your jewellery and make it more prone to breaking.

You Wear Your Pearls First

Pearls (and other gemstones like opals) are the sensitive souls of the jewellery world. Keep them away from perfume, body lotions, hairspray and other chemicals. If there's one thing your jeweller wants you to remember, it is to put your pearls on last and take them off first.

Your Jewellery Isn't Stored Correctly

Jewellers can't bear the sight of a chaotic jewellery box. To keep your gold, silver, platinum and diamond or gemstone jewellery looking its best, store pieces in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

A box with a soft lining is ideal, as are individual cotton or felt pouches to stop your silver tarnishing. Store your diamonds, gemstones and pearls separately so they can’t knock together.

Don’t forget, pearls are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. If you are jetting off to the Sahara, you’d be better to leave them at home.

You Ignore That Damage To Your Jewellery

If you noticed a wobbly diamond claw six months ago and haven’t got around to getting it checked, what are you waiting for? Don’t risk losing a diamond or gemstone because of a weak setting that only worsens with time. Jewellers love to repair jewellery; all you need to do is take it to them.

Too Much Layering With Your Jewellery

Over the years, all jewellery will experience some wear-and-tear. However, if your style is to wear multiple rings at once, oversized bracelet stacks and layered necklaces, you may be speeding up this process and creating daily damage.

Avoid wearing your favourite treasures in ways where they knock other pieces, especially with more delicate gemstones and softer yellow gold. This will reduce the number of surface scratches and dents.

You Don’t Have Jewellery Insurance

Jewellers get to enjoy some of the most romantic moments of their clients’ lives, like engagements, wedding days and anniversaries. But there are also some sad moments too, especially when pieces are lost, stolen or gemstones go missing. Avoid heartache by getting jewellery insurance. You may never be able to replace a beloved piece but knowing a replacement can be found will be a weight off your shoulders.

You’ve Never Had Your Jewellery Valued

Do you know if the old-fashioned ring you inherited from your great aunt twice removed is worth anything, or is it hidden at the back of a drawer? Even if they are not your personal taste, heirloom and antique pieces are potentially very valuable and could be set with stones that can be upcycled into more modern, bespoke creations. Instead of keeping them hidden, let your jeweller tell you if they are drab or fab.

Ready to put some well-informed jewellery care into practice? Then why not explore our stunning jewellery collection online now. If you want to know more about all things jewellery, then head over to our Style Notes blog. Here you will find loads of useful information that is certain to turn you from a jewellery novice into a seasoned pro. For more guidance on jewellery aftercare, we offer in-store jewellery repair services to help your jewellery keep that brand-new feel.