Jewellery Care
Your pieces are made to stand the test of time - they’re beautiful heirlooms that will be passed down for generations. However, to keep them looking their best, they require a little care and attention along the way. Here’s a useful guide to help you maintain your favorite pieces and keep them happy for years to come!
Gold Jewellery Care
Gold is a wonderfully durable metal, but it’s still susceptible to scratches and dulling over time. At Ema Inigo-Jones we use solid 18ct Yellow Gold. Whether you’re wearing your EI-J jewellery daily, or saving it for special occasions, here’s how to care for it:
Daily Habits Matter: Gold may look strong, but contact with lotions, perfumes, and even sweat can cause it to lose its shine over time. It’s best to put your gold pieces on last when getting ready and remove them before intense activities like working out or swimming.
Clean Gently: To give your gold jewellery a gentle clean at home, fill a bowl with warm water and a drop or two of mild dish soap. Let your piece soak for about 15 minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. An important note! If your item has black plating, avoid using the toothbrush on this! More information about the best ways to care for black rhodium can be found below!
Storage Tips: Store gold jewellery in a soft cloth bag or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratches. Keeping pieces separate is also a must and will help protect them.
Left: Judy wears the 18ct Yellow Gold Siren ring with Fancy Brown Natural Diamonds, and the 18ct Yellow Gold T-Bar, by Ema Inigo-Jones
Diamond Jewellery Care
Diamonds are known as the hardest natural material, but they can still attract oils and dirt, which dull their brilliance. Here’s how to keep your diamonds sparkling like new:
Avoid Direct Contact with Products: Just like gold, diamonds are affected by lotions, hair products, and makeup. These can leave a residue on the stone, and in the surrounding metal, causing it to look dull. Remember to put on diamond jewellery after applying these products.
Regular Cleaning: Diamonds benefit from a little more frequent cleaning. Create a gentle solution using warm water and mild dish soap, then let your diamonds soak for about 10 minutes. A soft toothbrush can be used to gently clean around the diamond and its setting. Avoid scrubbing too hard, especially if the diamond is in a delicate or intricate setting.
Annual Check-Up: We always reccommend treating your pieces to an annual MOT. Bring them in to us for a check up whenever you would like and we will make sure everything is in tip-top condition.
Platinum Jewellery Care
Platinum is exceptionally durable and resistant to tarnish, but it still benefits from regular maintenance to keep its luxurious appearance.
Gentle Cleaning Routine: For platinum, use the same mild soap and warm water mixture as you would with gold and diamonds. Soak the piece for a few minutes, then use a soft brush to remove any buildup, especially around engravings or settings.
Polish for Extra Shine: Platinum jewellery develops a unique patina over time, which many people love for its soft, matte look. If you prefer a high-shine finish, pop it back into us and we can bring it back to its polished perfection.
Safe Storage: Platinum is tough, but it can still scratch when it comes into contact with other jewellery pieces, especially harder stones like diamonds. Keep it in a separate compartment or a soft cloth bag when you’re not wearing it.
Above: Judy wears the 2.25ct Mega Bind ring with 18ct Yellow Gold and Blackened Gold.
Blackened Gold Care
Blackened gold, or ‘black plating’ utilises rhodium, a rare and precious metal, that is applied as a thin coat to the 18ct gold underneath. The effect of its application is a dark, glossy covering that gives a sleek finish. Darkening the metal in this way harkens back to the Victorian’s use of darker metals and materials in their jewellery. Though pretty durable, there are specific things you should keep in mind when caring for your black plated jewellery.
Use a Soft Cloth: You can gently buff your black rhodium jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any smudges or light dirt. This keeps it looking fresh without the need for
harsh cleaners.Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Unlike gold or diamond pieces, black rhodium jewellery is sensitive to abrasive cleaning agents and brushes. Instead, use lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Dip a soft, damp cloth into the solution and gently wipe your jewellery. No toothbrushes! Make sure to dry it completely with a soft cloth after.
Skip Ultrasonic Cleaners: Ultrasonic cleaners can be too intense for black rhodium-plated jewellery, as they may erode the plating faster. Stick to gentle cleaning methods to preserve its dark finish.
A Few General Tips
Regardless of the metal or gemstone, a few universal habits can go a long way in protecting your items:
Remove Before Bed: Rolling around at night can put pressure on jewellery, especially rings and necklaces, which may eventually damage their settings or chain links.
Keep Away from Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, chlorine, and other chemicals can damage metals and stones. Make it a habit to remove jewellery before cleaning or swimming in chlorinated pools.
Take off before strenuous activities: Going to the gym? Remove your gems! Metal and stones can easily get knocked and scratched when you’re doing strenusous activities, especially lifting weights, or even lighter chores like gardening. Make sure you remove your precious pieces to protect them where possible.
Taking a few minutes each month to care for your jewellery can make all the difference in preserving its beauty and longevity. Regular cleaning, mindful habits, and occasional professional care will ensure that your cherished pieces continue to shine just as brightly as the day you got them. So take a moment to show your jewellery some love—it’s the little effort that keeps these treasures looking timeless!
Judy wears the Arc ring by Ema Inigo-Jones