Essential Tips for Caring for Your Fine Jewellery

# Essential Tips for Caring for Your Fine Jewellery Fine jewellery is an investment in beauty, craftsmanship and sentiment. Whether you own precious gemstones, delicate gold pieces or treasured heirlooms, proper care ensures your jewellery remains as stunning as the day you acquired it. At Burma Trésor, we believe that with the right maintenance, your jewellery can be enjoyed for generations. ## Understanding Your Jewellery Before diving into care techniques, it is important to understand the materials in your jewellery. Different metals and gemstones require specific care to maintain their lustre and integrity. ### Common Metals - **Gold (18ct, 14ct, 9ct):** Durable but can scratch. Higher carat gold is softer. - **Platinum:** Extremely durable and resistant to tarnish. Develops a patina over time. - **Silver:** Prone to tarnishing but easy to clean. - **White Gold:** Often rhodium-plated, which may need re-plating over time. ### Common Gemstones - **Diamonds:** Extremely hard but can chip if struck at certain angles. - **Sapphires and Rubies:** Very hard and durable (9 on the Mohs scale). - **Emeralds:** More delicate due to natural inclusions. Avoid harsh chemicals. - **Pearls and Opals:** Organic and porous. Require gentle care. ## Daily Care Practices ### 1. Put Jewellery on Last Apply perfume, hairspray, lotions and makeup before wearing your jewellery. These products contain chemicals that can dull gemstones and damage metal finishes. ### 2. Remove Jewellery Before Activities Take off your jewellery before: - Exercising or sports - Swimming (chlorine can damage metals) - Cleaning with harsh chemicals - Sleeping (to prevent snagging or bending) - Applying beauty products ### 3. Wipe After Wearing After each wear, gently wipe your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils, dirt and residue. This simple habit prevents build-up and keeps your pieces looking fresh. ## Cleaning Your Jewellery ### At-Home Cleaning **For Gold, Platinum and Diamonds:** 1. Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. 2. Soak the jewellery for 10-15 minutes. 3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub around stones and settings. 4. Rinse under warm running water. 5. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. **For Silver:** - Use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish. - For deeper cleaning, use a silver cleaning solution, following the manufacturer's instructions. **For Pearls and Opals:** - Wipe with a damp cloth only. Do not soak. - Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. **For Emeralds:** - Use only warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. - Gently pat dry—do not scrub vigorously. ### Professional Cleaning Even with regular at-home care, professional cleaning is essential. We recommend having your jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Professional jewellers can: - Deep clean hard-to-reach areas - Check settings for loose stones - Polish and restore lustre - Re-plate white gold if necessary ## Storage Tips Proper storage prevents scratches, tangles and damage. ### 1. Use Individual Pouches or Compartments Store each piece separately in soft pouches or lined compartments. This prevents pieces from scratching each other. ### 2. Keep in a Cool, Dry Place Avoid storing jewellery in humid environments, as moisture can tarnish metals and damage certain gemstones. ### 3. Store Pearls Flat Lay pearl necklaces flat to prevent the string from stretching. Have pearl necklaces restrung every few years. ### 4. Anti-Tarnish Strips for Silver Place anti-tarnish strips in your jewellery box to slow the tarnishing process. ## Handling Repairs and Restorations Even with excellent care, jewellery may require repairs over time. Common issues include: - Loose or lost stones - Broken clasps or chains - Bent prongs - Worn rhodium plating on white gold **Always seek professional repair services.** Attempting DIY repairs can cause further damage and reduce the value of your jewellery. At Burma Trésor, we offer comprehensive repair and restoration services, ensuring your treasured pieces are handled with expertise and care. ## Insurance and Appraisals Fine jewellery is valuable, both financially and sentimentally. Protect your investment with insurance. ### Steps to Insure Your Jewellery: 1. **Get an Appraisal:** Have your jewellery appraised by a certified gemologist. 2. **Update Regularly:** Reappraise every few years as values change. 3. **Photograph Your Pieces:** Keep detailed records, including photos and receipts. 4. **Choose the Right Policy:** Ensure your home insurance covers high-value items or consider specialised jewellery insurance. ## Special Considerations ### Engagement Rings Engagement rings are worn daily, exposing them to more wear and tear. Consider: - Removing your ring before rigorous activities - Professional cleaning and inspection every six months - Checking prongs regularly for signs of wear ### Vintage and Antique Jewellery Older pieces may be more fragile. Handle with extra care and avoid harsh cleaning methods. Consult a specialist for restoration needs. ### Gemstone-Specific Care - **Emeralds:** Often treated with oils. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. - **Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli:** Porous stones. Keep away from chemicals. - **Pearls:** Organic gems. Avoid perfume and acidic substances. ## Conclusion Caring for your fine jewellery is an investment in its longevity and beauty. With proper cleaning, storage and professional maintenance, your treasured pieces will continue to shine for generations. Whether you own [diamond engagement rings](/products?category=engagement-rings), [precious gemstone necklaces](/products?category=necklaces), delicate [gold earrings](/products?category=earrings), or our signature [Burma jade pieces](/products?category=burma-jade), following these care guidelines ensures they remain as stunning as the day you acquired them. At Burma Trésor, we are here to support you with expert advice, professional services and a commitment to preserving the elegance of your jewellery. Our London atelier offers professional cleaning, repairs, and personalised care recommendations for all types of fine jewellery. Browse our [complete collection](/collection) to discover pieces that are crafted to last, or [contact us](/contact) to schedule a professional cleaning and inspection. For those considering a new addition to their collection, explore our [bespoke jewellery service](/custom-order) where every piece is created with the same attention to quality and longevity. **Visit us for professional cleaning, repairs and personalised care recommendations.**