CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Jewellery Care
Each piece of Laconic jewellery is handcrafted with careful consideration.
Learn how to keep your jewels sparkling.
Silver
Silver is a soft metal and scratches easily. Items that will wear quicker, such as rings, may need a more professional clean to remove deeper scratches.
Silver naturally tarnishes, we recommend using a professional soft polishing cloth to buff your jewellery regularly. There are jewellery cleaning solutions which offer a mild cleaning solution for more intricately tarnished items, such as chains.
For more heavily tarnished items, a professional clean may be required.
Gold & Platinum
Gold and platinum jewellery can be cleaned using our recommended method below. Do take care around any stone settings and if you're unsure of the stone or security, take it to a professional for inspection. You can also buff these with a polishing cloth to brighten and add shine to pieces that look dull.
For white gold items, these are rhodium plated. You'll notice this plating wearing more quickly at the back of rings, revealing a slight yellow colour. It's recommended you get these professionally polished and plated yearly.
Gemstones
Some gemstones will need more specialist care than others. Always consult a professional if you're unsure.
Most gemstones we work with are the harder varieties and are chosen for durability. These are not indestructible and can be chipped if hit with force at a particular angle.
Take care not to knock your gemstone piece, including the mount the stone is set into, as this can be bent out of shape and compromise the stone.
Most gems can be cleaned using lukewarm soapy water and a soft toothbrush.
Cleaning your jewellery
Step by step
Over time, grime can build up around your jewellery, especially around settings or underneath rings. To clean them at home, here's our recommended method:
1. Ensure any plugs/drains are covered if working in or near a sink. This will prevent any potential loss of fine jewellery.
2. Soak your jewellery in a dish of lukewarm water for around 20-30 minutes with a dash of soapy washing up liquid.
3. Use a soft toothbrush (a baby toothbrush is ideal) and keep this specifically for cleaning your jewellery. Gently scrub your piece of jewellery, taking care around the settings. Repeat as necessary.
4. Rinse your piece of jewellery and dry with a soft cloth. Brighten using your jewellery polishing cloth.
If there's a lot of grime built up and this method doesn't work, it's recommended you take your jewellery to a professional who'll be able to clean them more thoroughly.
Stay clear of other household cleaners, abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals which can cause severe damage or discolouration to your jewellery or gemstones.
Wearing your jewellery
When to take it off
1. In water.
You should never wear your jewellery when swimming, in the ocean or at the pool and when showering or washing hands.
In the ocean - it's a much colder temperature which can cause your hand to shrink, and increase the chance of losing rings.
In the pool - the chlorine in the pool can tarnish and dull your jewellery.
When showering - there's an increased chance of losing jewellery down the drain should it slip off. Shower lotions can also cause grime build up. It's advised you remove rings when washing your hands to prevent soap build up.
2. During Physical Activity
We advise against wearing your ring whilst doing physical activity. This includes at the gym, gardening and other jobs which include manual lifting. The pressure applied to metals can risk damaging and misshaping them.
3. Whilst Cleaning
Household cleaning can be a rigorous activity and could lead to knocking rings against surfaces that may chip stones or damage the metal.
Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals which can effect the metal and gemstones within your jewellery. Keep rings in a safe place until you've finished.
4. Beauty Regime
Many beauty products contain ingredients which can cause jewellery to look dull and increase the build up of grime. This includes hairsprays, perfumes and lotions. Save the best til last and put your jewellery on once you've finished getting ready to maintain it's shine.
TOP TIP
Regular Care
We advise getting your jewellery inspected by a professional at least every 6 months. Especially so if it contains gemstones.
Over time, there will be wear and tear to your jewellery item. Rings take a bit more knocks and are ore prone to requiring repairs to settings, claws and shanks.
If you'd like to contact us regarding inspecting or cleaning your jewellery professionally then get in touch via email hello@laconicfinejewellery.co.uk
