Costume Jewellery Care
Costume jewellery can be very delicate, because it is usually not made from precious metals. For best results ,and longevity of your costume jewellery :
*Avoid contact with water, since this can wear plating , and cause discolouration.
*Avoid contact with perfume and body lotion.
*Clean crystals occasionally , with slightly damp cloth.
*Jewellery should be stored in individual boxes or bags, to avoid scratching.
*Store jewellery in a cool dry place.
Gemstone Jewellery Care Manual
In order to keep gems looking vibrant and valuable , it is important to keep in mind a few basic rules and follow some specific cleaning techniques:
Since gems vary in hardness, storing them next to each other can result in scratches and reduced polish.
Keeping jewelry separately, wrapped in cloth, silk or velvet is an easy task that will ensure preservation of luster and prevent damage.
The temperature at which gemstones are stored should be constant. Extreme temperature fluctuation can cause gemstones to fracture , also extreme exposure to strong sunlight may cause some coloured gemstones to fade or discolour.
Therefore jewellery should be stored out of direct sunlight .
To clean gemstones , wipe with slightly damp soft cloth and allow to air-dry before storing in box . Moisture trapped in stones can often cause discolouration.
Check for loose gemstones before wearing your jewelry and always remove it when engaging in strenuous activities.
Restringing pearl or beaded necklaces at least every two years is adviced to prevent loss of gemstones.
Do not wear or expose your gemstones to chemicals .
Do not wear your jewellery while cleaning or during activities such as swimming or showering . Chlorine can damage gemstones and soap residue leaves jewelry looking dull.
The chemicals in cosmetics, hairspray and perfume can damage gems, so jewellery should be put on last when dressing up , and taken off first when un-dressing .
Gold Jewellery Care Manual
Gold is a precious metal , and may require cleaning from time to time, to enable the original colour and glow of your gold to last forever.
Your gold can be sent to a jeweller , or can be cleaned by you at home.
Mix a little mild detergent with warm water in a bowl, carefully drop your jewellery in it , gently scrub with a toothbrush , then rinse the jewellery thoroughly in warm water , and dry carefully with a soft cloth. This will remove the dullness, keeping your gold like new.
Silver Jewellery Care Manual
Sterling silver is a precious metal , and may require cleaning from time to time.
Using a small amount of silver polish on a soft cloth, gently rub the silver several times , then rinse the silver thoroughly in warm water , and dry carefully. This will remove the dullness, keeping your silver like new.
Please note that chlorine and bleach accelerate tarnishing , so should be avoided.
Fabric Care Manual
See label or maintainance card attached to product for best care.
Leather Care Manual
If leather gets too wet , dry it slowly .
Speed drying leather changes its chemical structure, and you end up with stiff crinkle cut chaos. So room temperature is best .
If leather gets too dry it is recommended to pick a leather dressing or cream, preferably a recommended brand , and specific to leather type .
Avoid putting any soaps or foreign substances on your leather .
Below are a few more instructions on maintaining different kinds of leather .
Suede Leather Care:
Regular brushing of the nape using a suede brush is integral in the maintenance of suede . A suede brush helps remove any embedded dirt and keeps the nape fluffy .
Nubuck Leather Care:
Nubuck is similar to suede but features a much finer texture , It is much more delicate than suede , so a Crepe Brush should be used for brushing it .
Smooth Calfskin Leather Care:
They require proper care to prevent them from drying and cracking. It is essential that the leather be fed with high-quality, natural nutrients. With proper care, smooth calfskin can remain soft and supple for decades.
Grain Calfskin Leather Care:
Grain calfskin is pressed or embossed in order to create a textured, grain pattern in the leather. The texture of the grain requires light polish in order to prevent wax buildup inside the grooves of the grain, which can leave an unattractive white residue.
Nappa Leather Care:
Nappa leather is an incredibly delicate and soft leather . It demands special attention when cleaning to prevent damage to the skin. Wax should be avoided because it can ruin the delicate characteristics of this leather.