Various women's gold rings: gemstone, Bridal and pearls

The New Year is here and lots of us will be walking around with that extra sparkle, thanks to the generosity of our loved ones over Christmas! If you were the recipient of dazzling jewels, then read on as you’ll need to know how to properly take care of your jewellery so it remains sparkling for years to come.

Keep out of direct sunlight

Gemstones can be damaged by excessive exposure to light and heat. Their colour can fade over time, and precious stones such as pearls can become discoloured.

Be careful about leaving precious jewellery in cars or directly in a window, as excessive heat can in fact crack some gemstones, as well as discolouring them.

Store properly

If you don’t carefully store your jewellery, it can become damaged quite easily. Pollution, dust and daily wear and tear will all affect the lifespan of your cherished gifts. Gemstones can become clouded and precious metals will dull if not appropriately stored out of harm’s way.

Choose jewellery boxes that are lined with fabric to avoid scratching, and never leave precious items loose in a drawer or scattered on a dressing table.

If you’ve received a pretty spectacular piece of jewellery, you may only wish to wear it on special occasions. If this is the case, make sure you keep it locked away in a safe to ensure it doesn’t get misplaced or stolen. Burglary is rife in the New Year when households are filled with new gadgets and expensive jewellery – don’t fall victim to this by leaving your precious items on display!

Avoid chemicals

Be extra careful with lotions and perfumes – never spray perfume or apply lotion directly onto jewellery (it often happens by accident!). It’s always best to apply these before putting on your jewellery. Even better, make sure the lotion or perfume has dried before finishing your look off with an added sparkle.

Always remove jewellery before swimming or relaxing in a hot tub – the chlorine will almost certainly damage your precious jewellery!

Special treatment

Some coloured gemstones may have been treated prior to purchase. Check the GIA report before purchasing from the jeweller as it will contain information on what treatment your specific gemstone has undergone, and the best way to avoid counteracting the treatment with damaging heat, chemicals or light sources. The report gives a full, objective evaluation of diamonds, grading them on their cut, polish, proportions and more.

Often the best way to clean and maintain your gemstones is to use warm water and an everyday, mild soap. Use a soft brush or cloth and gently clean the gems or stones. Make sure you rinse well to avoid leaving a residue – but leave the plug in to avoid washing away your jewellery!

If in doubt, simply ask the retailer for advice – they are the experts and will have specialist guidance on how best to take care of your particular gemstone.

Happy New Year!

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