JEWELLERY CARE
Tessa Packard London produces jewellery in a variety of metals, including platinum, 18ct gold, 9ct gold, sterling silver and brass. Decorative finishes include vermeil gold-plating, resin, enamel, verdigris patina, and of course the setting of gemstones and personalised engraving.
METAL TYPES
♦ GOLD VERMEIL JEWELLERY ♦
Gold vermeil or gold-plating is a method of depositing a layer of gold onto the surface of a silver object through an electrochemical process. Unless otherwise stated, gold-plated jewellery by Tessa Packard London is vermeil-plated-solid-sterling-silver with a layer 4 microns thick of 18ct yellow gold. Vermeil plating uses a thicker layer of gold than regular gold-plating, so is more durable, but neither is permanent.
Care should always be taken when cleaning any gold-plated jewellery to protect the layer of gold from being worn away or scratched. Please note that gold-plated jewellery can also tarnish or fade over time depending on wear and tear and exposure to chemicals and cosmetics. We recommend that all gold-plated jewellery be removed when showering, exercising or swimming to keep it looking at its best.
The best method to clean vermeil or gold plated jewellery is to soak it in warm soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly, then gently wipe with a soft microfibre cloth. Do not use any specialist cleaning products or impregnated cloths as they often contain chemicals that can accelerate the decomposition and erosion of the gold micron layers.
As with all jewellery, we recommend storing vermeil and gold plated items in individual pouches or boxes to minimise scratches caused by other jewellery pieces rubbing against each other. If you would like to find out more about caring for your vermeil jewellery please email [email protected].
♦ ENAMEL JEWELLERY ♦
Tessa Packard London often uses the ancient technique of enamelling to bring additional colour and texture to the jewellery.
We use vitreous enamel, which comes in a variety of bright, vibrant colours and tones. This enamel is produced by applying a glass-like powder (usually made from mixture of quartz and various metal oxides) to a metal base, and then firing both at a high temperature to fuse the glass residue to the piece of jewellery.
Care should always be taken when wearing, storing and cleaning enamel jewellery. Due to its fragile nature, the enamel in jewellery may crack, chip or break if it is dropped onto hard ground, knocked against a hard surface, or the jewellery is bent or warped out of shape through wear and tear.
We recommend that all our enamel jewellery pieces are stored in protective pouches and boxes to reduce the risk of the enamel being damaged by other jewellery.
Although enamel is highly resistant to colour-fading caused by the sun and UV, enamel colour can alter or fade over time if exposed to chemicals and cosmetics. We also strongly recommend removing enamel jewellery before showering, exercising, carrying out household chores or swimming; and cosmetics or perfumes should be applied in advance of wearing any enamel pieces.
Standard chemical jewellery cleaning products should not be used on enamel jewellery, and enamel pieces should never be placed in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner. Should you wish to clean your enamel jewellery we recommend using a very soft bristled toothbrush with gentle soap in warm water. Rinse well and ensure jewellery is completely dry by using a soft cloth.
Should your enamel jewellery become damaged and you’d like a quote for restoration, please enquire HERE.
♦ VERDIGRIS JEWELLERY ♦
Verdigris is created by treating base metals – such as brass – with a copper-based solution. The solution is applied to the metal surface, and then once the desired finish is achieved, the metal is sealed with a protective coat of lacquer to increase the durability of the green-blue finish.
The tone and texture of a verdigris piece can change over time. Certain environments or atmospheric conditions can cause these changes to happen more quickly than others. For that reason it is imperative that all verdigris jewellery is removed before washing hands, showering, swimming or carrying out household chores where the metal may come in contact with water or chemicals. We also recommend applying cosmetics and perfume in advance of wearing verdigris jewellery.
Care should also be taken not to drop, knock or bend Verdigris jewellery as collisions can cause the verdigris finish to chip, scratch or crack. We recommend verdigris jewellery to be stored in protective pouches and boxes to reduce the risk of it being knocked by other objects or other pieces of jewellery whilst not worn.
Please note that standard jewellery cleaning products should never be used on verdigris jewellery, nor should they ever be cleaned professionally using an ultrasonic cleaner. Should you wish to clean the surface of your verdigris jewellery we recommend using a soft cloth or duster to remove any residue. Pressure should not be applied.
Tessa Packard London is able to provide a professional cleaning service for all jewellery, as well as verdigris restoration. Please email [email protected] for further information.
