Caring for your Amber
Amber is soft and should be treated with care. Avoid contact with hard objects, chemicals such as perfumes and hairsprays, excessive heat and light. Amber kept in a soft fabric bag will protect it from scratching and premature ageing.
To clean Amber, wash it with mild soap and water and polish it with a soft cloth. The lustre lost from old Amber may sometimes be restored by polishing it with a soft cloth saturated with olive oil.
Taking care of Pearls
Pearls are formed in shellfish, generally oysters and muscles, as a natural defence against an irritant such as a piece of grit. They are available in a huge variety of colours and shapes.
Pearls are alkaline and therefore vulnerable to all acids including perfume, hairsprays and cosmetics. Pearls should be cleaned with a damp cloth, using only water, or a pearl care kit wipe, and laid on a dry cloth overnight.
Never clean pearls with detergents, washing-up liquid, milk, bleach, powdered cleaners or even professional jewellery cleaners unless stated that they are for pearls.
When the thread starts to discolour, stretch or fray it is time for them to be re-threaded.
Do not store pearls in a hanging position, as this makes the strand slack and reduces the strength and elasticity of the silk. When the silk stretches it leaves gaps between the pearls.
Never keep pearls loose in a container with other jewellery as the surfaces can get scratched. Instead place them in a silk or chamois leather pouch
Discolouration of Silver & Gold
Most people know that silver can tarnish, but did you know that gold (especially 9ct) can tarnish too?
This usually happens in dry conditions when jewellery is being stored. However, this does not mean your jewellery is of poor quality or ‘fake'.
The tarnish is caused by a reaction between sulphur compounds, which are present in the atmosphere, and the metal alloys which are added to precious metals in jewellery, making the metal harder and more wearable. This is why 9ct gold is more likely to tarnish than 18ct gold, as it has more ‘other' metal alloys apart from gold, added to it. When jewellery, which has become tarnished is worn, the thin tarnished film which contains tiny metal particles, falls as dust and can sometimes be rubbed off onto the skin or clothing, forming a black mark.
Our advice is to always clean intermittently worn jewellery before use. Generally washing up liquid and warm water will suffice but for best results use professional jewellery cleaner.
Cleaning your Platinum
Clean Platinum by using jewellery cleaner or soak it in soap and warm water, then gently rub it with a soft cloth. Occasionally it is advised to have your Platinum jewellery professionally cleaned.
