Customer Care

Care Guide

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.

Jewellery Care by Finish

Plain Silver

Plain 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.

Electroformed Silver

Electroformed silver can dent more easily than cast or stamped silver and must be treated gently. It is best to clean it with a soft silver polishing cloth, silver polish or foam. Do not use silver dip as electroformed jewellery is hollow and the solution may be trapped inside the piece.

Matte Silver

Matte silver is usually suitable for everyday wear unless it is a fragile design. The use of polishing cloths are unsuitable for matte finish jewellery. It is recommended to wash matte silver with warm soapy water or apply a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water. Rub the paste on the jewellery piece, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse in water. Silver cleaning foam can also be used.

Oxidised Silver

Oxidised silver is usually suitable for everyday wear unless it is a fragile design. 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.

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.

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.

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 Type

Pearls

Pearls are suitable for occasional wear only. Direct exposure to cosmetics and cleaning agents may affect the lustre and colour of the pearl. They should be cleaned with a soft cloth or warm soapy water.

Gemstones

Stone-set jewellery can be suitable for everyday wear but will depend on the design. Pave set jewellery, for example, is more suited to occasional wear. Stone set jewellery should be cleaned with warm soapy water.

Ring Resizing

Avoid resizing stone set rings. Electroformed, enamel and stainless steel rings cannot be resized.

Cleaning Cloth

The NAJO silver cleaning cloth, which features two layers: an inner treated cloth to loosen and remove tarnish, and an outer cloth to polish and restore shine. Do not wash the cleaning cloth as this will remove the cleaning agents.

Leather

Leather jewellery can be easily damaged by excess moisture or heat. If your leather piece becomes dry or stiff, you can rejuvenate it by using a leather conditioner.

Sustainable Pouch

Our two-sided microfibre pouch comes with every NAJO piece, keeping your jewellery snug, safe and clean.

Jewellery Cleaning FAQs

General

What can I use to clean jewellery at home?

Cleaning your jewellery at home can be done with some common household items. Depending on the type of jewellery, these materials may include:

  • Warm Water: Lukewarm water is a universal cleaning agent for most types of jewellery. Avoid using hot water as it may cause damage, particularly to gemstones.

  • Mild Dish Soap: Dish soap can be used in conjunction with warm water to create a cleaning solution that's effective for most metals and stones.

  • Soft Toothbrush or Cloth: A soft toothbrush can help dislodge accumulated dirt from small crevices in your jewellery, while a soft, lint-free cloth is perfect for wiping surfaces clean and drying.

  • Silver Cleaner or Polishing Cloth: If your silver jewellery is heavily tarnished, you might need a specialised silver cleaner or a silver polishing cloth.

Remember, it's crucial to understand what materials are safe to use on each type of jewellery. For example, pearls and certain gemstones are very delicate and should not be cleaned with abrasive or acidic substances. Always do some research or consult with a professional if you're unsure.

How do you remove tarnish from jewellery?

Tarnish on jewellery, especially silver, is a common issue that can be addressed with a few household items. Materials like warm water, mild dish soap, a soft cloth or sponge and a bowl are essential for cleaning tarnished silver jewellery.

For light tarnish, soaking the jewellery in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap followed by gentle scrubbing works well.

Regardless of the method, always test on a discreet area first and, when in doubt, consult a jewellery professional.

Sterling Silver

How do you clean sterling silver jewellery at home?

Several common household items can effectively clean sterling silver. An accessible option is mild dish soap. Mix with warm water to create a soapy solution. Soak the silver, gently scrub with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.

Always use a soft cloth to prevent scratching the silver and rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Be cautious with antique or fragile pieces, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. For items with intricate designs or precious stones, consider consulting a professional.

What's the best way to clean sterling silver?

To effectively clean sterling silver, you can use gentle methods at home. A mild soap-and-water solution works for lightly tarnished items, while a baking soda paste is better for heavier tarnish. For quick touch-ups, specially treated silver polishing cloths are ideal.

Commercial silver dip cleaners are also an option but should be used with caution. It's important to clean silver regularly to prevent tarnish buildup and to store it in a dry place. For valuable or intricate pieces, professional cleaning may be advisable. Avoid using abrasive materials like toothpaste or steel wool.

What should you avoid cleaning sterling silver jewellery with?