♦ RESIN JEWELLERY ♦
Resin is one of our favourite materials to use in our fine jewellery designs. It is a form of liquid plastic that remains pourable until combined with a hardening solution. Resin is versatile, lightweight and can be set with any number of items and materials suspended within it. With its glass-like finish and myriad of possible colours, the use of resin is a modern means of creating visual impact at any scale without the hefty price tag.
As it is a plastic, resin is easily scratched by harder materials and over time can develop nicks to the surface. Whilst it won’t shatter if dropped, resin jewellery may chip or dent upon impact. It is best to remove resin jewellery before carrying out any activity that may subject it to knocks or abrasion.
Resin jewellery should not come into contact with high temperatures or chemicals and solvents, as these can cause the surface to melt, go cloudy or take on undesirable textures (such as puckering, stickiness or waves). Should you wish to clean your resin jewellery, regular wiping with a lint free cloth is great, or give it a gentle rinse with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. We do not recommend using a toothbrush as the bristles could cause very faint scratches on the surface of the resin.
♦ BRASS JEWELLERY ♦
Brass is a popular metal for jewellery as it is very lightweight and works well for larger pieces such as statement earrings and necklaces. Due to its low cost, brass has mostly been reserved for fashion jewellery, however, it is increasingly incorporated into fine jewellery, with designers looking to challenge conceptions of what really constitutes fine jewellery. We often use brass combined with other precious metals and gemstones to create striking jewellery that is playful and easy to wear, yet chic and long-lasting.
By its very composition, brass is subject to tarnishing and changing colour over time and with general wear. Chemicals from both the atmosphere and skin can cause brass to take on different tones over time, which Tessa Packard London believes adds charm and life to the jewellery.
Exposure to high temperatures will also cause the tone or colour of brass to alter. We recommend lightly rinsing brass jewellery with warm, soapy water and gently rubbing with a toothbrush (taking care to avoid brushing any other sensitive materials that may be in the piece (such as resin or softer gemstones if they are at risk of scratching). You can also use specialist jewellery cloths which are impregnated with a chemical solution that helps to remove tarnish (please always read instructions when using such products and take care if the jewellery item incorporates other metals too).
Always ensure that brass items are rinsed thoroughly with clean water and dried well before storing. It is advisable to keep brass jewellery in individual pouches or even sealed zip-lock bags to reduce the chance of scratches and also slow down the natural oxidisation process.
STORING & LOOKING AFTER JEWELLERY
Store all jewellery in a clean, dry place away from direct sun exposure and other atmospheric elements.
Do not store jewellery next to radiators, windowsills or in rooms with excess condensation, such as bathrooms or wet rooms.
Damp and hot conditions can cause precious metals to discolour, tarnish and erode as well as damage gemstones.
Silver in particular is susceptible to tarnishing; storing silver jewellery in individual, air-tight plastic bags can help reduce or prevent the effects of this.
Keep all jewellery in separate pouches, boxes or bags to prevent pieces rubbing and scratching against one another. Tessa Packard London always supplies pouches and boxes with any jewellery purchase, and we recommend using these whenever an item is not worn.
Store all beaded necklaces flat to prevent the thread or string stretching and becoming weak.
Skin and hair products such as body lotions, perfumes and creams can react adversely with jewellery causing precious metals to tarnish and/or erode. It is advisable to apply any cosmetic products in advance of putting on jewellery.
In order to minimise the chance of damage from knocks, scratches or sharp blows, it is advisable to remove all jewellery when partaking in any physical or labour-intensive activities. For this same reason, it is also advisable not to wear jewellery when asleep at night.
Jewellery should not be worn in the shower or bath, or when bathing in a hot tub, pool or in the sea. Chemicals such as chlorine can damage, discolour or erode precious metals and gemstones.
CLEANING JEWELLERY
Check jewellery regularly for signs of dirt, wear and tear.
Do not use abrasive cleaners on jewellery.
Gently rub gold or silver jewellery with a dry, clean, lint-free and soft cloth to maximise the metals’ lustre and shine.
Do not press hard when polishing gold-filled or gold-plated jewellery as this may cause damage to the surface of the piece.
Do not use rough paper towels or rough paper tissues to clean precious metals as they may also scratch the surface of the metal.
After each wear, it is recommended to wipe jewellery clean with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any make-up or natural skin oils.
Take extra care when cleaning jewellery containing gemstones or pearls as they are fragile and susceptible to damage.
Gold and gold-plated jewellery may be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Pieces must be rinsed thoroughly and dried well after cleaning.
