Jewellery Care

Choose care to suit the material, finish and construction of your piece. Start gently, and ask a professional jeweller if its condition or materials are uncertain.

Gold plating & vermeil · Sterling silver · Solid gold · Historic coins · Gemstones & pearls

Everyday care

• Put jewellery on after perfume, cosmetics and hair products have dried.
• Remove it before bathing, swimming, exercise, cleaning and activities that expose it to knocks or chemicals.
• Store pieces separately to limit scratching and tangling. Check clasps, links and settings for wear.

Gold-plated jewellery & vermeil

A plated finish needs gentle care. After wear, wipe lightly with a clean, dry, soft cloth, without vigorous rubbing. Store dry and separately in a soft pouch or lined compartment.

Avoid silver dips, abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds, hard brushes and ultrasonic cleaning. Do not use a silver polishing cloth on a plated surface. The gold layer will change gradually with wear; its longevity depends on use and contact.

Sterling silver

Sterling silver can tarnish through exposure to air, moisture, cosmetics and chemicals. For suitable plain, unplated silver, use a silver polishing cloth gently. Mild soap and lukewarm water may be suitable for sound, plain pieces; rinse and dry thoroughly.

Do not apply this advice to gold-plated, oxidised, antique or delicate stone-set silver. Aggressive polishing can remove patina and soften detail.

Solid gold

For sound, plain gold jewellery, mild soap and lukewarm water with a soft cloth can remove surface residue. Rinse carefully and dry thoroughly. Check the requirements of any stones, settings or other materials first.

Historic coin jewellery

Preserve the coin’s struck details and signs of age. Avoid abrasive polishing, dips and attempts to remove patina. A coin, setting and chain may need different care; for a plated coin, follow the gold-plated guidance above. Seek advice before cleaning an antique or fragile piece.

Gemstones & pearls

Care varies by stone, treatment and setting. Do not assume ultrasonic or steam cleaning is suitable. Porous and delicate materials, enamel and glued elements need particular caution.

Wipe pearls gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wear. Do not soak or scrub them. Keep them separately from harder jewellery and avoid prolonged storage in very dry or airtight conditions.

When to seek advice

Stop wearing a piece if a stone is loose, a clasp is insecure or a link or setting is damaged. A professional jeweller can assess its condition before cleaning or further wear.

Understand your materials · Ask about a Roberts & Co piece · Client Care