Your cart
BORN FROM STORY AND EMBEDDED WITH SYMBOL

Jewellery Care

All natural stones need to be handled with care. Gemstones can break or crack if dropped on a hard surface so please remember that your fine gemstone jewellery is precious and treat it as such.

The only safe way to clean opals is with warm soapy water.

Excessive heat and sudden temperature changes may also fracture some gems. Heat can easily remove the natural moisture these gems need to keep their beauty.

Exposure to chemicals can damage or discolour precious metals - gold, silver and platinum - and may harm some coloured gems. Even everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, perfume or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems (like turquoise). Fine jewellery should be removed before diving into a chlorinated swimming pool or before using household cleaners. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate gems. Chlorine bleach, another common household solvent, can pit or damage gold alloys.

We strongly discourage the use of ultrasonic cleaners. Certain stones should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner. In particular, solid opal and doublet opal, pearls, coral, tanzanite, moonstone, kunzite, lapis lazuli, topaz, turquoise, emerald and zircon. What's more, the vibration generated by the machine can sometimes shake gems loose or chip gems that are set with their girdles touching. This type of cleaning is best left to jewellery professionals who know about different gem materials and understand when and how to use the ultrasonic cleaner safely.

Most coloured gems can be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap (no detergents) and a soft brush. A pulsed - water dental cleaning appliance and a soft, lint free cloth can also be used. Be sure to rinse your jewellery in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions since you risk losing loose stones - or even an entire piece of jewellery - if you rinse directly in the sink.