Silver jewellery may be polished using a specialist silver polish. It is advisable to consult a professional for advice on which product to use, and how best to use it, as commercial silver polishes can damage certain gemstones, such as pearls, lapis lazuli and turquoise.
Do not get string threaded pearl or beaded jewellery wet – water may cause the string thread to weaken and break.
After wearing, clean natural pearls with a soft, dry cloth and store in breathable fabric pouches or tissue.
Always contact a local jeweller if at all unsure how to clean a piece of jewellery. It is especially advisable to obtain professional cleaning advice when dealing with antique jewellery or jewellery containing gemstones or pearls.
We are always happy to give out free advice on how to best clean your jewellery. Feel free to contact us at [email protected].
GEMSTONE SPECIFIC CARE AND CLEANING ADVICE
♦ AMBER ♦
Amber is an organic material that originates from fossilised tree resin created millions of years ago. It can contain fossilised insects and plants that were trapped within the sticky resin – a little piece of natural history!
Amber is a soft material and is often fashioned as cabochons, beads or carved shapes within jewellery. This softness means that great care needs to be taken when cleaning amber to avoid abrading the surface.
Amber does not like heat (it can start to melt at as little as 200°C and burns very easily, even from friction), so it is best to avoid extreme high temperatures and keep out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Always remove amber jewellery before carrying out any activity that may cause abrasion to the surface. Avoid contact with chemicals or solvents such as perfume, hairspray, make-up or nail varnish remover.
The best method to clean amber is using lukewarm plain water (no soap) and dry gently using a soft cloth. Never soak amber in chemical jewellery cleaner or use ultrasonic or steam cleaners as these could cause the surface to dull or whiten.
♦ AMETHYST ♦
This purple gemstone is from the quartz family and occurs in a variety of hues from very pale violet to highly saturated deep blueish-purple.
If heated to high enough temperatures amethyst can change to orange-coloured citrine or pale-green prasiolite (also known as ‘green amethyst’). As such, high temperatures should be avoided to retain the gemstone’s colour. Sudden changes in extreme temperature can also cause amethyst to fracture or break.
Amethyst jewellery should also be kept out of strong light (natural or artificial) for prolonged periods of time as this can cause the colour saturation to fade.
At home cleaning is safely done with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush, rinsing with clean water and drying with a soft cloth.
Unless an amethyst is very included with internal fissures and cracks, or if it is dyed or treated with fracture-filling, it is generally safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner. Due to the high temperatures, steam cleaning is never recommended.
♦ AQUAMARINE ♦
Although aquamarine comes from the same family as emerald (beryl family), it is a tougher gemstone. That said, it is recommended to avoid wearing aquamarine jewellery when partaking in any activity that may risk knocking or abrading the gemstone, such as sport or gardening, and it is advisable to remove such jewellery before washing up, bathing or swimming.
The best way to clean aquamarine jewellery at home is to clean the item in warm soapy water with a soft brush (an old soft bristled toothbrush works well), then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
It is safe to professionally clean aquamarine jewellery in an ultrasonic cleaner. Store in a pouch or box to protect from other jewellery.
♦ CITRINE ♦
A member of the quartz family, citrine occurs in a range of yellow and orange golden hues. Naturally occurring citrine is not common and most stones on the market are created from heat-treated amethysts.
Whilst being a relatively stable gemstone, citrine should not be exposed to sudden changes in temperature as this thermal shock can cause the stone to fracture and break. If citrine jewellery is exposed to intense light for prolonged periods of time its colour can also fade.
To clean at home use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush, rinsing with clean water and drying with a soft cloth. Unless the citrine is dyed or treated with fracture filling, ultrasonic cleaning should be safe. Do not use steam cleaning as the high temperatures can cause the stone to fracture or colour to alter.
♦ DIAMOND ♦
The diamond is the hardest known natural substance on Earth, and for that reason it makes it perfect for care-free everyday jewellery wear, as well as showstopper occasion jewellery.
Whilst diamonds can break if hit at the wrong angle (so it is best to avoid anything that may subject it to a sharp knock) it is otherwise a very stable stone, able to withstand relatively high temperatures and abrasion from other materials and gemstones.
Diamond gemstones tend to attract grease, so it is best to take off diamond items before applying lotions or soaps.
Cleaning diamond jewellery at home can be carried out by soaking the jewellery in warm (or not quite hot) soapy water for up to an hour, then scrubbing with a soft toothbrush, remembering to rinse well with clean water and pat dry.
