Jewellery Care

Jewellery Care

A well-cared-for piece lasts years. Here's what matters, material by material.

Sterling silver

Silver tarnishes on contact with air and sulphur. That's normal, not a defect.

  • Polish with a dedicated silver cloth; it lifts tarnish without abrasion.
  • Store in a closed pouch, which slows tarnishing considerably.
  • Avoid bleach, chlorinated pool water and sulphur-rich hot springs.

Gold and gold-filled

  • Clean with lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush around settings.
  • Dry completely before storing.
  • Gold-filled has a thick bonded layer, but it still wears. Put the piece on last, after perfume and cream.

316L stainless steel

The most forgiving material we carry. It resists water and sweat, and doesn't rust.

  • Clean with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap.
  • Dry completely, especially between links.
  • A microfibre cloth is enough to lift fingerprints.

Plated pieces (gold, rose gold, black)

Plating is a thin layer — it's the first thing to wear.

  • Put the piece on last, after perfume, cream and deodorant.
  • Take it off before showering, swimming and training.
  • Clean dry with a soft cloth, no product.

Stones and pearls

  • Wipe with a slightly damp cloth, never a soaked one.
  • Avoid chemicals, essential oils and long soaks.
  • Porous stones such as turquoise, opal and lava absorb liquids and odours.
  • Pearls are the most delicate of all: wipe after each wear, and never use an ultrasonic cleaner.
  • Variations in tone and veining are normal — that's what separates a natural stone from an imitation.

Leather and cord

  • Take the piece off before showering, swimming and training.
  • If it gets wet, let it air-dry away from a radiator or direct sun.
  • A little leather balm every few months keeps it supple.
  • The patina that develops over time isn't a defect.

By piece

  • Rings — take them off for washing up, gardening and lifting. Most bent bands come from load, not wear.
  • Earrings — wipe the posts after each wear. Store backs separately so they don't scratch the fronts.
  • Necklaces — fasten the clasp before storing flat. A chain stored loose is a chain that knots.
  • Bracelets — the piece most exposed to knocks. Take it off before training.

Storage

Store each piece flat in its pouch, away from humidity and direct light. Pieces stored jumbled together scratch each other.

Avoid in every case

  • Sleeping in a piece with a clasp or links.
  • Gym training: the load distorts settings, mesh and cords.
  • Spas and hot tubs: heat and chemicals combined.
  • Ultrasonic cleaners on glued, set or pearl pieces.

A problem anyway?

Any manufacturing defect is covered for 12 months — see Returns & Exchanges. Not sure whether something counts? Write to us from the Contact page and we'll take a look.