Caring for your jewellery

Gold and diamonds last for generations if they are looked after. A few habits keep them right.

Every day

• Put jewellery on last, after perfume, hairspray, cream and make-up. Take it off first.
• Take rings and bangles off for heavy work, the gym, housework with cleaning products, swimming and sleep.
• After wearing, wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth before you put it away.

Gold — 21k, 22k and 18k

Most of our gold is 21k; investment pieces are 22k; every diamond ring is 18k. The higher the karat, the softer the gold: 21k and 22k scratch and bend more easily than 18k, which is harder and holds a stone firmly. Thin bangles and fine chains bend if they catch, so take them off before anything rough.

Diamonds

A diamond is hard, but it can chip if it is knocked on an edge, and it will scratch other pieces, so keep it apart from them. Skin oil and lotion dull its sparkle; a gentle clean (below) brings it back. Now and then, check that the stone does not move in its setting.

Coloured stones

Rubies and sapphires are tough. Emeralds, opals and most semi-precious stones are softer, and dislike knocks, heat and chemicals. Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. Don't soak opals, and keep emeralds away from hot water and ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

Pearls and strings

Last on, first off: put pearls on after perfume and hairspray, and take them off before anything else. Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing. Don't wash them, and don't keep them in a sealed plastic bag. Lay strung pieces flat to store them, so the thread doesn't stretch — the same goes for string sets and string bracelets. Keep the threads dry.

Meena and lacquer

Meena is coloured enamel fired onto the gold. Meena and lacquered finishes can chip or wear if they are knocked or scrubbed. Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth only: no soap, no brush, no polishing cloth or cleaning liquid.

Storing it

• Keep each piece separately, in a soft pouch or a lined box, so pieces don't scratch one another.
• Fasten chains before putting them away, so they don't knot.
• Keep jewellery dry, away from bathroom steam.

Cleaning at home

For plain gold, and gold with diamonds: a bowl of warm water with a drop of mild soap. Soak for a few minutes, then go gently round the setting with a soft toothbrush. Rinse in clean water — in a bowl, not over an open drain — and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Not for pearls, meena, lacquered finishes, strings, opals or emeralds: wipe those with a soft cloth only. Never use toothpaste, bleach or harsh cleaners on any jewellery.

When to bring it in

• A stone moves, or a claw (prong) catches on cloth.
• A clasp no longer shuts firmly.
• A link or ring on a chain looks thin or open.
• A bangle or ring has been bent out of round.

Caught early, these are small jobs. The counter can look at any TAHERI piece; we tell you the cost, if any, before we start. Message ahead on WhatsApp at +92 335 2275553.