JEWELLERY CARE GUIDE
Some TLC for Your Heirlooms
All Semai Gold jewellery is hand -crafted to withstand lifetimes of wear, however all jewellery deserves some care.
Day to day care
Try to avoid harsh chemicals coming into contact with your jewellery. Please do not wear anything when handling strong/medical grade chemicals and/or detergents.
Your jewellery should be the last thing you put on when getting ready. Avoid putting on lotions and general cosmetics while wearing your jewellery.
Store your jewellery separately if you can so as to avoid scratching and oxidising.
Solid Gold & Silver Pieces
While solid gold and sterling silver are precious metals designed to be treasured for years to come, they still deserve a little care. Precious metals are naturally soft and can scratch, dent or change shape if subjected to hard knocks or pressure, so we recommend removing your jewellery before going to the gym, exercising, carrying out manual work or taking part in any activity where it may experience impact. It is also best to protect your pieces from harsh chemicals, chlorine, cleaning products and prolonged exposure to cosmetics.
As jewellery is worn close to the skin, natural oils, perspiration and individual skin chemistry can also affect the appearance of the metal over time, and some people may experience sensitivity from prolonged wear. Giving your jewellery an occasional rest — rather than wearing it 24/7 — and gently cleaning and storing it between wears will help keep your special pieces looking beautiful for many years to come.
Gold Vermeil Pieces
Gold vermeil is created by applying a thick 3 micron layer of gold over sterling silver, so a little extra care will help preserve its colour and finish over time. We recommend removing your jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping, and avoiding direct contact with perfume, lotions, oils, household chemicals and chlorine. After wearing, gently wipe your piece with a soft, dry cloth and store it separately in a dry jewellery pouch or box to minimise scratching, tarnishing and natural wear to the gold surface.
As with all plated jewellery, the gold layer may gradually soften or wear with regular use. This is a natural part of the life of a vermeil piece and can be reduced by following the care guidance above.
Semai Gold offers ONE FREE re-plating after purchase, after which, it will be £40 per plating service.
Life-long Care
Fine jewellery is designed to be worn and enjoyed for many years, but regular care will help preserve its condition, security and finish over time.
Annual Ring Check-Ups
For engagement rings, wedding rings and other stone-set pieces, I recommend an annual professional inspection. This allows us to check all stones are secure, assess the settings for signs of wear and identify any damage that may not be immediately visible.
Regular inspections can help prevent the loss of a stone and ensure your jewellery remains in the best possible condition.
Jewellery Insurance
For valuable or sentimental pieces, particularly engagement and wedding rings, I strongly recommend arranging specialist jewellery insurance.
Appropriate cover can help protect your jewellery in the event of accidental damage, loss or theft. It is also worth reviewing your policy periodically to ensure the insured value remains accurate.
How to Clean Your Jewellery
A little regular care will help keep your jewellery looking its best. Fine jewellery is designed to be worn, so some signs of wear are completely natural, but gentle cleaning at home can make a noticeable difference.
At-Home Cleaning
For a simple refresh, fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid. Allow your jewellery to soak for a few minutes before gently cleaning it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Pay particular attention to the inside of rings, underneath settings and around stones, where everyday oils, lotions and residue can collect.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, making sure the plug is securely in place, and dry carefully with a soft cloth. You can then finish with a jewellery polishing cloth suitable for your metal.
You can repeat this as often as needed — around once a month is a good guide for pieces worn regularly.
Professional Deep Cleaning
Scratches, small marks and changes to the surface finish are a natural part of wearing fine jewellery.
If you would like to restore your piece, I recommend a professional workshop clean and polish no more than once a year. This allows the jewellery to be thoroughly cleaned and its finish refreshed without unnecessarily removing metal through repeated polishing.
Semai Gold workshop cleaning and polishing services start from £40. Alternatively, you can take your piece to a trusted local jeweller.
Avoid Home Ultrasonic Cleaners
I do not recommend using domestic ultrasonic cleaners, particularly for jewellery set with emeralds or other delicate gemstones.
Ultrasonic vibrations can be unsuitable for certain stones and, depending on the condition of the piece, may also aggravate an already weakened setting.
For regular maintenance, the gentle at-home method above is the safest option. More intensive ultrasonic cleaning is best left to a professional jeweller, who can inspect the piece beforehand and determine whether it is appropriate for the stones and setting.