Your jewellery is made to be worn and loved — to become part of your story. Over time, it’s natural for your pieces to show signs of wear. Gold is a beautiful and durable metal, but it’s also relatively soft, which means its finish will change subtly with daily life. With a little mindful care, you can keep your gold and gemstone jewellery looking radiant for years to come.
Caring for Gold Jewellery
Gold is low on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning it can scratch easily — even from everyday items like drinking glasses, ceramic mugs, doorknobs, or cutlery. These small marks are part of normal wear and tear, but there are simple ways to minimize them.
Remove your rings when working with anything abrasive, such as sandpaper or cleaning products, since the grit can easily scratch gold. Take off your jewellery when gardening, as dirt and small rocks can be surprisingly harsh on metal and gemstones. It’s also best to avoid wearing rings to the gym — gripping weights or bars can bend delicate settings and distort the shape of your ring over time.
To clean your gold jewellery, soak it in warm water with a few drops of mild soap, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, especially for pieces with soft gemstones, as they can damage delicate materials. Use a jewellery polishing cloth to give your gold a buff and restore its lustre.
Caring for Diamond Jewellery
Diamonds are among the hardest natural materials, but that doesn’t make them indestructible. They can chip if struck at the right angle, and their settings can loosen over time with regular wear. The most common reason diamonds appear dull is not damage — it’s buildup. Everyday substances like soap, lotion, and skin oils collect under and around your stones, dulling their sparkle.
A simple cleaning routine will restore their brilliance. Soak your diamond jewellery in warm, soapy water and use a soft toothbrush to clean underneath and around the settings. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
It’s also a good idea to have your diamond jewellery professionally inspected once in a while — ideally twelve months. Settings can loosen gradually, and regular inspections can catch a slightly loose gem before it falls out.
Caring for Sapphire Jewellery
Sapphires are durable gems, perfect for everyday wear, but they still require a little care. Like diamonds, their sparkle can fade under a film of dirt, lotion, or soap residue. A gentle soak in warm soapy water and a soft brush will restore their shine.
Sapphires can scratch other jewellery, and they can also be scratched by harder materials like diamonds — so it’s best to store each piece separately (I.E. Don't throw all of your jewellery in a drawer together). As with all gemstone jewellery, regular inspections ensure your sapphires remain secure in their settings.
A Final Note
Jewellery is meant to be loved and lived in, not hidden away. Each small scratch or mark becomes part of its unique character and story. But with a little care — removing your pieces during heavier work, cleaning them gently, and getting them checked occasionally — you can help your jewellery age gracefully and stay beautiful for years to come!
If you have any questions about caring for your Jewelust jewellery, send us an email and we'd be happy to help!