Jewellery Care 

Jewellery will begin to change and wear over time; this is a natural part of the life cycle of a handmade object. Protecting your jewellery from impact against hard or abrasive surfaces is important. The gemstones are the most vulnerable part of a ring as they are softer than the metal that holds it. Removing precious jewellery before exercise, gardening, and housework is advisable. Wearing rings set with gemstones during these activities can result in abrasion across the surface of the gemstones; this can be seen in the form of scratches and chips. Extreme temperatures, ultrasonic cleaning and household chemicals may also damage or discolour gemstones. The care and, ultimately, the condition of the precious materials is the responsibility of the client. Gemstone set items will require occasional cleaning to ensure that the gemstone continues to reflect its true colour and cut.

A simple way to clean your jewellery is to place the item in a small bowl in warm water (not boiling) diluted with a dash of dishwashing detergent. Running a soft toothbrush on the underside of a ring, below where gemstones are set, will help dislodge a build-up of dirt and oils from your skin; this dirt can dull the reflective qualities of the gemstone. Completely dry the piece with a clean cloth once the item has been rinsed under clean water.

If your jewellery features a section of gold plating, this is a surface finish that will wear back over time, revealing the metal underneath. Gold-plated sterling silver is more prone to chipping and colour fading. To prolong the life of the finish, we recommend careful handling during wear. If you wish to have your jewellery replated, please contact us with the details of your piece, and we can arrange a quote for you.

Should you have any enquiries about the finish or condition of your jewellery, as well as cleaning, please do not hesitate to contact the studio.
info@katherinebowman.com.au