CARING FOR YOUR JEWELLERY

At Macintyres, we pride ourselves on producing elegant but sturdy designs that can stand the tests of time. But by its very nature, jewellery is delicate and requires good care and maintenance if it is to last. Here are a few hints and tips on how to keep your jewels sparkling.

• Polish all gold, platinum and silver jewellery, and even larger precious stones and diamonds, with a soft cloth or a special polishing cloth designed for the purpose.
• For a more thorough cleaning, wash your jewellery once a month in warm, soapy water and gently scrub it with a soft bristle brush. Take care not catch any claws in the bristles. Rinse under running water, dry and polish with a soft cloth. Alternatively, invest in an ultrasonic cleaner such as the Blitz jewellery cleaner. Please note: this technique is not recommended for emeralds or opals or any organic jewellery such as pearls and amber.
• Pearls should be gently wiped with a damp cloth or cotton pad to remove everyday residues which may cause premature ageing. To preserve their lustre, always store pearls and opals carefully to avoid contact with harder materials such as gold and precious stone jewellery which will scratch them. Pearl necklaces should be re-strung every two to five years depending on wear.
• Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, hence the saying "diamonds are forever", and will not wear due to their remarkable resistance to abrasion. However, diamonds can chip and even crack along "cleavage planes" if knocked against a hard surface. Other gemstones such as sapphires and rubies are also very resistant to abrasion but emeralds, tanzanites and opals, although still quite hard, have less resistance to wear and tear so care should be taken at all times.
• Always put your jewellery on last, after any cosmetics, perfume and hairspray, in order to avoid residues building up that may dull the lustre of gemstones and tarnish precious metals. Take your jewellery off first to avoid catching and pulling chains and earrings when removing garments.
• When removing rings, grip the shank only (the part that goes round your finger). Do not press down and put pressure on diamonds and gemstones in their settings, particularly claw set solitaires. This will loosen the stones in their settings and cause eventual loss.
• Simple daily activities can damage your jewellery. Always remove your jewellery before any household chores or sports, including gym visits. If you do accidentally damage your jewellery, however slightly, please let a competent jeweller examine it for bent claws, loose catches or damaged links etc.
• Inspect your jewellery on a regular basis and do not wear it if any clasps, stones or earring backs are loose or claws and settings worn or damaged until the problem is rectified.
• All jewellery should be serviced on a regular basis. Macintyres are happy to inspect your jewellery at any time and will recommend any maintenance tasks, such as claw re-tipping or re-plating if required. With proper care, your jewellery will give you a lifetime of wearing pleasure.