Jewellery Care
Jewellery is meant to be enjoyed, but like anything you wear and handle regularly, its appearance can change over time depending on how it’s worn, stored and cleaned. Exposure to moisture, cosmetics, cleaning products, friction and general wear can gradually affect shine, colour and finish. But with the right care, you can help maintain the look and feel of your jewellery for longer.
A few simple habits make a noticeable difference:
• Apply perfumes, lotions and hair products before putting jewellery on
• Remove jewellery before sleeping, swimming or exercising
• Keep pieces clean and dry
• Store items separately to reduce scratching and tangling
• Use jewellery-specific cleaning products rather than household solutions
To make looking after your favourite pieces even easier, we’ve included detailed care advice for each jewellery type below:
DIAMONDS
Diamonds are known for their durability, and thoughtful care helps preserve their brilliance.
Wearing tips:
• Remove gemstone jewellery before gardening, swimming, gym sessions or cleaning.
• Apply lotions, sunscreen and perfumes before putting on gemstone jewellery.
• Avoid knocking against hard surfaces.
Cleaning tips:
Oils and everyday residue can build up beneath the stone and around the setting, reducing sparkle.
To clean at home:
1. Soak briefly in warm water with a small amount of mild soap.
2. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush, focusing under the setting.
3. Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water.
4. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
For a deeper clean, Connoisseurs Liquid Jewellery Cleaner can be used. The included dip tray and brush help reach detailed areas, while the formula helps lift residue to maintain shine. Lab grown diamonds can be cleaned in the same way as natural diamonds.
Storage tips:
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling.
• Use a lined jewellery box or soft pouch for extra protection.
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
GEMSTONES
Most gemstones can be cared for using the same gentle routine, with extra caution for softer or porous stones such as opals, pearls and turquoise.
Wearing tips:
• Remove gemstone jewellery before gardening, swimming, gym sessions or cleaning.
• Apply lotions, sunscreen and perfumes before putting on gemstone jewellery.
• Avoid knocking against hard surfaces.
Cleaning tips:
Oils and everyday residue can build up beneath the stone and around the setting, reducing sparkle.
Most gemstones can be cleaned at home with:
1. Warm water and a small amount of mild soap.
2. A soft cloth/ brush.
3. A lint-free cloth to dry.
Please avoid soaking porous stones such as opals, pearls and turquoise.
For a deeper clean, Connoisseurs Liquid Jewellery Cleaner can be used. The included dip tray and brush help reach detailed areas, while the formula helps lift residue to maintain shine. When cleaning delicate stones, apply the solution to a brush rather than submerging the piece.
Storage tips:
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling.
• Use a lined jewellery box or soft pouch for extra protection.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
GOLD & PLATINUM
Gold and platinum are durable precious metals that benefit from regular care.
Shiels offers gold jewellery in a range of carats (ct), which refers to how much pure gold is in the metal, but the same cleaning methods can be used for all types.
Platinum may develop a soft patina over time; this is a natural characteristic and can be professionally polished if preferred.
Wearing tips:
• Remove jewellery before gardening, swimming, gym sessions or cleaning.
• Apply lotions, sunscreen and perfumes before putting jewellery on.
• Avoid wearing chains or bracelets while sleeping to reduce stress on clasps.
Cleaning tips:
• Soak briefly in warm, soapy water.
• Use a soft brush for detailed areas.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.
For regular maintenance and a deeper clean, Connoisseurs Liquid Jewellery Cleaner can be used. The included dip tray and brush help reach detailed areas, while the formula helps lift residue to maintain shine.
Storage tips:
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling.
• Use a lined jewellery box for extra protection.
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
GOLD-FILLED
Gold-filled jewellery features a bonded layer of gold over a base metal, offering greater durability than plated pieces.
Wearing tips:
• Suitable for regular wear with mindful care.
• Remove jewellery before gardening, swimming, gym sessions or cleaning.
• Apply lotions, sunscreen and perfumes before putting jewellery on.
Cleaning tips:
• Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wear.
• Clean occasionally with warm water and mild soap.
• Dry thoroughly before storing.
• Avoid abrasive cloths and excessive polishing.
For regular maintenance and a deeper clean, Connoisseurs Liquid Jewellery Cleaner can be used. The included dip tray and brush help reach detailed areas, while the formula helps lift residue to maintain shine.
Storage tips:
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling.
• Use a lined jewellery box for extra protection.
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
GOLD-PLATED
Gold-plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold over a base metal and benefits from gentle handling.
Wearing tips:
• Best suited for occasional wear.
• Remove jewellery before gardening, swimming, gym sessions or cleaning.
• Apply lotions, sunscreen and perfumes before putting jewellery on.
Cleaning tips:
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wear.
• Avoid soaking in water.
• Do not use abrasive polishing cloths.
For regular maintenance and a deeper clean, Connoisseurs Liquid Jewellery Cleaner can be used. Apply the solution to the included brush rather than submerging the piece.
Overtime, the surface layer may gradually soften. Professional re-plating can refresh the finish.
Storage tips:
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling.
• Use a lined jewellery box for extra protection.
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
SILVER
Sterling silver has a bright, reflective finish and is naturally soft.
Wearing tips:
• Avoid tugging or catching chains on clothing.
• Remove necklaces and bracelets before sleeping.
• Keep away from moisture where possible.
Cleaning tips:
Silver can naturally lose some of its brightness over time due to exposure to air and moisture. To maintain shine:
• Use a silver polishing cloth.
• Clean gently and regularly.
• Dry thoroughly after any exposure to water.
• Avoid abrasive materials that may scratch the surface.
Storage tips:
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching and tangling.
• Use a lined jewellery box for extra protection.
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
LEATHER
Leather straps and accessories stay soft and comfortable with simple care.
Wearing tips:
• Best suited for occasional wear.
• Remove before swimming and showering.
• Apply lotions, sunscreen and perfumes before putting leather on.
Cleaning tips:
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
• Allow wet leather to dry naturally.
• Do not use heat to dry.
Storage tips:
• Store in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid tightly bending straps.
