Fine Jewellery Care & Maintenance Guide
There is a distinct kind of heartbreak that comes with looking down at your favourite ring and realizing a small stone is missing, or noticing that your once-blinding diamond engagement ring looks cloudy and dull. We put our jewellery through a lot—from cooking and gardening to gym sessions and daily hand-washing.
Because fine jewellery represents both significant financial investments and deeply personal milestones, taking a few simple steps to protect your pieces goes a long way.
The Golden Rules of Everyday Wear
You don't need to wrap your collection in bubble wrap, but a little mindfulness in your daily routine will save you from costly repairs down the road:
The Last On, First Off Rule: Always make your jewellery the absolute last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. Lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, and skincare products leave behind a stubborn, microscopic film that cakes under gemstone settings and robs your pieces of their sparkle.
Know When to Take It Off: If you are heading to the gym to lift weights, diving into a chlorinated pool, or tackling a heavy cleaning project at home, leave your precious pieces safely in a lined box. Sudden impact can warp prongs, and harsh chemicals can damage softer metals and gemstones.
Proper Storage Matters: Tossing all your necklaces and rings into a single pouch or drawer is an easy way to cause accidental scratches. Diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth and will happily scratch gold, silver, and softer stones like pearls or opals. Keep pieces separated in soft fabric compartments.
When to Call in a Professional
At-home maintenance—like soaking solid gold and diamond pieces in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap and gently brushing them with a soft baby toothbrush—works wonders for routine upkeep. However, anything beyond a surface clean should be left to a trained gemmologist.
Over time, daily wear and tear gradually loosens prongs and wears down metal thickness. You won't always notice it with the naked eye, but an experienced professional looking through a loupe can spot a loose stone or a thinning prong before you lose a priceless gemstone.
Why Updating Your Appraisals Matters
Physical care is only half the battle. Precious metal markets shift constantly, and global gold prices fluctuate over the years. Insurance providers generally recommend updating your official jewellery appraisals every two to three years to ensure your coverage matches current replacement values in case of loss, theft, or damage.
Is it time to give your collection a little love? Drop by our downtown Vancouver lab for a professional checkup, cleaning, or an updated appraisal. Book an appointment with Pelegrin Gemmological Services today and let’s keep your treasures safe!