All professional cleaning methods can be used for diamond jewellery (unless the stone is heavily fractured or has been subjected to lead-glass filling treatment).
It is best to store diamond jewellery in an individual pouch or box to both protect it from other diamond jewellery (a diamond can scratch another diamond) and to also protect other jewellery items from being scratched by it.
♦ EMERALD ♦
This beautiful green stone can be a fragile one. Emeralds often contains many inclusions caused by internal fissures (small cracks and fault-lines), and as such is very brittle. Even the slightest knock in the wrong place can cause an emerald to develop a deep crack or even break.
Emeralds are often shaped with truncated, cut corners rather than right-angled pointed corners to enable the strategic positioning of claws to add some protection to the stone from knocks. This style of cut has been used so frequently for emeralds that it has become widely known as the ‘emerald-cut’.
Emeralds are also often set within rub-over settings to give even greater protection to the edges of the stone and highly included emeralds can also be cabochon cut to spread the impact of knocks by reducing the number of stress points. Even with the most considered protective setting style, emeralds can still be easily fractured and as such should not be worn whilst doing any activity that risks the stone being knocked.
Emeralds are commonly treated with oil (a standard industry practice) to fill and reduce the appearance of fractures within the stone. Emeralds should not be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, due to both the risk of heat causing internal fissures to expand and fracture the stone and also the oil treatment being evaporated and thus spoiling the appearance of the emerald.
Emerald jewellery can be cleaned at home using very mild soapy water and dried with a soft cloth. It should never be left to soak in detergents or solvents. Always store emerald jewellery in a pouch or box to reduce the risk of the stone being scratched by other gemstones or metals.
♦ GARNET ♦
Garnets come in a variety of types and colours, some more hardwearing and durable than others.
Generally speaking, all garnet varieties (other than grassy-green demantoid garnet) are usually very durable and suitable for all types of jewellery.
To clean garnet, use mild soapy water and gently rub with a soft toothbrush or cloth, rinse thoroughly with plain water and dab dry.
It is not recommended to use steam cleaners, but ultrasonic is general safe as long as the stone does not contain fractures. Garnet is vulnerable to thermal shock (sudden extreme temperature variation) and heat, therefore it’s not suitable to be cleaned in a steam cleaner. It is best practice to store garnet jewellery in a pouch or box.
♦ IOLITE ♦
Whilst iolite is a relatively hard material, it is rather brittle and can break if hit. As such, it is advisable to remove any iolite jewellery before engaging in any activity that risks knocking the stone.
To clean iolite, use mild soapy water and gently rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush, rinse thoroughly with plain water and dab dry. It is not recommended to use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Also avoid extreme temperature variations as iolite is vulnerable to thermal shock fracture.
♦ JADE ♦
The term jade covers both jadeite and nephrite, two very similar looking stones but with very slight differences. Jadeite, the rarer and more valuable form of jade, has good hardness and is exceptionally tough and resistant to breaking, which with its varying tones and colours (from green to violet to orange and many colours in between) lends itself very well to carvings, as well as being cut as beads and cabochons.
Nephrite, the more common form of jade, occurs in fewer colours (mostly green and grey, occasionally in yellow, brown, white and black) and has a slightly more mottled appearance. Nephrite is also typically fashioned as cabochons and beads for jewellery, as well as ornamental carvings. Generally speaking all traditional Chinese jade (pre 18th Century) is nephrite, whereas jadeite most commonly originates from Burma (although other sources also exist around the world).
Jadeite is commonly rubbed with a light layer of wax to even out the surface texture and improve the stone’s lustre. However, this wax treatment is not permanent and may be repeated many times without causing damage to the stone.
Jadeite is also often treated (by use of heat, impregnation with resin, or dye or bleach) to alter both appearance of the stone’s colour and quality. These aforementioned treatments affect the value of the gemstone and should always be disclosed to the customer; waxing however is considered standard practice and is rarely noted. Nephrite is occasionally heat treated to artificially age its appearance.
With all types of Jade, it is best to avoid applying heat to jade jewellery, and ultrasonic and steam cleaners should not be used unless you are certain no treatments have been applied (untreated jadeite is usually referred to as ‘Type A’ jadeite). Neither should jade be exposed to warm chemicals, acids or solvents. If cleaning jade at home, warm soapy water and a soft cloth is the best method, always being sure that any suds have been rinsed with clean water.
♦ OPAL ♦
Precious opal, with its mesmerising play-of-colour is not particularly hardwearing. It is a relatively soft stone and not tough, easily picking up scratches and abrasions.
