Everyone knows that jewellery needs to be handled with care, but not many people know how to actually look after it properly. Here are some important tips to help you keep your jewellery looking its best so that you can enjoy wearing it for years:

How to store your jewellery

Rule: Always store your jewellery pieces individually, preferably in soft material pouches or boxes, with a soft lining or acid-free tissue paper.
Reason: This is in order to avoid your jewellery pieces scratching each other as the shiny lustre of gold surfaces can be scratched by constant abrading with other gold and gemstones. Particular care should be taken with gemstones to ensure that they do not knock against one another when stored. Some stones are more brittle than others, and may be damaged or chipped if all jumbled together in a drawer. Remember to keep your chains fastened so they don’t become tangled.

How to store your silver jewellery

Rule: Silver jewellery should be kept in a dark, cool, dry place.
Reason: With time and wear, sterling silver will naturally become oxidised and eventually tarnish; this is caused by the sulphur in the atmosphere, which is why centuries ago silver kept its shine much longer as there was very little pollution.
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.
All Missoma Sterling Silver jewellery is rhodium plated which protects the silver from exposure and helps prevent tarnishing.

How to clean your jewellery

Rule: Clean your jewellery carefully with a soft, non-abrasive and lint-free cloth or chamois to keep it looking lustrous. Avoid using ‘dip’ polish 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.
Reason: A soft cloth helps maintain or bring back gold or silver jewellery’s shine. If necessary, you can use a mild washing up liquid with warm water and a soft toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive jewellery cleaners. Be careful when attempting to clean jewellery set with gemstones, as some stones require special cleaning procedures.
All our Missoma jewellery is Rhodium plated to reduce and minimize long-term tarnishing.

What to keep away from your jewellery?

Rule: Always remember that your jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off when dressing.
Reason: 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.

When to avoid wearing your jewellery.

Rule: Always take off your jewellery before doing any chore or activity (eg. Sports, housework, gardening…) that might risk impact or exposure to harmful, abrasive materials (chlorine, bleach, detergents etc.).
Reason: People always seem to forget that silver & gold are soft metals that can dent. Gemstones can be damaged, chipped or even shattered if struck against a hard surface with sufficient force (especially the more brittle stones), and harmful chemicals, such as chlorine or bleach, can dull, discolour or erode gemstones or jewellery.

What can erode or dull your jewellery?

Rule: Do not swim or shower while wearing gold-plated or silver jewellery, and remove rings when washing your hands.
Reason: Chlorine, salt water and fresh water can damage precious metals and gemstones by dulling or eroding them. Gold is a relatively delicate material and particularly susceptible to damage from chlorine, which can permanently damage or discolour it. Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film which makes the metal seem dull. Also, some stones can be quite porous (such as Turquoise and Lapis lazuli), which is why you shouldn’t leave these kinds of stones 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.

Effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight on your jewellery

Rule: Do not keep jewellery in direct sunlight.
Reason: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause many gemstones to fade and lose their colour. Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Citrine, Aquamarine and Smokey Quartz are just some of the gemstones that can become paler from exposure to sunlight.

Tricks of the Trade for allergies to Jewellery:

Tip: If you are allergic to Gold plated earrings, or get a rash or itchy reaction when wearing them, try putting a little bit of clear nail varnish on the post and scroll! When it eventually wears off just re-apply it.