General Tips For All Jewellery Types
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Remove jewellery before entering any aquatic environment, while conducting cleaning tasks or while doing exercise.
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Thoroughly dry your jewellery with a clean, dry and soft cloth once it has been exposed to water.
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Makeup, Perfume and hairspray can damage your jewellery. Make sure that your accessories are the last to be put on.
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Make sure that your jewellery is the first thing to come off before getting undressed.
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Gently wipe your jewellery clean to remove skin oils and makeup.
Jewellery Care
Diamonds
Delicate fashion pieces should not be worn every day. Diamond pieces should be professionally cleaned once a year. Regularly check rings to ensure claws or settings are not damaged. If there is damage, avoid wearing the item until checked by a jeweller.
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Pearls
Pearls are porous and must be kept separately from other jewellery. Ensure your pearls do not touch perfumes or lotions as it may deteriorate the surface of the pearl. Gently wipe after each wear to prevent deterioration.
White Gold
White gold jewellery is plated and is susceptible to wear over time. Avoid wearing white gold jewellery while performing household tasks. They should be professionally cleaned, polished and re-plated annually to ensure longevity and shine.
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Watches
Regardless of water resistance remove all watches before showering and store in a dry place. The steam in the shower or bathroom can cause irreparable damage. Do not wear watch while performing physical activity, unless they are sports watches designed to withstand the motion. Store separately so that it is not scratched by other jewellery. Wipe with a jewellery cloth after every use to remove damaging makeup and skin oils. Never use abrasive chemicals, such as alcohol to clean your watch. Watch should not be worn in bed. Especially, where there is a magnetic underlay in use.
Crystals
Do not allow crystal jewellery to come into contact with hot water as it may cause the stone to appear cloudy. Avoid wearing other jewellery with your crystals as they are soft and may scratch. Do not use jewellery cleaning solutions to clean your crystal as it could affect the lustre and loosen its settings.
Gemstones
Take your gemstone jewellery to your local jeweller for professional cleaning at least once a year. You can keep your gemstones clean by wiping them down with a clean soft damp cloth after wearing. Some gemstones are softer than others therefore you should avoid knocking them, exposing them to heat and jewellery cleaners.
Diamond Buying Guide
When buying a diamond it is important to do your research before you forfeit a large amount of your money. To make your journey enjoyable and hassle free we would like to offer consultations to assist you in the decision making process. At Matthews Jewellers we ensure that you gain exceptional value. At the same time we strongly encourage consumers to do their own research and gain an understanding on what it is they are after. As such we have prepared this guide, wherein you will be taught the skills to ensure that you are purchasing a diamond according to your own standards.
How much should you spend on a diamond?
That is very much up to you. Some people consider one or two months’ salary a good guide for an engagement ring. The important thing to remember is that unlike a wedding dress, a diamond engagement ring is worn everyday of your life so you would be wise to choose something that will continue to give pleasure year after year, because a diamond really is forever.