PRIVATE JEWELLER
Bespoke Platinum 1.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring & Fitted Diamond Band
P.O.A.
Caring for your Jewellery
Jewellery and gemstones, require care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and to keep them looking their best.
Regular Cleaning
Clean your jewellery regularly to remove any build up that can dull its shine. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface of your jewellery. For more thorough cleaning of jewellery set with gemstones or organic materials, see the guide below. Most jewellery can be cleaned using a mild soap or cloudy ammonia and warm water solution, and a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to reach into crevices. It is recommended not to clean your jewellery over an open drain, because if stones become loose or your jewellery is accidentally dropped, this may result in your jewellery or stones going down the drain. Some jewellery can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals, including bleach, chlorine, and abrasive cleaning solutions. These substances can damage some metals and gemstones.
Storage
When not wearing your jewellery, store it in a cool, dry place. Use the individual pouches or jewellery boxes provided. Keep jewellery pieces separated to prevent pieces from scratching or tangling.
Wear with Care
Avoid wearing your jewellery while engaging in strenuous activities (such as at the gym), while swimming, gardening or cleaning, to prevent excessive wear and tear, damage or loss. It is good practice to remove your jewellery before sleeping or showering. Store your jewellery in a safe place to prevent loss or damage.
Professional Inspection
Have your jewellery professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
Jewellery should be regularly checked for loose settings, damaged prongs, and other issues that may occur with wear and tear.
At Astrid Dahl jewellery, any jewellery purchased will be happily cleaned and checked for you at no charge.
Please be aware that repairs, sizing, polishing and plating are subject to charges.
Insurance
It is highly recommended that you insure your jewellery to cover the cost of any repairs, damage, loss or theft.
Metal Care
Most metal will scratch and wear over time. When multiple items of jewellery are worn together, it will cause additional wear and tear, especially where there is a significant variation in the metal hardness of two rings being worn together.
If your jewellery is scratched and has lost its shine, it's time for a good clean and polish or re-plating. For particularly worn or damaged pieces, they can usually be repaired or re-made. Gold & Silver jewellery can tarnish or develop a patina. To restore its shine, gently clean and buff with a silver polishing cloth.
Gemstone Care
Diamonds, Ruby, Sapphire & Spinel
Diamonds are the hardest known gemstones, but they can still chip or break if they sustain sufficient impact, due to a directional line of weakness within their structure. They attract dirt and oils that will dull their brilliance so require regular cleaning to keep them sparkling.
Sapphire & Ruby are durable but can still be scratched, chipped, or cracked with sufficient impact and wear and tear.
Being mindful of how you wear your jewellery will help ensure its longevity.
Diamonds and more durable gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, and spinel can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner or a solution of warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid or a splash of cloudy ammonia and a soft brush.
Emeralds
Emeralds are relatively brittle and require gentle care. Rings especially need careful consideration as they can easily be damaged with a hard knock on a surface.
Clean them with a soft toothbrush in a mild solution of warm soapy water (never use an ultrasonic cleaner or harsh cleaning solutions).
Pearls, Opals & Organic Materials
Opals, Pearls, organic materials and some gemstones like Turquoise are delicate and can be affected by heat, chemicals and moisture.
Pearls are particularly sensitive to chemicals (this will slowly damage their beautiful luster over time). Avoid exposure to perfumes, cosmetics, or hairspray that can damage the nacre. Bumping your hand on hard surfaces, like countertops, can cause damage to your precious rings. More fragile gemstones make the perfect choice for earrings and necklaces.
Some pearls are secured with a special glue or threaded on silk, it is important to remove your pearls before showering or swimming as this may deteriorate the glue or silk used, as well as gradually damaging the nacre of the pearl over time.
To clean opal, pearls, amber, other fragile gemstones or organic materials, it is recommended to use a clean, damp, soft cloth or a soft, gentle brush.
General
Most non-porous and non-organic gemstones can be safely cleaned with a mild solution of warm soapy water and a soft brush.
For any other gemstones, please feel free to ask.
Gemstone hardness and durability can vary greatly. Gemstones with substantial inclusions (like emeralds) may be more susceptible to damage. Caution should be taken when acquiring gemstones, as some gemstones available on the market may have been subjected to treatment, and not all treatments are permanent. This may affect the durability, value, or appearance of the gemstones. It is recommended to consult a Gemmologist such as Astrid Dahl prior to making a significant investment.
Damaged gemstones (even diamonds) can often be re-cut or polished, to restore their beauty or transform them into something new.