Jewellery Care
Silver
Clean with either foaming silver polish (use the sponge that is supplied with it or a soft toothbrush) or silver dip. Goddards make both and they are widely available. Then wash in soapy water, rinse thoroughly in clean water, dry gently with kitchen towel or with a hairdryer on a cool setting. To prevent delicate pieces from being damaged store them in their own box.
Gold-plated silver
Clean with foaming silver polish or silver dip as above, taking care not to scratch gold-plated areas. If using silver dip, keep the immersion time very brief (about 20 seconds is all that’s needed).
To protect the piece from scratching by other items in your jewellery box, store in a separate box or pouch.
Oxidised silver
Oxidised (blackened) silver requires virtually no cleaning. The black finish is a surface treatment which will wear away gradually with time. Care should be taken to avoid it getting scratched. It may be wiped gently with a soft, moist cloth, if needed. Avoid the use of harsh chemical cleaners, as they may damage the finish. Store in a separate box or pouch to protect from scratching by other items in your jewellery box.
Semi-precious stones and beads
Most of the stones and beads used can withstand occasional and very brief treatment with silver dip. Handle these pieces gently when cleaning so as not to dislodge stones and beads. If you use a hairdryer to dry them, keep it on a cold setting to avoid damaging the adhesive used to attach beads.
Pearls
Pieces with pearls attached should be cleaned with a soft, moist cloth only.
Nylon cords
Cords should be removed from jewellery pieces before cleaning to ensure that they don’t get stained. They may be hand-washed in soapy water and left to dry naturally.
Earring Hoops
These are made of sterling silver and thus will become mis-shapen if treated roughly. Take care when inserting and removing so that they keep their round shape.
Wooden pieces
Take care not to get these wet, nor to spray them when using hairspray or perfume.
Silver
Clean with either foaming silver polish (use the sponge that is supplied with it or a soft toothbrush) or silver dip. Goddards make both and they are widely available. Then wash in soapy water, rinse thoroughly in clean water, dry gently with kitchen towel or with a hairdryer on a cool setting. To prevent delicate pieces from being damaged store them in their own box.
Gold-plated silver
Clean with foaming silver polish or silver dip as above, taking care not to scratch gold-plated areas. If using silver dip, keep the immersion time very brief (about 20 seconds is all that’s needed).
To protect the piece from scratching by other items in your jewellery box, store in a separate box or pouch.
Oxidised silver
Oxidised (blackened) silver requires virtually no cleaning. The black finish is a surface treatment which will wear away gradually with time. Care should be taken to avoid it getting scratched. It may be wiped gently with a soft, moist cloth, if needed. Avoid the use of harsh chemical cleaners, as they may damage the finish. Store in a separate box or pouch to protect from scratching by other items in your jewellery box.
Semi-precious stones and beads
Most of the stones and beads used can withstand occasional and very brief treatment with silver dip. Handle these pieces gently when cleaning so as not to dislodge stones and beads. If you use a hairdryer to dry them, keep it on a cold setting to avoid damaging the adhesive used to attach beads.
Pearls
Pieces with pearls attached should be cleaned with a soft, moist cloth only.
Nylon cords
Cords should be removed from jewellery pieces before cleaning to ensure that they don’t get stained. They may be hand-washed in soapy water and left to dry naturally.
Earring Hoops
These are made of sterling silver and thus will become mis-shapen if treated roughly. Take care when inserting and removing so that they keep their round shape.
Wooden pieces
Take care not to get these wet, nor to spray them when using hairspray or perfume.
