Jewellery Care Guide
A diamond is the hardest natural material there is, but the 18K gold that holds it is softer, and both collect the oils, soap and lotion of everyday life. A few minutes of care keeps a piece as bright as the day it arrived.
Everyday wear
- Take rings off for the gym, heavy lifting, gardening and housework. A hard knock can bend a prong or chip a diamond: diamonds are hard, not unbreakable.
- Put jewellery on after perfume, lotion and hair spray, not before.
- Take it off before swimming. Chlorine in pools and hot tubs can weaken gold alloys over time.
Cleaning at home
Soak the piece for 15 to 20 minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, especially behind and beneath the stone, where most of the film builds up. Rinse in clean warm water with the sink plugged, then dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid bleach, chlorine, acetone and anything abrasive, including toothpaste and scouring powders. They can dull or scratch the gold.
Ultrasonic cleaners suit most solidly set diamonds, but avoid them for pavé and micro-pavé pieces and for jewellery with other gemstones such as tanzanite or tourmaline, because the vibration can loosen small stones. If you are unsure, use the soak-and-brush method.
Lab-grown and natural diamonds
Care is exactly the same. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, with the same hardness and the same chemistry as a natural one, so everything on this page applies to both.
Storing your jewellery
Keep each piece on its own, in a soft pouch or a lined box with separate compartments. A diamond can scratch other diamonds and gold, and chains tangle when they are stored together. Avoid leaving rings beside a sink or on a bedside table, where they are easily knocked or lost.
Checking the setting
Every few months, look closely at the prongs and gently tap the stone while holding the piece near your ear. If the stone moves or rattles, a prong looks lifted, or the ring snags on fabric, stop wearing it until a jeweller has checked it. A loose prong takes minutes to tighten; a lost stone cannot be undone. A professional check and clean about once a year is a good habit.
White gold
White gold jewellery is commonly finished with a rhodium plating that gives it its bright white colour. Over time the plating wears and a warmer tone can show through. That is normal, and re-plating restores the finish.
Questions about your piece
If something does not look right with a piece you bought from us, contact us with a photo and your order number, and our team will advise you.
