Fine jewelry is more than an accessory—it's an investment in beauty and craftsmanship that can last for generations. However, even the most exquisitely crafted pieces require proper care to maintain their brilliance and structural integrity. As master jewelers at Svolasbalo, we've compiled our essential guidance for keeping your precious items in pristine condition.
Understanding Your Jewelry's Needs
Different materials and gemstones require different care approaches. Before applying any cleaning or maintenance routine, it's important to understand what your jewelry is made of and how its components might respond to various treatments.
Precious Metals
Gold: Pure gold (24K) is resistant to tarnish but soft and easily scratched. Most gold jewelry is alloyed with other metals for durability (18K, 14K, etc.), which may affect its care needs. Yellow gold is generally the most maintenance-free, while white gold (which is often rhodium-plated) may need periodic replating to maintain its bright appearance.
Platinum: Extremely durable but can develop a patina over time. Some prefer this subtle matte finish, while others prefer to maintain platinum's original shine through professional polishing.
Silver: Sterling silver will tarnish when exposed to air and sulfur compounds. Regular wearing actually helps minimize tarnishing, as does proper storage and occasional cleaning.
Gemstones
Gemstones vary dramatically in their hardness and vulnerability to damage:
Diamonds: While extremely hard (10 on the Mohs scale), diamonds can still chip if struck at the right angle. They attract oils and require regular cleaning to maintain their brilliance.
Sapphires and Rubies: Very durable (9 on the Mohs scale) and suitable for everyday wear with reasonable care.
Emeralds: Despite their value, emeralds are relatively fragile (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale) and often treated with oils or resins to enhance their appearance. They require gentle care and should be protected from harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
Pearls: Organic gems that are quite soft (2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale) and vulnerable to acids, alkaline solutions, and chemicals. Pearls require specific care approaches that differ from mineral gemstones.
Daily Wear Considerations
How you wear your jewelry significantly impacts its longevity. Consider these practical tips for everyday use:
When to Remove Your Jewelry
As a general rule, your jewelry should be the last thing you put on when dressing and the first thing you remove when undressing. Specifically, remove your fine jewelry before:
- Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean (chlorine and salt water can damage metals and some gemstones)
- Bathing or showering (soaps can dull the finish of gems and metals)
- Applying lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics (these can leave residues that attract dirt)
- Household cleaning (chemicals can damage or discolor many materials)
- Gardening or outdoor work (abrasive dirt and impacts can scratch or damage pieces)
- Exercise or sports activities (impact and sweat can cause damage)
- Sleeping (prongs can catch on bedding, causing stones to loosen)
Proper Handling
Always handle your jewelry by its edges, not by gemstones which can collect oils from your fingers. For necklaces and bracelets, fastening clasps before storage prevents tangling and potential damage during retrieval.
When removing rings, pull from the band rather than any stone settings. This prevents unnecessary stress on prongs or other mounting elements that secure your gemstones.
"Most jewelry damage occurs during everyday activities, not special occasions. It's the accumulated effect of small impacts, chemical exposures, and improper handling that typically compromises a piece's beauty and integrity."
— Thomas Blackwood, Master Goldsmith
Proper Storage Techniques
How you store your jewelry when not wearing it greatly affects its condition over time.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade certain gemstones. Humidity control is particularly important for pieces with pearls or opals, which can crack if they become too dry.
Separation is Key
Different pieces should be stored separately to prevent scratching. Harder gemstones like diamonds can easily scratch softer ones or metal surfaces. Consider these options:
- Individual soft pouches for each piece
- Jewelry boxes with separate, fabric-lined compartments
- Anti-tarnish cloths or strips in storage areas for silver pieces
- Pendant hooks for necklaces to prevent tangling
Special Considerations for Pearls
Pearls should be stored flat rather than hanging, as the silk thread can stretch over time. They also benefit from some ambient humidity and should never be stored in airtight containers, which can cause the nacre to dry out and crack.
Cleaning Your Jewelry at Home
Regular, gentle cleaning helps maintain your jewelry's beauty between professional services.
Basic Cleaning for Most Pieces
For gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies:
- Prepare a solution of warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the piece for about 10-20 minutes.
- Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to areas around stone settings where dirt accumulates.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water (place a strainer in the sink to prevent accidental loss).
