The Complete Guide to Jewellery Care — How to Keep Your Pieces Beautiful for a Lifetime

Whether it's a family heirloom or a wedding ring worn every day, jewellery needs proper care to keep its brilliance for the long term. For thirty years, CathyPaul has provided lifetime maintenance service to our clients — this article compiles the care knowledge we share most often.

Five Bad Habits in Everyday Wear

1. Wearing jewellery while bathing or swimming — chlorinated water and shower gel corrode the setting metal and accelerate oxidation.
2. Applying perfume while already wearing jewellery — the alcohol in perfume can yellow pearls and wear down white gold plating faster.
3. Not removing jewellery during exercise or heavy manual work — impact can loosen prongs, risking the loss of a diamond.
4. Storing different pieces of jewellery together — gemstones of different hardness rub against each other, leaving fine scratches on the surface.
5. Long periods without wear or cleaning — an oxide layer builds up on the metal surface, and dirt can accumulate under the diamond, affecting its reflectiveness.

Cleaning Methods by Material

Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies — Use warm water with a small amount of mild detergent, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Recommended once a month.

Emeralds — Never soak or use ultrasonic cleaning, as inclusions may be affected by expansion and contraction from heat. Gently wipe with a slightly damp soft cloth instead.

Pearls — Wipe away sweat with a clean cotton cloth after wearing; avoid contact with cosmetics and perfume. Have them checked by a professional store once a year.

Gold, Rose Gold — A gentle wipe with a soft cloth maintains lustre; if scratched, we recommend having a professional craftsman re-polish the piece.

Professional Inspection Items

CathyPaul recommends returning your jewellery to our store for a professional inspection every six months to a year, which includes:

• Prong security testing (to prevent the main stone from coming loose)
• Assessment of metal wear on the setting
• Professional ultrasonic and steam cleaning
• Re-plating or polishing where necessary

Storage Tips

We recommend storing each piece separately in a velvet pouch or a compartmentalised jewellery box. When not worn for extended periods, anti-oxidation strips can be added to slow discolouration. Avoid environments with high heat, humidity or direct sunlight.

CathyPaul's Lifetime Maintenance Service

All jewellery purchased from CathyPaul enjoys lifetime free cleaning and inspection. We believe jewellery is not merely a product, but a witness to moments in your life, and deserves to be cared for with dedication.