Caring For Fine Jewellery: A Crib Sheet For Retail Staff

The Universal Rules

Everyday substances such as hairspray, lotion and perfume contain chemicals that permanently damage the surface of pearls and other delicate gems. Jewellery goes on last and comes off first. Most coloured gems clean safely with warm water, mild dish soap without detergent and a soft brush.

Ultrasonic Cleaners: The Short List Of What Must Never Go In

Organic materials such as pearl, coral, ivory and amber. Anything coated with a non-permanent substance like plastic or wax. Heat-treated gemstones. Oiled emerald, because the tank drives the oil out. Jade. If in doubt, do not, because there is no recovering the stone afterwards.

Light And Heat Affect Colour

Both can affect a coloured gemstone's durability and colour. Store coloured stones dark rather than in a sunlit display, and keep them out of prolonged heat.

Storage Is A Hardness Problem

Diamond scratches everything else, including other diamonds. Store pieces separately or in soft compartments. Pearls and jade scratch easily and should never share a box with faceted stones. Chains store flat or hanging so they do not knot, and heavy pendants store flat so the chain is not carrying the weight in the drawer.

Annual Checks That Prevent Losses

Prong tips on a daily-worn solitaire. The safety catch on a tennis bracelet. The bail on a heavy pendant, which carries the entire load at one point. The seam on a spinner ring, which should be rinsed rather than picked at. Five minutes at the counter prevents most of the claims.