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, then allow to air dry completely before storing.
Specific Care for Different Materials
Silver: Use a specially formulated silver polish cloth for regular maintenance. For heavier tarnish, a reputable silver dip can be effective, but follow instructions carefully and rinse thoroughly.
Pearls: After each wearing, wipe pearls with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove oils and perspiration. Never immerse pearl strands in water (the string can stretch and weaken) and never use any commercial jewelry cleaners, which can damage their nacre.
Emeralds, Opals, and Turquoise: These porous gemstones should never be soaked. Clean only with a slightly damp, soft cloth and mild soap if necessary, then dry immediately.
What to Avoid
Never use these on your fine jewelry:
- Ultrasonic cleaners (unless you're certain all components of your jewelry can withstand them)
- Bleach, chlorine, or other harsh chemicals
- Abrasive cleaners or toothpaste
- Hot water (which can loosen glue in some settings or damage certain gems)
- Steam cleaners (unsuitable for many gemstones)
Professional Maintenance
While home care is essential, periodic professional attention ensures your jewelry remains in optimal condition.
Regular Check-ups
We recommend having your fine jewelry professionally inspected at least once a year—more frequently for pieces worn daily. A professional can:
- Check and tighten stone settings
- Inspect for worn prongs or other mounting issues
- Examine links and clasps for signs of weakness
- Detect early signs of damage before they lead to stone loss or structural failure
Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaning reaches areas difficult to access at home and restores your jewelry's original brilliance. Most jewelers offer:
- Ultrasonic cleaning (for appropriate pieces)
- Steam cleaning
- Professional polishing to remove minor scratches
- Rhodium replating for white gold when needed
Restringing and Clasp Replacement
Pearl necklaces and bracelets should be restrung every 1-2 years if worn regularly, as the silk thread weakens over time. Similarly, clasps and catches on all jewelry should be checked periodically and replaced if showing signs of wear.
Insurance and Documentation
Properly insuring your valuable jewelry provides peace of mind and protection against loss, theft, or damage.
Appraisals
Have valuable pieces appraised by a certified gemologist or appraiser, and update these appraisals every 3-5 years to reflect current market values. Keep digital and physical copies of these documents in secure locations.
Photography
Take clear photographs of your significant pieces from multiple angles. These images are invaluable for insurance claims and can help with recreation if a piece is ever lost or stolen.
Insurance Options
Consider specialized jewelry insurance or riders to your homeowner's or renter's policy that specifically cover jewelry. Standard policies often have significant limitations on jewelry coverage.
Caring for Specific Svolasbalo Collections
Each of our collections has specific care recommendations based on their materials and construction:
Celestial Collection
Many pieces in this collection feature delicate filigree work that can catch on fabrics. Store these pieces separately and be mindful when wearing with loosely woven clothing. The texture in these designs may collect lotions or soaps, so regular gentle cleaning is recommended.
Heritage Collection
These pieces often incorporate traditional granulation techniques and mixed metals. Clean with particular attention to textured areas where dirt can accumulate. For pieces with oxidized details (intentional darkening for contrast), avoid polishing cloths that might remove this artistic patina.
Minimalist Collection
While these designs appear simple, their clean lines mean that scratches or dents can be more noticeable. Take extra care to avoid impacts and regular professional polishing will help maintain their refined appearance.
Revitalizing Heirloom Pieces
Many clients come to us with inherited jewelry that holds sentimental value but shows signs of age or damage. Our atelier offers specialized services for these treasured pieces:
- Restoration of worn settings and mechanisms
- Careful cleaning of antique pieces with appropriate techniques
- Redesign options that incorporate elements of original pieces into new settings
- Consultation on whether to restore or preserve the patina of age, depending on the piece's historical significance
A Lifetime Commitment
At Svolasbalo, we view the creation of each piece as the beginning of a relationship rather than the end of a transaction. We're committed to helping you maintain your jewelry throughout your lifetime and beyond, as pieces become treasured family heirlooms.
All of our pieces come with complimentary cleaning and inspection during the first year, and we offer ongoing maintenance programs for our clients. We invite you to bring your Svolasbalo jewelry to our London workshop annually, where our team can ensure it receives the expert care it deserves.
Remember that fine jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. With proper care, your precious pieces will continue to bring joy and beauty to your life for generations to come.
