Caring for gold, platinum, silver and pearls

Fine jewellery is made to last for generations, but even the finest piece benefits from a little care. Most of what follows takes seconds, and it will keep your jewellery bright, secure and comfortable for decades.

Last on, first off

The single most useful habit: put your jewellery on after perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and make-up, and take it off before you swim, bathe, exercise, clean or garden. Chemicals, chlorine and grit are the enemies of polish, of pearls and of the tiny claws that hold your stones.

Gold

Gold does not tarnish, but it does collect a film of lotion and everyday grime that dulls its shine.

• Soak for 15–20 minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.
• Brush gently with a very soft toothbrush, paying attention to the back of settings.
• Rinse in clean water (with the sink plugged) and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Higher karat gold such as 22KT is softer, so handle bridal pieces gently and avoid brushing engraved or enamelled work hard.

Platinum

Clean platinum exactly as you would gold. Over time it develops a soft satin patina from tiny surface scratches. If you prefer a mirror finish, a jeweller can re-polish it in minutes.

White gold

White gold is usually plated with rhodium for its bright finish. Clean it gently, and expect to have it re-plated every year or two if you wear it daily. This is normal maintenance, not a fault.

Sterling silver

Silver reacts with sulphur in the air and slowly darkens. Wearing it often actually helps keep it bright.

• Polish with a dedicated silver cloth.
• Store in a small airtight pouch or bag, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip.
• Avoid rubber bands and some paper packaging, which accelerate tarnish.

Diamonds

Diamonds attract oil, which dulls their sparkle. The warm soapy soak described above is ideal. Avoid harsh household cleaners. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used on solid diamond jewellery, but never on pearls, emeralds, enamel or pieces with fractured stones.

Pearls

Pearls are organic gems and the most delicate pieces you own.

• Wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing.
• Never soak them, and never use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
• Store them flat, never hanging, so the silk thread does not stretch.
• Have a strand restrung every few years if worn often. A knot between each pearl means that if the thread ever breaks, you lose at most one.

Coloured stones

Sapphires and rubies are hard and can be cleaned like diamonds. Emeralds are often treated with oil and are more sensitive: wipe them gently and avoid heat, ultrasonic cleaning and soaking.

Storage

Keep each piece separately, in its own pouch or a lined compartment. Diamonds will scratch gold, platinum and other diamonds, and chains tangle when stored together. Fasten chains before putting them away. When travelling, use a soft roll or a small case rather than loose pockets.

When to see a jeweller

Have rings and anything with set stones checked about once a year. Look for:

• Claws that feel rough or catch on fabric
• A stone that moves or rattles when you tap it gently
• Thinning at the back of a ring band
• Clasps that close loosely

Catching a loose claw early is easy; replacing a lost stone is not.

Our promise

Every Shifora piece arrives in its box and pouch, with its hallmark and, for certified stones, its report. If you ever have a question about caring for your jewellery, write to us at info@shiforaa.com. We are always happy to help.

jewellery carecleaning goldcleaning silverpearl carediamond cleaning