How to care for and clean your jewellery
To keep your jewellery looking fresh please keep it in the box and tissue it arrived in or alternatively store it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent tarnish forming.
I have outlined my favourite cleaning techniques to care for your jewellery below. Although these methods use standard household products, please take care to use them in a safe manner and at your own risk. I would recommend a well ventilated room and wear personal protective equipment as is appropriate with the various techniques.
WARNING: DO NOT USE BOILING WATER OR THE BICARBONATE OF SODA TECHNIQUE ON JEWELLERY CONTAINING STONES OR PEARLS, GOLD VERMEIL/GOLD-PLATED JEWELLERY OR JEWELLERY WITH AN OXIDISED (BLACK) FINISH
Polished shiny jewellery
Gently rub using a silver polishing cloth or use the Bicarbonate of Soda method described below.
Polished shiny or satin matt jewellery
Bicarbonate of Soda
Using kitchen foil, line a shallow container - one that will withstand boiling water from your kettle.
Place the jewellery in and sprinkle over bicarbonate of soda - pour on boiling water and leave until you see tarnish lift - you can usually see it on the foil instead of your jewellery!
Wash in warm water with washing up liquid and rinse well in clean warm water before gently dabbing using kitchen towel.
Satin matt surfaces only Those containing stones or pearls or if the tarnish is not removed successfully using Bicarbonate of Soda method
Use a little basic mild toothpaste on your finger and rub with gentle pressure or use a soft toothbrush for more stubborn tarnish (avoiding the stones or pearls). Rinse and then wash in warm soapy water (washing up liquid). Once again rinse well in warm water and thoroughly dry - dab gently with kitchen roll. Avoid using polishing cloths or pads on matt/satin surface as they will make the piece look ‘grubby’ and eventually shine up patches.
