Made to last, cared for simply
Fine jewelry needs very little to stay brilliant. A few habits keep every stone bright and every setting secure for years.
Last on, first off
Put your jewelry on after perfume, lotion, hairspray and make-up, and take it off before anything that could knock, scratch or coat it.
Chlorine and salt water can dull gold and loosen settings over time.
Hard knocks can chip a stone or bend a prong.
Household chemicals and grit scratch metal and cloud stones.
Rings and fine chains catch on bedding and can bend.
Cleaning diamonds and gold at home
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.
- Soak the piece for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen everyday oils.
- Brush gently with a soft baby toothbrush, especially behind the stone, where light enters.
- Rinse in a bowl of clean water, never over an open sink.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Do this once a month for pieces you wear every day, and your diamonds will keep their fire.
Emeralds need a gentler touch
Most emeralds are treated with oil to bring out their clarity, so they are cared for differently from diamonds.
- Wipe with a soft cloth dampened in lukewarm, mildly soapy water, then dry straight away.
- Never soak an emerald, and never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
- Avoid hot water and sudden changes in temperature.
- Take emerald rings off for any work with your hands.
Citrine, sapphire and other coloured stones
- Clean as you would a diamond, with warm soapy water and a soft brush, but keep soaks short.
- Some coloured stones can fade with long exposure to strong sunlight or heat, so store them away from windows.
- Ask us before using an ultrasonic cleaner on any coloured stone.
White and yellow gold
- White gold is finished with a bright layer of rhodium. With daily wear it softens over time, and a fresh plating brings back the bright white finish.
- Yellow gold can be polished with a soft jewelry cloth to restore its shine.
- Avoid chlorine bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, toothpaste and baking soda, which scratch or discolour gold.
Storing your jewelry
- Keep each piece in its own compartment or in its Unifine box. Diamonds are hard enough to scratch other jewelry and even other diamonds.
- Fasten necklaces and bracelets before putting them away so the chains do not tangle.
- Keep earrings together as a pair.
- Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Travelling with fine jewelry
- Pack jewelry in your hand luggage, never in a checked bag.
- Use a small padded travel case so pieces do not knock together.
- Lock pieces you are not wearing in the hotel safe.
A check-up every year
Once a year, look closely at prongs, settings and clasps. Signs that a stone may be loose include a faint rattle when you shake the piece gently, or prongs that catch on fabric.
If you notice either, stop wearing the piece and contact us at info@unifinecreations.com. Our team will advise you on the next step.