Posted on July 18th, 2023

As a jewellery enthusiast, you know that your precious pieces deserve the utmost care and attention to maintain their beauty and longevity. At Lucy Lyu London we understand the importance of jewellery maintenance. In this blog post, we share essential tips and tricks to help you care for your jewellery collection and keep it looking exquisite for years to come.

Store Your Jewellery Properly

When you're not wearing your jewellery, it's crucial to store it in a safe and suitable manner. Keep your pieces separate from each other to prevent scratching or tangling. Utilize soft pouches, and individual compartments in a jewellery box, or even consider using anti-tarnish strips to maintain their shine and quality.

Handle with Care

When it comes to handling your precious jewellery, it's crucial to exercise caution and handle each piece with care. By adopting gentle practices, you can protect your jewellery from potential damage and preserve its beauty for years to come. Here are some important tips on how to handle your jewellery with care:

• Avoid Rough Handling: Treat your jewellery with a delicate touch. Avoid unnecessary pulling, twisting, or tugging that could potentially cause damage to the metal components, gemstones, or delicate chains. When taking off or putting on your jewellery, do so slowly and carefully to prevent accidental breakage or bending.
• Remove Jewellery During Activities: It's advisable to remove your jewellery before engaging in physical activities such as exercise, sports, or household chores. Physical activities can subject your jewellery to unnecessary stress or impact, increasing the risk of damage or loss. By taking off your jewellery during these activities, you minimize the chances of accidents and potential harm.
• Keep Jewellery Away from Water: While certain metals and gemstones are resistant to water, it's generally best to avoid exposing your jewellery to water whenever possible. Moisture can damage delicate settings, cause tarnishing, or loosen adhesives. Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, or engaging in water-related activities to preserve its integrity and minimize the risk of damage.
• Avoid Contact with Harsh Substances: Certain substances can be harmful to your jewellery, causing it to lose its luster or even become damaged. Avoid contact with chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, lotions, and cleaning agents. These substances can corrode or discolor metal components and negatively impact gemstones. It's advisable to apply beauty products and allow them to dry fully before adorning your jewellery.
• Store Jewellery Individually: Proper storage is essential for protecting your jewellery from scratches and tangles. Store each piece separately to prevent them from rubbing against each other and causing damage. Utilize soft pouches, jewellery boxes with individual compartments, or even consider using small zip-lock bags to keep your pieces organized and protected.
• Avoid Excessive Sunlight and Heat: Prolonged exposure to sunlight or excessive heat can cause gemstones to fade or lose their vibrant colors. It's advisable to store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations. This helps to maintain the quality and appearance of your gemstone jewellery over time.

Clean Your Jewellery Regularly

Regular cleaning is vital to remove dirt, oils, and other residues that can dull the sparkle of your jewellery. However, different materials require specific cleaning methods. Here are some general guidelines:

• For gold and silver jewellery, use a mild soap and warm water solution. Gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
• Gemstone jewellery, such as our exquisite natural stone pieces, should be cleaned with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage delicate gemstones.
• Pearls require extra care. Simply wipe them with a soft cloth after each use to remove any perspiration or cosmetic residues. Avoid submerging pearls in water or exposing them to chemicals.

Beware of Chemicals

When it comes to caring for your jewellery, it's important to be mindful of the chemicals you come into contact with. Certain substances can have a detrimental effect on the appearance, durability, and overall quality of your precious pieces. By being aware of potential chemical hazards, you can take proactive steps to protect and preserve your jewellery. Here are some key points to consider:

• Perfumes, Lotions, and Cosmetics: Fragrances, lotions, and cosmetics often contain chemicals that can react with the metals in your jewellery, leading to tarnishing, discoloration, or even irreversible damage. It's advisable to apply these products before adorning your jewellery, allowing them to fully dry or absorb into your skin before putting on your pieces. This prevents direct contact between the chemicals and your jewellery, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
• Household Cleaning Products: Harsh household cleaning products, such as bleach, ammonia, and abrasive solutions, can be extremely damaging to your jewellery. These chemicals can corrode metals, erode delicate settings, and dull the shine of gemstones. It's essential to remove your jewellery before engaging in cleaning activities or using any potentially corrosive substances. This simple precaution safeguards your pieces from chemical damage and preserves their longevity.
• Swimming Pools and Spas: Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools and spas to disinfect the water. However, chlorine can be harsh on jewellery, particularly metals like gold and silver. It can cause tarnishing, pitting, or weakening of metal alloys. It's advisable to remove your jewellery before entering chlorinated pools or hot tubs. If you forget to do so, be sure to rinse your jewellery thoroughly with clean water immediately afterward to minimize chemical exposure.
• Haircare and Styling Products: Hair sprays, gels, and styling products can contain chemicals that may negatively affect your jewellery. These products can leave residues on your jewellery, making them appear dull and less lustrous over time. To avoid this, it's best to put on your jewellery after styling your hair. If you inadvertently get hair products on your jewellery, gently clean them with a soft cloth or use a mild detergent to remove any residues.

Regular Professional Maintenance

While regular home care is essential, it's also wise to have your jewellery professionally checked and maintained. Visit a reputable jeweller, such as Lucy Lyu London, for routine inspections, cleaning, and any necessary repairs. Our expert team can ensure that your jewellery remains in pristine condition, providing peace of mind and preserving its value.

Protect and Cherish Your Jewellery

Caring for your jewellery is an investment in its longevity and beauty. By following these maintenance tips and tricks, you can keep your collection radiant and dazzling for generations to come. Remember to store your jewellery properly, handle it with care, clean it regularly using appropriate methods, avoid exposure to chemicals, and seek professional maintenance when needed.

At Lucy Lyu London, we are passionate about helping you maintain the brilliance of your jewellery. For any further assistance or to explore our exquisite collection of gemstone jewellery sets and handmade natural stone jewellery, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and ensure your jewellery receives the care it deserves.