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Aftercare Guide 

For your Bespoke Piece…

Aftercare Guide

 For your Bespoke Piece…

At Durham Rose, our commitment to you goes beyond just providing wonderful jewellery; we want to ensure that your bespoke piece continues to look great for years to come.

“Every piece of jewellery we craft carries its own narrative, and we believe that its beauty should remain timeless. Whether you’re a proud owner of a stunning bespoke ring or an elegant pendant, our Aftercare Guide is here to assist you in preserving the lustre, charm, and sentimentality of your treasured creation.”

~Team Durham Rose

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with essential information about the unique attributes of various metals and gemstones, helping you understand how to best care for your precious jewellery. From routine cleaning techniques to special considerations for specific materials, our guide will empower you to make informed choices that guarantee the longevity of your cherished pieces.

Your Ultimate Guide: Ring Metal Care & Maintenance

Platinum

To keep your platinum jewellery in pristine condition, adopt a routine of regular cleaning using a mild soapy solution and a soft brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards. Protect your platinum from harsh chemicals and extreme heat. Store platinum items separately to prevent scratches. Periodically inspect for wear or damage and consult professionals if necessary to conserve its timeless beauty.

Yellow Gold

Preserve the timeless appeal of your yellow gold jewellery by maintaining its cleanliness with mild warm water and detergent solution. Follow this with a gentle polishing using a microfiber cloth to eliminate any oils or residues. Exercise caution to prevent using abrasive materials that could potentially scratch the precious metal and, if needed, seek advice from experts to maintain its enduring charm.

Rose Gold

Protect the soft blush of your rose gold jewellery by steering clear of harsh chemicals that could dim its unique hue. Safeguard your cherished pieces by securely storing them in a softly lined box, providing protection from environmental factors. Ensure that your rose gold jewellery remains free from contact with chemicals like perfumes and hand creams, guaranteeing their ever-lasting beauty.

White Gold

Caring for white gold sets differentiates from other metals. It requires special attention due to its rhodium plating which gives it its brilliant white finish. Gently polish it with a soft cloth to maintain its shine and use a rhodium treatment periodically to preserve its colour. Unlike other metals, white gold is more sensitive. Remember to remove your jewellery during cleaning, swimming, or applying fragrances.

Long-Lasting Beauty: Diamond & Gemstone Care 

Exploring Harder Gemstones: Durability and Beauty

Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies

Caring for harder gemstones like Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby is essential to preserve their brilliance and value. To maintain their charm, regularly clean them with a soft brush and warm, soapy water, followed by gentle rinsing and thorough drying. Store them separately to prevent scratches, as even these hard gems can be susceptible to damage when in contact with each other. Avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, and consider professional inspections to ensure their settings remain secure. With proper care, these exquisite gemstones will continue to captivate with their enduring beauty for generations to come.

Embracing Softer Gemstones: Delicate Care

Garnet, Aquamarine, Morganite, Topaz, Peridot, Amethyst, Quartz, Opal, Moonstone, Lab-Grown Emerald, Onyx & Pearl

Taking special care of soft gemstones is essential. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive sunlight. Use a soft, damp cloth for cleaning and ensure separate storage. Handle emeralds with care—gentle cleaning and air-drying are recommended. Avoid strong cleansers or perfumes, and refrain from using abrasive cleaning methods. 

Moh’s Scale

One fundamental aspect of jewellery design is understanding the durability and resistance of gemstones. This is where the Mohs Scale of Hardness comes into play.

The Moh’s Scale, developed by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, is a fundamental measure of a mineral’s resistance to scratching. It ranks minerals from the softest (talc) to the hardest (diamond), offering invaluable insights for both gemstone selection and jewellery design. Understanding the Moh’s Scale empowers us to create exceptional jewellery that not only captivates with its aesthetics but also withstands the wear and tear of everyday life.

In this section, we explore the significance of the Moh’s Scale in selecting gemstones for bespoke jewellery, providing you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for your exquisite, enduring creations.

Measuring hardness of Gemstones ranging from 10 (hardest) to 1 (softest)

 How to Clean your Jewellery at Home

7 Step-Guide

Revive the sparkle of your precious jewellery with these simple and effective cleaning steps.