When cleaning silver jewellery, it's important to avoid certain substances and methods that can be too harsh and cause damage. Here are things you should not use:

  • Toothpaste: Often cited as a DIY cleaner, toothpaste can be too abrasive for silver and may scratch the surface.

  • Chlorine and Bleach: These harsh chemicals can damage silver, leading to permanent discoloration and deterioration.

  • Harsh Detergents: Strong cleaning agents can strip away the finish and patina of silver.

  • Baking Soda or Salt with Aluminum Foil for Delicate or Antique Silver: While effective for some items, this method can be too harsh for delicate or antique pieces with a high silver content.

  • Steel Wool or Abrasive Brushes: These can scratch the surface of silver.

  • Oven Cleaners and Other Harsh Chemicals: These products are too aggressive and can cause irreparable damage to silver jewellery.

It's always safer to stick to gentle cleaning methods, such as a soft cloth with a mild soap and water solution. For more valuable or sentimental pieces, professional cleaning is recommended to avoid accidental damage.

Gold Plate

Can you fix tarnished gold-plated jewellery?

To rejuvenate tarnished gold-plated jewellery, it's essential to handle it delicately. Start by lightly cleaning with a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, using a soft cloth for gentle application and polishing. For tougher tarnish, opt for cleaners specifically formulated for gold-plated pieces.

Maintaining the jewellery's lustre involves not just careful cleaning but also proper storage in a moisture-free, sealed environment. Should the plating suffer extensive wear or damage, seeking professional re-plating services may be necessary for full restoration.

How do you clean gold-plated jewellery without damaging it?

To clean gold-plated jewellery without causing damage, prepare a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Soak a soft, lint-free cloth in the solution and gently wipe the jewellery to remove dirt and grime.

Avoid soaking the jewellery directly in water. If necessary, use a soft-bristled brush for detailed areas but do so with care to prevent scratching. Rinse the jewellery by wiping it with a damp cloth soaked in plain water, then dry it thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. It's important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives, as well as excessive water exposure, to maintain the integrity of the gold plating. Regular, gentle cleaning will help keep your gold-plated jewellery looking its best.

Pearls

What cleans pearls the best?

To ensure the enduring beauty of your pearls, the best cleaning method involves gentle care. After wearing, softly wipe each pearl with a slightly damp, soft cloth to remove skin oils and environmental residues.

For a more thorough clean, occasionally use a solution of lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, non-detergent soap. Apply this solution using a lint-free cloth, gently wiping each pearl. It's crucial to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as these can cause damage.

Once cleaned, allow the pearls to air dry completely by laying them flat on a soft, dry towel. This careful approach ensures your pearls maintain their lustrous beauty, avoiding any damage that soaking or rough handling might cause.

How do you clean tarnished pearl jewellery?

To effectively clean tarnished pearl jewellery, focus on gently treating the metal components without damaging the pearls. Use a soft cloth designed for jewellery polishing or a mild solution of soapy water to carefully clean the metal areas, ensuring you avoid harsh chemicals that can harm the pearls.

For intricate designs or significant tarnish, it's advisable to seek professional cleaning services, as they possess the expertise to handle such delicate pieces, ensuring both the pearls and the metal are properly cared for without risking damage.

What is the best cleaner for pearls on jewellery?

The best cleaner for pearls on jewellery is a very mild, non-detergent soap mixed with lukewarm water. Here's how to use it:

Prepare the Solution: Mix a small amount of mild, non-detergent soap with lukewarm water. Avoid any soap containing harsh chemicals or acids.

Gently Clean: Dip a soft, lint-free cloth into the solution and gently wipe each pearl. Do not submerge the pearls in the solution, as this could weaken the stringing material.

Rinse and Dry: After gently wiping, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue from the pearls. Then, lay the pearls on a soft, dry towel to air dry.

This method is gentle enough to clean the pearls without damaging their delicate surface. Remember, pearls are sensitive to extreme dryness, humidity, and chemicals, so gentle care is essential.

Can you wash pearl jewellery?

To wash pearl jewellery, mix lukewarm water with a small amount of mild, non-detergent soap. Gently wipe each pearl with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding full immersion in water to protect the stringing material.

Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue, and then allow the pearls to air dry on a soft towel. This method is gentle and effective, ensuring the pearls' lustre and integrity are maintained without harsh chemicals or rough handling.