Maintenance
Caring for your Jewellery
You should always remove your jewellery when doing manual work.
Rings and other pieces of jewellery may be reworked and renovated but this can, on occasion, be costly.
When jewellery is worn, its surfaces undergo changes - polished surfaces become more matt and conversely matt surfaces gradually become shinier.
Matt surfaces can be maintained to some extent with the careful use of mild abrasives such as scotchbrite or garryflex. No metal is so hard that it will not acquire personal traces of wear, but those traces of wear make a piece of jewellery uniquely yours.
Simple soiling can be removed at home by washing your jewellery with a few drops of mild detergent under hot, running water.
Silver items tarnish - this may be accelerated by the acidity of the skin, perfume or cosmetic products. Sterling silver contains 7.5% copper and with a small number of people this can react with their perspiration and results in a green residue. This is not harmful and can be washed off with soap and water. Sterling silver will also oxidise and tarnish when exposed to air. (Platinum, gold, stainless steel and titanium do not tarnish.)
Use a proprietary silver cleaner to remove any tarnish.
Oxidisation and gold or rhodium plating are surface treatments; do not use silver dip or abrasives.
Always read manufacturers instructions to ensure cleaning products are suitable, before use.