Caring for Your Precious Jewellery

At Innocence Diamond, we understand that every piece of jewellery holds more than just sparkle—it carries emotion, history, and meaning. Whether it’s a modern statement piece or a beloved heirloom, proper care will help preserve its brilliance for years to come.

Light and Heat: A Subtle Threat to Beauty

Just like our skin reacts to the sun, gemstones are also sensitive to excessive light and heat. Prolonged exposure can fade or weaken certain gems, including amethyst, kunzite, topaz, and shell cameos. Organic materials such as pearls and ivory may bleach under strong lighting, while gems like amber may darken over time.

Delicate vintage pieces deserve especially gentle treatment. A simple rinse with water and a soft, lint-free cloth is often all they need to maintain their charm.

Be mindful of temperature changes too

extreme heat can dry out and damage gems like opals and pearls, leading to cracks or loss of colour.

Keep Your Jewellery Away From Chemicals

Everyday products—like perfumes, hairspray, and lotions—can cause lasting harm to both gemstones and precious metals. Pearls and porous stones such as turquoise are particularly vulnerable to surface damage. Always remove your jewellery before swimming, cleaning, or applying beauty products to avoid contact with harsh chemicals.

Chlorinated water and household cleaners, especially those containing ammonia or bleach, can erode settings or alter a gem’s appearance over time.

Give Treated Gems Special Care

Many coloured gemstones are enhanced through heat or other treatments to improve their colour and clarity. These enhancements require a bit of extra care, as they may react poorly to heat, solvents, or ultrasonic cleaners.

If you’re unsure about your stone’s treatment history, a GIA certificate or an expert evaluation can provide clarity. At Innocence Diamond, we’re happy to guide you in understanding and caring for your treated gemstones properly.

Ultrasonic Cleaners: Use with Caution

While ultrasonic cleaners are popular, they’re not safe for all jewellery. The vibrations can loosen prongs or even chip delicate stones. Avoid using them on:

Gems with surface-filled fractures (like oiled emeralds)

Organic materials such as pearls, ivory, coral, or amber

Coated or waxed stones

Heat-sensitive gems like opals, turquoise, and tanzanite

Vintage or fragile pieces

When in doubt, it’s always best to leave deep cleaning to professionals. Our specialists at Innocence Diamond can recommend the safest care methods for your unique pieces.

The Safest Cleaning Methods Are Also the Easiest

A gentle routine is often all you need to keep your jewellery radiant. Most coloured gemstones can be cleaned using lukewarm water, mild dish soap (no harsh detergents), and a soft brush. Use a bowl of water to rinse—never the sink, as small stones can easily be lost.

Pearls require special care. Clean them using a clean, soft makeup brush dipped in soapy water, and dry them flat on a soft towel. Wait until the silk thread is completely dry before wearing them again. If worn frequently, pearl strands should be professionally restrung once a year.

Store Your Jewellery With Care

Proper storage goes a long way in preserving your collection. Avoid tossing pieces into drawers or trays where they can scratch or tangle. Instead, store them in their original boxes or use a jewellery case with soft compartments.

Sterling silver should be kept in anti-tarnish bags, while pearls and opals should be stored where they have access to natural moisture—dry environments can cause them to crack or discolor. When travelling, use padded cases to protect your jewellery from bumps and scratches.

Complimentary Annual Inspections by Innocence Diamond

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We encourage all our clients to bring in their jewellery once a year for a free professional inspection. This complimentary service includes a thorough check of gemstone settings, clasps, and general wear to ensure your pieces remain secure and sparkling. It’s just one of the many ways we help you protect what matters most.

Because at Innocence Diamond, your jewellery’s story deserves to shine beautifully—now and for generations to come.