Cleaning

Jewellery is susceptible to becoming soiled, smudged and dusty make-up, powders, soaps and oils from the skin combine to create a film on the surface of your jewellery that obscure its brilliance and shine.

We recommend the following procedure to clean your jewellery at home:

1. Make a solution of 10% household grade ammonia, 20% dishwashing detergent and 70% warm water.
2. Place your jewellery in the solution and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Follow this by using a toothbrush or small artists paint brush to scrub up and under the setting and hard to get to places.
3. Dip the brush into the solution during this procedure. Rinse the jewellery under a warm tap and pat dry with tissues.

Note: This procedure should not be used for emeralds, pearls, opals or any other soft or porous stone.

Ultimately, the best way to take care of your precious jewellery is to allow Paul Carruthers Manufacturing Jewellers to assess and clean it for you every six-twelve months.

For polishing we use a high speed buff. This is followed by placing the jewellery in an ultrasonic cleaner, a metal bath filled with water, ammonia and detergent which, when switched on creates a high frequency turbulence that removes the dirt and polishing compound from hard to get at places in your setting.

Cleaning Pearls

Occasionally clean the pearls gently with a cloth dipped in mild soapy water. Then rinse the cloth with fresh water and wipe the pearls clean.

Dry them with a soft cloth. Before putting pieces away after wearing them, wipe the pearl jewellery softly with a clean cloth. For storage, keep pearl jewellery wrapped in a soft cloth to protect it from abrasive objects.

Strand will need restringing from time to time depending on how often they are worn. Consult Paul Carruthers Manufacturing Jewellers every 12 months on restringing.

Caring for your jewellery

Time leaves its mark on everything including your jewellery.

The following is intended to help you take care of your jewellery so that it stays looking the way it did when you acquired it.

• Diamonds are not indestructible. Although diamonds are the hardest known natural stone, it is possible to damage them. If a stone receives a knock on the correct angle from a hard object, they will chip.
• Don’t wear jewellery if you are doing rough work such as gardening, washing dishes or anything where it is possible that you may knock your stones.
• Wait until after applying make-up and perfume and hairspray to put on your jewellery.
• Don’t mix your jewellery in a drawer or case when not wearing them. Pack them individually so as not to allow one item to damage another.

If you’d like to know any more information about cleaning your jewellery, or would like to arrange for Paul Carruthers Manufacturing Jewellers to clean your jewellery for you, please contact us.