  1. Gather Your Supplies: Start by collecting a bowl, warm water, mild dishwashing soap, a soft baby brush, and a clean, dry cloth.
  2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill the bowl with warm water and add a teaspoon of mild dishwashing soap. Mix them gently to create a cleaning solution.
  3. Soak Your Jewellery: Carefully place your jewellery into the solution, allowing it to soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help loosen accumulated dirt and grime.
  4. Remove and Rinse: After soaking, remove the jewellery from the solution and rinse it with clean water. Be sure to use a mesh strainer or a similar tool to prevent accidental loss down the drain.
  5. Gentle Scrubbing: Using a clean and soft baby brush, delicately scrub away any remaining dirt or grime. Take your time and be gentle, especially on delicate pieces.
  6. Rinse Again: Give your jewellery another rinse with clean water to ensure all soap residue is removed.
  7. Dry and Polish: Finally, ensure the jewellery is thoroughly dry and clean by gently wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. This will give your jewellery a sparkling finish.

Remember to adapt these steps as needed for different types of jewellery, and always handle your jewellery carefully.

Mastering Jewellery Care: Tips for Preserving your Precious Pieces

Mastering Jewellery Care

Discover the secrets to preserving the beauty of your jewellery and learn how to keep your favourite pieces in pristine condition. From cleaning and storage techniques to daily maintenance practices to ensure your jewellery remains a timeless treasure.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning at home is essential to maintain the beauty of your cherished piece. Over time, dirt, oils, and grime can accumulate on the surface, causing it to lose its sparkle and brilliance. To counter this, it’s advisable to incorporate a cleaning regimen into your jewellery care routine every 6-8 weeks. You can refer to our comprehensive 7-step guide for additional guidance.

Professional Cleaning

It’s advisable to schedule professional cleaning for your jewellery with a jeweller every six months to a year. Professional cleaning provides a chance to rejuvenate the ring’s initial brilliance, as jewellers employ specialised methods and tools to eliminate any stubborn grime or tarnishing that might be challenging to remove with regular at-home cleaning.

Store Properly

When you are not wearing your jewellery, it’s advisable to safeguard it by placing it inside a designated jewellery box or pouch. This protective measure serves several purposes. Firstly, it shields your ring from potential scratches when it comes into contact with other jewellery or hard surfaces. Secondly, it provides a barrier against dust and debris that can accumulate on the ring’s surface. Moreover, storing your jewellery in a dedicated container shields it from prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause fading or discolouration, especially for items with delicate gemstones or metals. It also protects your ring from other environmental factors, such as moisture or extreme temperatures, that may affect its condition.

Check Prongs and Settings

Should you ever observe a gemstone becoming loose in your jewellery, we highly advise against wearing the piece and urge you to promptly seek assistance. Our experienced team possesses the necessary knowledge to skillfully address this issue, minimising the potential for any loss or damage. They can employ a range of techniques, from securing the gemstone by tightening the claws to re-tipping worn claws with precision.

Avoid Impact

Exercise caution when participating in activities that may expose your ring to potential impacts or pressure, including the gym, heavy lifting or sports. It’s also essential to take off your ring when working with household cleaners, chemicals, or when swimming in chlorinated water. These substances have the potential to harm both the metal and gemstones in your ring.

Resizing

If your ring no longer fits comfortably or is too loose, consider having it resized. Ensuring a well-fitted ring is crucial, not only for comfort but also to minimise the risk of accidental slips or loss. A professional resizing will enhance your ring’s security, allowing you to wear it confidently. Nevertheless, it’s important to be mindful of how your finger size can vary with changes in temperature, and it’s advisable to limit resizing to maintain the ring’s structural integrity.

Regular Maintenance

Establish a habit of regularly arranging maintenance and inspections for your ring.. It is advisable to do this every 6 months to a year. This proactive method allows them to perform comprehensive assessments, detecting and addressing any emerging concerns related to the ring. These matters could include issues like loose stones, chipped gemstones, or scratches on the metal. By addressing such matters promptly, before they escalate into more significant and costly problems, you not only ensure the long-term durability of your precious piece but also retain its original beauty.

Insurance

Consider the option of obtaining insurance coverage for your jewellery pieces, a decision that acts as a protective shield against potential hazards like loss, theft, or irreparable damage. With the reassurance that insurance coverage offers, you can take solace in the knowledge that your valuable items are protected from unexpected incidents and circumstances that might otherwise jeopardise their condition and your peace of mind.

Further Information;

Should your ring require additional care and attention, whether it’s to restore its pristine appearance for a special occasion or you would like to check the security of all the stone(s) we can provide a professional cleaning/MOT service for a nominal fee. Feel free to get in touch with us at studio@durhamrose.com or click the provided link below to start the process of sending us your ring.

Click to Send your Jewellery via Royal Mail
Click to Drop your Jewellery at the Studio