Storing your jewels

It is important to keep your jewelry in individual boxes or cotton bags so that they don't get scratched. Thin chains often get tangled up, even when separated from other chains, therefore it is better to close necklaces and bracelets and keep them in their original box.

Sleeping with your jewels

Sometimes, jewelry is so comfortable that you forget to remove it before going to sleep. Short necklaces or secured mini hoops are usually safe, but earrings with a hook backing may drop and get lost in your bed, which can sometimes end up falling on the floor and finishing up in the vacuum cleaner. Since these little misfortunes are quite common, it is wiser to take a minute or two to remove your jewels before applying your night cream!

Jewels and cosmetics

Jewelry and beauty creams do not make a happy couple. You should avoid putting cream on your jewelry, as it often leaves marks and tends to accumulate between the stone and its setting. Over time, beauty creams will tarnish both the metal and gemstones. It is also important to remember that pearls, in particular, are very sensitive to perfume and cosmetics.

Putting on and removing jewelry

Be careful with your bathroom ceramics, which have a very hard surface. A piece of jewelry that falls onto your bathroom-tiled floor will normally be damaged, something which is especially true for gemstones. Also be careful with your bathroom sink, as it will swallow any smaller piece of jewelry that slips out of your hands in just a wink of an eye. I recommend you to put a towel over your bathroom sink when removing your jewelry - better safe than sorry!

In the shower

Generally speaking, fine jewlery doesn’t need to be taken off before showering. You should, nevertheless, avoid showering with oxidized jewelry (e.g. blackened silver) or patinated jewelry (e.g. ancient coins), since soap would alter their surface. Generally, jewelry does not like soap, as small residues often accumulate between the stones and their setting. They should, therefore, be rinsed carefully.

Cleaning your jewels

Cleaning stone, gold, or platinum is fairly quick and simple. Place your jewlery in a small bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild soap. Then leave it for a few minutes for traces and dust to disappear. You may also want to use an extra soft toothbrush, preferably used, for a more thorough cleaning. Finally, rinse with clean water and dry using a soft cloth.

Silver jewelry tends to oxidize, but oxidation can easily be removed with a good quality metal polish intended for silverware - a smelly but very efficient product! Apply the product using a soft dry cloth and then proceed in the same way as for gold jewlery.