Caring for Your Jewellery

Caring for your Jewellery

Store your jewellery pieces individually, preferably in your Coup De Coeur soft-lined jewellery box so that they don’t rub together, scratch or tangle. Particular care should be taken with gemstones to ensure that they do not knock against one another when stored. Remember to keep your chains fastened so they don’t become tangled.

Take care to avoid extreme humidity or heat as this may cause tarnishing. Your gold vermeil and silver jewellery should be kept in a dark, cool and dry place. With time and wear, sterling silver will naturally become oxidised and eventually tarnish. Storing silver jewellery in a sealed plastic bag or airtight box when it is not being worn will keep out the air that causes oxidation. The oxidation process is also slowed down by wearing your jewellery often. If however your jewellery is stored for long-periods of time, occasional cleaning is recommended to maintain shine and keep oxidation at bay. All Coup De Coeur sterling silver jewellery is rhodium plated which protects the silver from exposure and helps reduce long-term tarnishing. Jewellery is particularly susceptible to damage from the effects of chemicals present in perfume, hairspray, make-up, nail polish remover, body oils, sun tan lotion and deodorant.

Do not keep plated jewellery in direct sunlight as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause it to fade. Many gemstones when left in direct sunlight also lose their colour. Amethyst, rose quartz, chalcedony and smokey quartz are just some of the gemstones that can become paler from exposure to sunlight.

How should I clean my jewellery?

Clean your jewellery carefully with a soft, non-abrasive and lint-free cloth or chamois; this helps maintain or bring back its shine. Avoid using ‘dip’ polish or abrasive jewellery cleaners as these contain harsh chemicals and can destroy your jewellery over time. We do not recommend the use of any jewellery polishing cloths which have been treated with cleaners or polishing agents.

What can erode or dull my jewellery?

Do not swim or shower while wearing gold-plated or silver jewellery, and remove rings when washing your hands. Chlorine, salt water and fresh water can damage precious metals and gemstones by dulling or eroding them. Gold and silver are particularly susceptible to damage from chlorine, which can permanently damage or discolour them. Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film, which makes the metal seem dull.

Some stones can also be quite porous which is why you shouldn’t leave any kind of stone immersed in water for too long. Liquids and oils can seep into the gems through the tiny cracks between the crystals, causing permanent discolouration and damage. In addition, porous gems should not be worn to a beach or other hot, extreme environments.