Jewellery Care Guide
It is natural for sterling silver jewellery to tarnish or discolour over time, particularly if the piece is worn regularly. Tarnish is caused by several factors which include:
- Exposure to moisture, humidity, direct sunlight for long periods of time.
- Acidity (ph balance) of a person’s skin, which in turn is affected, for example, by diet, medication and stress.
- Exposure to perfume, soap, moisturiser, shampoo etc. and cleaning products such as dishwashing liquid and bleach.
- Exposure to chlorine.
How to Care For Your NAJO Piece
NAJO advises against:
- Swimming, showering or undertaking vigorous exercise while wearing jewellery.
- Exposing jewellery to cleaning agents or cosmetics such as foundations, perfumes, hairsprays.
- Exposing jewellery to excessive heat or prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
- Use of commercial silver ‘dip’ solutions as they are unsuitable for cleaning hollow, oxidised, stone-set, pearl or plated jewellery and can cause surface deterioration.
- Wearing delicate jewellery on more than an occasional basis
Jewellery Care by Finish
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is usually suitable for everyday wear unless it is a fragile design. It can be cleaned with a silver cleaning cloth. More difficult or stubborn tarnishing may require use of a commercial cleaning metal polish or silver foam.
Gold Plate
Gold plate is suitable for occasional wear only. It can be washed with warm soapy water or polished with a soft cloth. Do not rub vigorously or the plating could be removed.
Tumbaga
Like Silver, Tumbaga (an alloy of 80% copper and 20% zinc) can tarnish and requires the same care as silver jewellery - clean with a soft cloth or use Silvo or Brasso for more stubborn tarnishing.
Pearls
Pearls should be wiped occasionally with a soft damp cloth. Direct sun exposure to cosmetics and cleaning agents may affect the lustre and colour of the pearl.
Stone Set
Stone-set jewellery can be suitable for everyday wear. Stone set jewellery should be cleaned with warm soapy water. Stone Set should be wiped occasionally with a soft damp cloth.
Ring Resizing
We do not recommend resizing of gold plated, hollow or stone set rings.
Oxidised Silver
It is best to clean oxidised silver with a soft cleaning cloth or wash with warm soapy water. Do not use silver dip as this can remove the oxidation.
Jewellery Care Guide
For more jewellery care tips, visit our NAJO Guides | Jewellery Care