Jewellery does not wear out so much as it collects neglect. A few small habits will keep a piece looking new for a lifetime.
Last on, first off
Perfume, hairspray and sunscreen are the enemies of a finish. Make jewellery the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. This one habit prevents most of the dulling we see.
Remove before water
Soap scum builds in the recesses of a setting and dulls pearls. Take pieces off before a shower, a swim, or washing up. Chlorine and salt are especially hard on vermeil and plated finishes.
Clean gently, and know when to stop
- Gold and vermeil — a soft, dry polishing cloth is enough. Avoid abrasive pastes.
- Pearls — wipe with a damp, lint-free cloth. Never soak; pearls are porous.
- Kundan and polki — brush the recesses with a dry, soft brush. Never wet-set stones.
- Enamel reverses — treat like porcelain. No water, no chemicals, no drops.
When in doubt, bring it in. A two-minute check beats a re-setting bill.
The Mihrunnisa atelier
Store flat and apart
Pieces should never touch. Soft pouches, one per piece, keep stones from scratching each other and keep chains from tangling. Store flat — hanging a heavy necklace stretches its links over time.
