Gold, platinum, and diamond jewellery are more than just beautiful accessories-they’re investments, often carrying deep sentimental value. Whether it’s a cherished heirloom, a treasured gift, or your everyday favourite, proper care is essential to maintain their brilliance and longevity. At Brinkhaus Jewellers in Claremont, Perth, we believe that fine jewellery deserves the utmost care. Here are expert tips to keep your gold, platinum, and coloured stone pieces sparkling for years to come.
1. Regular Cleaning to Maintain Brilliance
Gold, platinum, and diamond jewellery can accumulate dirt, oils, and residue from daily wear, dulling their natural shine. To keep them looking pristine:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak your jewellery for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage metal settings and certain gemstones.
- For an extra level of care, bring your jewellery to Brinkhaus Jewellers, where we offer complimentary jewellery cleaning in-store to help restore its original radiance.
2. Special Care for Platinum Jewellery
Platinum is a durable and dense metal that resists tarnishing, but it still requires care to maintain its luxurious sheen:
- Clean with a mild soap solution and a soft brush to remove everyday grime.
- Store platinum pieces separately to avoid scratches, as platinum can develop a patina over time.
If your platinum jewellery develops a dull finish, visit us for a professional polish to restore its bright appearance.
3. Caring for Coloured Stone Jewellery
Coloured gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, require extra care as some stones are more delicate than others:
- Use a gentle approach - Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for softer stones like opals and turquoise.
- Protect from harsh chemicals – Household cleaners, perfumes, and even some lotions can dull or damage gemstones.
- Store separately – Harder stones like diamonds and sapphires can scratch softer gems if stored together.
- Keep out of extreme temperatures – Some coloured stones can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, which may cause cracks or fractures.
4. Pearl Jewellery
Pearl jewellery is delicate and requires unique care compared to gold, platinum, and gemstones. To ensure your pearls remain luminous and beautiful, please view our dedicated post on Caring for Pearl Jewellery.
5. Store Your Jewellery Properly
Proper storage prevents scratches, tangles, and damage. Consider these tips:
- Keep each piece in a separate compartment of a jewellery box or a soft pouch.
- Store gold and platinum jewellery in a dry place to prevent tarnishing.
- Use anti-tarnish strips in storage areas for extra protection.
- Avoid piling multiple pieces together to prevent scratches, especially with delicate settings.
6. Avoid Wearing Jewellery During Certain Activities
To prevent unnecessary damage, remove your jewellery before:
- Exercising or engaging in high-impact activities.
- Swimming in chlorinated pools and spas or the ocean (chemicals and saltwater can erode metals and some gemstones over time).
- Cleaning with household chemicals, as they can affect both metal and gemstones.
- Applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products that may leave residue on your jewellery.
7. Professional Inspections and Maintenance
Even with proper care, jewellery benefits from regular professional inspections. At Brinkhaus Jewellers, we recommend:
- Checking for loose settings, worn prongs, or any signs of damage at least once a year.
- Having your jewellery professionally cleaned and polished to restore its brilliance.
- Taking advantage of our complimentary in-store jewellery cleaning service, where our experts will gently restore your jewellery’s sparkle, ensuring it remains as beautiful as the day you got it.
- Getting a professional appraisal for insurance purposes if the piece is valuable or sentimental.
8. Safe and Gentle Polishing
Gold and platinum jewellery can develop fine scratches over time. While professional polishing is best for deep scratches, you can maintain its lustre by:
- Using a soft, non-abrasive jewellery cloth to gently buff the surface.
- Avoiding excessive polishing, as it can wear down the metal over time.
9. Be Mindful of Everyday Wear
While gold, platinum, and diamonds are durable, they are not indestructible. To prolong the life of your pieces:
- Remove rings when doing manual work to prevent scratches and bending.
- Be cautious with diamond and coloured stone settings; although diamonds are strong, they can chip if struck at the wrong angle.
- Take off jewellery before sleeping to avoid unintentional stress on delicate pieces.
Gold, platinum, and diamond jewellery are meant to be enjoyed, but proper care ensures their beauty lasts a lifetime. Whether you need a professional inspection, r simply want to refresh your jewellery’s brilliance with our complimentary cleaning service, Brinkhaus Jewellers in Claremont, Perth, is here to help. Visit us in-store or explore our collection online to find your next timeless treasure.
Jewellery is more than an accessory—it’s a reflection of cherished memories. Take care of it, and it will continue to shine for generations.