Jewellery care

Everyday care

• Put jewellery on after perfume, hairspray and creams have dried.
• Remove it before swimming, showering, sleeping, exercise, gardening or using household cleaners.
• After wearing, wipe gently with a clean, soft, untreated cloth.
• Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined box, away from damp bathrooms, direct heat and strong sunlight. Let any moisture dry before putting them away.
• Check chains, ear fittings, pins and clasps regularly. If anything loosens or catches, stop wearing it until it has been checked.

Pewter and silver-plated pewter

Pewter is a relatively soft metal. Support the piece as you handle it, and avoid bending, squeezing or repeatedly opening and closing parts that are not designed to move.

Silver-plated pewter has a layer of silver over the pewter body; it is not solid sterling silver. Begin with a soft, untreated cloth. For a plain piece without pearls, wood, paint or a coloured finish, use a cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water and a little mild soap, wipe away any soap with a clean damp cloth, and dry thoroughly. Do not soak the piece.

Avoid scouring pads, stiff brushes, abrasive metal polish, treated silver-polishing cloths, silver dips and toothpaste on plated surfaces. Do not use boiling water, bleach or home remedies involving acids, baking soda or foil. Rubbing harder can remove the silver rather than restore it.

Tarnish or worn plating?

Tarnish is a change at the surface of silver; worn plating means some of that silver layer has been lost. Cleaning cannot replace missing plating. If a darker or different-coloured area remains, please send me a photograph before trying another cleaner.

Sterling silver

Sterling silver can tarnish, especially around moisture, salt air and certain chemicals. For plain, bright sterling silver, gently use a cloth intended for silver, following its instructions. Avoid polishing darkened recesses or deliberately patinated areas: they are part of the design.

For light dirt on plain silver, a little mild soap and lukewarm water can help; rinse briefly and dry with a soft cloth. If a piece includes pearls, glued details, wood, paint or another delicate material, use the gentler method below instead. Please ask me before using a dip, ultrasonic machine or steam cleaner.

Pearls, coloured finishes and Perspex

Pearls: wipe with a very soft cloth after wearing. If necessary, use a cloth barely dampened with clean lukewarm water, then pat dry. Keep pearls away from perfume, acids, silver polish, steam and ultrasonic cleaners. Do not soak an assembled pearl piece.

Copper, verdigris and other coloured or darkened finishes: use a soft, dry cloth without rubbing hard. Colour and patina are part of the surface treatment; polish may remove them. Ask me before using a cleaner.

Perspex and acrylic: wipe gently with a soft cloth, slightly dampened if needed, and dry. Avoid solvents, alcohol-based cleaners, nail-polish remover, abrasive products and heat. Take extra care with etched, inked or hand-painted details.

If a piece needs a repair

Stop wearing it, keep any loose parts together, and send me clear photographs, the product name or MP reference, and your order number if available. Tell me what happened. Please do not glue, heat, solder or bend it back yourself: that can make an assessment or repair harder.

Depending on the construction, a jeweller may be able to replace a chain, clasp, ear fitting or connecting ring. A damaged cast body, hinge or pearl setting needs individual assessment. Availability, price and timing must be agreed before any paid work begins.

Can it be replated?

Some silver-plated pieces can be professionally replated, but not every piece is suitable. The base metal, existing finish, condition, pearls and other attached details all matter. Replating cannot put back lost sculptural detail or automatically repair a crack. Contact me first so I can confirm whether assessment or a suitable specialist is an option. No repair or replating service is promised until it has been agreed for your piece.

Skin sensitivity

If you have a known metal allergy, ask me about the exact piece before ordering. My plated range can include nickel underlayers. Sterling silver ear wires do not mean the whole earring is sterling silver or nickel-free. Please do not assume that silver-plated or sterling silver jewellery is suitable for every sensitivity.

If itching, redness, swelling or irritation develops, remove the jewellery and stop wearing it. Seek advice from a pharmacist or GP if symptoms persist, recur or are severe. Do not use nail varnish or another home coating as a substitute for choosing a suitable material.