Expert Advice
Our top tips for jewellery care.
Fasten to Protect
Chains and bracelets are most vulnerable when stored loose. Always fasten them before putting them away to prevent tangling.
Untangling knots can weaken delicate links or cause irreparable damage. For the best results, store them flat in a lined box or pouch, away from other items.
Rest Your Jewellery
Even jewellery deserves a little rest. We advise removing it at the end of the day, or at least each night before bed, to avoid unnecessary strain and wear. Taking your jewellery off when you get home also helps protect it from accidental knocks while you go about your evening.
By giving your jewellery time to rest, you protect delicate settings, avoid damage, and help gemstones retain their brilliance.
Remove Your Jewellery Before Everyday Tasks
Everyday life can be hectic, and it can take its toll on your jewellery. For example, housework, gardening, exercising, or even clapping at an event can create stresses on clasps, settings, and gemstones. Chemicals from cleaning products or hairsprays can also dull or damage certain stones and metals.
Always remove jewellery before:
- Housework, washing up, or cooking
- Gardening or DIY
- Sports, gym, yoga, or swimming
- Sleeping or showering
If your jewellery has already sustained wear from daily use, our expert goldsmiths can help restore it through our repairs and restoration service.
Store Separately
Jewellery pieces should always be stored individually to avoid scratches and tangles. Harder stones, such as diamonds, can easily mark softer gems like pearls or opals if kept together. Keep each piece in a soft pouch or a compartmented jewellery box, and make sure clasps are fastened.
For long-term protection, avoid leaving jewellery in direct sunlight or humid environments, as this can fade certain gemstones or tarnish silver.
Take your jewellery for yearly professional checks.
We recommend that you bring your jewellery to us at least once a year to be cleaned and checked by our goldsmiths. This may mean that wear and tear or damage can be rectified before any expensive loss occurs. Our goldsmiths can:
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Polish and clean your jewellery safely, restoring lost brilliance
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Check clasps, hinges, and claws for signs of weakness
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Re-tip or repair settings to prevent stones from becoming loose
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Resize rings for a comfortable and secure fit
Do Light Everyday Cleaning at Home
Light home care can help your jewellery look its best between professional cleans. Wipe your pieces gently with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing to remove oils and lotions. For gold or diamond jewellery, soak briefly in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap and brush carefully with a very soft toothbrush.
However, we strongly advise you to avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals at home, as they can damage certain gemstones, settings, and metals. When in doubt, leave it to our experts.
Watch for Signs of Wear
Over time, even the strongest jewellery can loosen or weaken. Signs to look out for include:
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Loose claws or settings – stones may shift or catch on fabric
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Worn clasps or hinges – bracelets and necklaces may not feel secure
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Frayed pearl strands – pearls should be restrung periodically if worn often
If you spot any of these, bring your jewellery in for inspection before a stone is lost or further damage occurs.
Gemstone-Specific Care Tips
Different stones have different qualities, so caring for them correctly is essential.
Diamonds
Diamonds are exceptionally hard, but they can still attract oils that dull their brilliance. Wipe jewellery, like diamond rings, regularly and avoid letting them rub against other stones. Check claw settings frequently, as these can wear down with time, and you don’t want to lose a diamond.
Emeralds
Though emeralds are beautiful, they are naturally fragile due to their internal inclusions. Keep them away from sudden temperature changes, and never use ultrasonic cleaners. Wipe gently with a damp, soft cloth instead.
Opals
Opals are sensitive to moisture and temperature. Avoid storing opal jewellery in very dry or very hot conditions, and always remove them before using cleaning chemicals. Store separately to prevent scratches.
Sapphires & Rubies
Sapphires and rubies are durable stones, but they can still be scratched by diamonds, and will show signs of abrasion over time, so it is best to store them separately. Clean them gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, which can sometimes affect their colour, particularly in yellow and Padparadscha sapphires or stones that have been irradiated.
Diamonds
Diamonds are exceptionally hard, but they can still attract oils that dull their brilliance. Wipe jewellery, like diamond rings, regularly and avoid letting them rub against other stones. Check claw settings frequently, as these can wear down with time, and you don’t want to lose a diamond.
Emeralds
Though emeralds are beautiful, they are naturally fragile due to their internal inclusions. Keep them away from sudden temperature changes, and never use ultrasonic cleaners. Wipe gently with a damp, soft cloth instead.
Opals
Opals are sensitive to moisture and temperature. Avoid storing opal jewellery in very dry or very hot conditions, and always remove them before using cleaning chemicals. Store separately to prevent scratches.
Sapphires & Rubies
Sapphires and rubies are durable stones, but they can still be scratched by diamonds, and will show signs of abrasion over time, so it is best to store them separately. Clean them gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, which can sometimes affect their colour, particularly in yellow and Padparadscha sapphires or stones that have been irradiated.
Jewellery Experts
Why professional jewellery care matters.
While home care helps protect your jewellery day-to-day, professional servicing ensures its long-term safety. We strongly advise against using chemical cleaners or ultrasonic machines at home, as these can damage certain stones and metals.
By entrusting your jewellery to Timothy Roe, you benefit from three decades of goldsmithing expertise, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern precision.
Whether you need a deep clean, a ring resize, or a full repair, our Chichester workshop is here to help.
Book your jewellery care appointment