Jewellery Care

Table of Contents

    From everyday essentials to meaningful keepsakes, a little extra care can make all the difference in preserving their beauty and shine.

    Whether you've chosen sterling silver, gold vermeil, solid gold, or diamonds and gemstones, we've put together a few simple tips to help you keep your jewellery looking its best.

    How Do I Clean My Jewellery and How Often?

    Even the most carefully worn jewellery can collect natural oils, lotions, and everyday buildup.

    We recommend gently wiping your jewellery with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after each wear to help maintain its shine.

    For a deeper clean, the best method depends on the material and gemstones in your piece.

    • Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver: Gently wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. For additional cleaning, use lukewarm water and mild soap when suitable for the entire piece. Avoid silver polishing cloths and harsh jewellery cleaners that may damage the rhodium finish.

    • Gold Vermeil: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and residue. Avoid abrasive polishing cloths, chemical jewellery cleaners, and excessive moisture to help preserve the gold layer.

    • 10K & 14K Solid Gold: Clean occasionally with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush, provided the gemstones and settings are suitable. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Gently clean with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove buildup and restore sparkle. Use a soft brush only when appropriate for the metal and setting.

    • Natural Gemstones: Cleaning requirements vary by gemstone. Some stones are sensitive to water, heat, and cleaning solutions, so always follow the care instructions for your specific piece.

    For most jewellery, a gentle wipe after wearing and occasional cleaning when buildup becomes noticeable is all that's needed.

    Can My Jewellery Get Wet?

    While occasional contact with water may not immediately damage your jewellery, we recommend keeping your pieces as dry as possible.

    Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver: Rhodium helps protect against tarnishing, but frequent water exposure may gradually affect the finish.

    Gold Vermeil: Repeated exposure to water, soap, and moisture can accelerate wear of the gold plating.

    Solid Gold: More resistant to everyday moisture, but chlorine, saltwater, and harsh chemicals can still affect the metal or gemstones.

    Gemstones: Some natural gemstones are porous or sensitive to moisture and should not be submerged in water.

    We recommend removing jewellery before showering, swimming, bathing, or entering hot tubs.

    If your jewellery accidentally gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth before storing.

    Will My Jewellery Tarnish?

    Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction that can occur when certain metals are exposed to air, moisture, and environmental elements.

    How your jewellery responds depends on the material and how frequently it's worn.

    Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver

    All Keira James sterling silver jewellery is finished with rhodium plating, which helps protect the underlying silver from tarnishing while providing a brilliant, polished appearance.

    Over time, the rhodium finish may gradually wear, particularly on frequently worn pieces.

    Gold Vermeil

    Gold vermeil features a layer of gold over sterling silver. While the gold finish helps protect the silver underneath, gradual plating wear may occur with regular use.

    Solid Gold

    10K and 14K solid gold are highly resistant to tarnishing but may develop surface dullness or discolouration from exposure to certain chemicals and environmental conditions.

    Proper cleaning and storage can help preserve the appearance of all your favourite pieces.

    How Should I Store My Jewellery?

    Good storage makes all the difference.

    Properly storing your jewellery helps prevent scratches, tangles, tarnishing, and unnecessary wear.

    • Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box.

    • Keep jewellery in a cool, dry place away from excess humidity.

    • Avoid storing jewellery in bathrooms, where moisture levels fluctuate.

    • Fasten necklace and bracelet clasps before storing to help prevent tangling.

    • Keep delicate chains laid flat or hanging separately.

    • Use anti-tarnish pouches for sterling silver when possible.

    • Store diamonds separately, as they can scratch other gemstones and jewellery.

    We recommend keeping your pieces in their original Keira James packaging or a suitable jewellery storage box when not in use.

    How Can I Prevent Tangled Chains?

    Delicate chains are beautiful, but they can become tangled if not stored or handled carefully.

    A few simple habits can help prevent knots and breakage:

    • Fasten the clasp before storing your necklace.

    • Store necklaces individually rather than together.

    • Hang chains separately or lay them flat in a jewellery organizer.

    • Avoid placing multiple loose chains in the same pouch.

    • When travelling, use a jewellery case with individual necklace compartments.

    Already have a tangle?

    Place your necklace on a clean, flat surface with good lighting.

    Gently loosen the knot using your fingertips or a fine, blunt-tipped tool, working slowly to avoid pulling or stretching the chain.

    Never force a knot apart, as delicate links can easily bend or break.

    For particularly fine or tightly tangled chains, we recommend seeking professional assistance.

    Summer Jewellery Care Tips

    Sunshine, swimming, and a little extra care.

    Summer adventures can be especially hard on jewellery due to increased exposure to heat, sunscreen, perspiration, chlorine, and saltwater.

    To keep your jewellery looking beautiful throughout the season:

    • Remove jewellery before swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean.

    • Avoid exposing your pieces to sunscreen, insect repellent, and tanning products.

    • Wipe jewellery gently after wearing to remove sweat and oils.

    • Keep jewellery out of direct sunlight and extreme heat when storing.

    • Avoid wearing delicate pieces during outdoor sports or activities.

    • Store jewellery in a dry, protective pouch when travelling.

    Chlorine and saltwater can be particularly damaging to certain metals, finishes, and gemstones, so we recommend leaving your favourite pieces somewhere safe before heading into the water.

    Everyday Jewellery Care

    Last on, first off.

    One of the easiest ways to protect your jewellery is to make it the finishing touch to your routine.

    Put your jewellery on after applying perfumes, lotions, makeup, and other beauty products, and remove it before showering, exercising, or going to bed.

    A few simple habits can make a big difference:

    • Avoid direct contact with household cleaners and harsh chemicals.

    • Remove jewellery before activities that may cause impact or friction.

    • Gently wipe pieces after wearing.

    • Store jewellery separately to prevent scratching.

    • Check clasps, chains, and stone settings periodically for signs of wear.

    A Note About Our Warranty

    We stand behind the quality and craftsmanship of every Keira James piece.

    Eligible jewellery is covered by our one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects from the original date of purchase.

    Normal wear and tear, tarnishing, gradual plating wear, and accidental damage are not covered under our standard warranty, subject to applicable consumer protection laws.

    For more information, please visit our Warranty Policy.

    Need a Little Help?

    Not sure how to clean a favourite necklace or care for a special gemstone?

    Our Customer Care team is always happy to offer guidance and help you keep your jewellery looking its best.

    Because your favourite pieces deserve to shine for years to come.