Opal jewellery requires a great deal of care to keep it in prime condition. You should always remove opal jewellery when doing anything that could cause abrasion, pressure or knocks and never wear opal items when playing sport, carrying out household chores or gardening.
Opal gemstones can be up to 20% water and as such it is important to avoid dehydration with opal jewellery. It is advisable to store opal-set items with a damp cotton ball or a small dish of water to maintain an ideal atmosphere (because if an opal becomes dehydrated it may start to crack and craze).
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is also not recommended. Opal’s porous nature means that it should not be exposed to chemicals, acids or detergents, and should always be removed before applying perfumes, hairspray or make up.
Never soak opals in jewellery cleaning dips or use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. At home cleaning should be done with mild soapy water and a very soft, micro-fibre cloth. Always ensure the stones are rinsed well to ensure all soap suds are rinsed away.
♦ PEARL ♦
Grown inside the shell of a mollusc, pearls are either natural or cultured and both types can occur in salt or fresh-water sources around the world.
Pearls are unique in that they need no cutting to reveal their beauty: they are fully-formed, ready-to-set gems. They are formed by many layers of lustrous ‘nacre’ which build up over time. Natural pearls form where there is possible damage to the mollusc by parasites, disease or predators which causes the mollusc to secrete the nacre. Cultured pearls are grown by inserting a nucleus (usually a piece of mantle tissue or a mother-of-pearl bead) from one mollusc into another.
Whilst both natural and cultured pearls have the same appearance, natural pearls command a much higher value due to their scarcity (caused by overfishing and changes to the natural ecosystems). Cultured pearls can be farmed in vast quantities and usually take two to three years to grow but lower-grade pearls can be as quick as 9 months.
Both natural and cultured pearls require the same care. They are very sensitive when it comes to chemicals, acids and detergents, and are even affected by soaps and cosmetics. Their nacre layers are very fine and can start to peel, powder and crack if exposed to any of the listed factors. Even acid secreted by human skin can cause the appearance of a pearl to change over time. Pearls should be kept away from heat, and ideally they should be stored in a hydrated environment. If storing for a long time, it is advisable to store alongside a damp piece of cotton wool and away from radiators or heat sources.
Use only water and cotton wool to clean pearls at home, and if strung as a necklace always lay them flat to reduce the chance of stretching the thread. It is also advisable to gently wipe cultured pearls with a soft, clean cloth after each wear to remove any oils that may have transferred from the skin.
They should not be placed in ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and never in jewellery dip solution, as these processes can cause the pearl to peel or dissolve.
♦ PERIDOT ♦
These green gemstones are not particularly hard and carry a risk of becoming scratched and abraded if due care is not taken.
Always remove peridot jewellery before carrying out any activity that risks the gemstone being knocked. Peridot is also vulnerable when it comes to chemicals, acids and detergents as well as cosmetics, hairspray and perfumes, so remember to remove peridot jewellery before applying any of these products. Even mildly-acid substances can cause harm to the surface of a peridot. Use mild, soapy water if cleaning at home and never place peridots in ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
♦ RUBY ♦
Rubies tend to be very stable gemstones, of equal hardness to sapphire and second only to diamond.
They are commonly heat-treated to enhance their colour, and this is a standard industry practice (it is safe to assume a ruby is heat treated unless told otherwise). Other methods can be employed to enhance a stone, and any such treatment (such as lead glass-filling or oil) should always be disclosed to the customer.
Unless very included with fractures and impurities, ruby jewellery is hardwearing and able to withstand a considerable amount of wear. That said, hit at the wrong angle and a ruby can still crack and break, so it is not indestructible, and care should still be taken when worn.
If you wish to clean ruby jewellery at home, soak in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes, then rub gently with a soft toothbrush, remembering to rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry fully with a soft cloth. Professional cleaning methods such as jewellery dips and ultrasonic and steam cleaners are also safe to use (provided the stone is not heavily fractured or treated with lead-glass filling).
Whilst it is a durable gemstone, we always recommend storing ruby jewellery in a box or pouch.
♦ SAPPHIRE ♦
As hardwearing and stable as ruby, the sapphire gemstone is an ideal choice for everyday jewellery. Sapphires can be heat-treated to enhance their colour (again, standard industry practice) and are sometimes glass-filled.
Unless very included with fractures and impurities, sapphire jewellery is hardwearing and able to withstand a considerable amount of wear and tear. That said, hit at the wrong angle (or by a harder gemstone) and a sapphire can still scratch, crack and break, so it is not indestructible, and care should still be taken when worn.
Cleaning sapphire jewellery at home is easily carried out by soaking it in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes, then rubbing gently with a soft toothbrush, remembering to rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry fully with a soft cloth. Professional cleaning methods such as jewellery dips and ultrasonic and steam cleaners are all safe to use (provided the stone is not heavily fractured or treated with glass filling).
♦ TANZANITE ♦
Only discovered in 1967, tanzanite is a very ‘new’ gemstone when it comes to jewellery. Occurring in blue to violet hues, tanzanite is seen as an alternative option to sapphire, however it is less durable than sapphire and so is more suited to occasion jewellery rather than everyday wear.
Tanzanite is easily scratched or abraded and has low toughness so should be removed before carrying out any activity that may risk knocking it. Never place tanzanite in ultrasonic or steam cleaners as the heat can cause the gemstone to fracture.
♦ TOPAZ ♦
Occurring in a rainbow of colours, topaz is a versatile stone when it comes to colour choice. However, it has what is known as ‘perfect cleavage’ meaning that if hit or knocked at the wrong angle or exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations it can very easily break or split, so care must be taken when handing and setting topaz jewellery.
Much topaz on the market is treated by means of heating, irradiating or coating, to enhance or alter the colour. Leaving topaz jewellery in strong light for prolonged periods can cause the colour to fade.
It is relatively tough and resistant to scratches, but due to it being easy to break, topaz jewellery should always be removed before carrying out any activity that risks knocking the stone. Clean at home using warm, soapy water and a toothbrush. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners. If a topaz is treated by coating, this coloured layer is not very durable and abrasive cleaners or compounds can cause the colour to be removed.
♦ TOURMALINE ♦
A truly versatile gemstone, tourmaline occurs in a whole spectrum of colours, hues and tones, and can even be bi- or tri-coloured. Some colours even have their own commercially recognised names: Rubellite is a ruby-red, Indicolite is a deep indigo blue, Paraiba is an electric neon blue or green, and Watermelon tourmaline is bi-coloured pink and green. T
ourmaline’s versatility means it is regularly cut as faceted, carved or cabochon gemstones and beads, and as such is a perfect candidate for all types of jewellery. This stone attracts dust very easily, so tourmaline jewellery needs regular cleaning to stop atmospheric deposits building up.
Tourmaline is generally stable when it comes to exposure to light and chemicals, however high heat can alter the stone’s colour and sudden changes in temperature can cause tourmalines to fracture. Due to the sensitivity to heat, ultrasonic and steam cleaners should not be used. Instead, clean tourmaline jewellery with warm, soapy water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Regular wiping with a lint-free cloth after wearing will also help to reduce dust build up.
♦ LAPIS LAZULI ♦
Lapis lazuli is a grainy gemstone and often has a mottled appearance due to its composition (it is made up of many blue minerals). Generally, lapis lazuli is cut as cabochons or beads to display the golden pyrite flecks.
Much of the commercial lapis lazuli on the market has had some sort of treatment to enhance the blue colour and stone’s lustre, either by use of dye, oil or wax. Each of these treatments are easily removed if rubbed with chemicals, solvents or exposed to heat.
When cleaning at home, always do a patch test first, as even warm, soapy water (which is relatively safe) may cause some dye treatment to run.
REPAIRS AND RECONDITIONING SERVICE
Over time, due to natural wear and tear, items of jewellery may need to be professionally polished, repaired, re-plated, re-conditioned, or re-set.
Tessa Packard London is happy to help with any reconditioning requests. Please email [email protected] for a quote.
PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND
SELVYT Cloth
A specialist jewellery soft polishing cloth. This is not impregnated with any polish or cleaner and is suitable for all jewellery and gemstones.
TOWN TALK Silver Cloth
A cotton cloth specially produced for cleaning silver. It is impregnated with a cleaning and anti-tarnish agent. We advise against using it to clean gold-plated jewellery.
TOWN TALK Gold Polishing Cloth
A cotton cloth specifically produced for revitalising gold jewellery (also suitable for platinum jewellery and silver items). It is impregnated with cleaning and polishing agents so not suitable for vermeil or plated jewellery.
MEMBRANE storage box
These innovative storage boxes have two membrane layers between which jewellery can be suspended to enable extremely safe and secure storage of jewellery items. The membrane hugs around the jewellery almost like a vacuum seal. Tessa Packard London carries a small stock of these boxes, so please enquire here for availability and prices.
