Jewellery Care Tips from Our Inhouse Goldsmith

Stephen Alan's Jewellers - The Jewellery Blog

Jewellery isn’t just something you wear, it’s part of your story. Whether it’s a diamond engagement ring, a string of pearls, or a pair of everyday earrings, these pieces often carry huge sentimental value. That’s why looking after them properly is so important.

At Stephen Alan’s Jewellers, our in-house goldsmith Dean Quy spends his days creating and restoring jewellery. Here are some of his top tips to help you care for your treasures at home, and keep them looking their best for years to come.

What’s Included in this guide:

• How to safely clean your diamond ring at home without damaging it

• The best way to store your pearls so they keep their natural glow

• Simple habits for keeping your watch in top condition

• Dean’s golden rules for general jewellery care that applies to every piece you own

Whether it’s a treasured heirloom or a modern piece you wear every day, these tips will help you keep your jewellery shining for years to come.

How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home

Diamonds might be one of the hardest natural materials on earth, but that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Everyday products like hand cream, soap, even natural oils from your skin can build up and dim their sparkle. Luckily, cleaning your diamond ring at home is easy if you follow these simple steps:

• Mix a solution of tepid water and a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.

• Soak your ring for around 20 minutes to loosen dirt and residue.

• Use a soft toothbrush (baby’s is best) to gently scrub the diamond and setting, focusing on small crevices.

• Rinse thoroughly under clean room temperature water and dry with a lint-free cloth

  
  

Dean suggests a gentle home clean once a month, with a professional clean once a year to keep that “just bought” sparkle. Also get the setting checked every 6 months to avoid costly repairs.

How to Store Your Pearls Safely

Pearls are known for their enduring style, but also their delicacy. Unlike diamonds, they’re soft and porous, which means they can scratch, dry out, or lose their lustre if not looked after properly. Dean’s advice is to treat pearls as the delicate treasures they are:

• Store them separately from harder gemstones and metals to avoid scratches.

• Keep them in a soft pouch or lined box rather than loose in a drawer.

• Wipe them gently after wearing to remove oils, perfume, or makeup residue.

• Lay necklaces flat rather than hanging them, as this prevents the silk thread stretching.

Dean says: Pearls actually need moisture, so don’t seal them away in airtight plastic bags. Every 3/6 months wear them sitting around or going for a walk and they will naturally absorb the oil from your skin, therefore prolong their lustre.

Remember the golden rule – NEVER spray perfume on when you’re wearing pearls. Your pearls should be the last thing you put on – so perfume, then pearls.

Caring for Your Watch at Home

A watch is more than just a way to tell the time, it’s a piece of craftsmanship, often with both financial and sentimental value. Whether you wear it daily or keep it for special occasions, a few simple habits will keep it looking sharp and running smoothly:

• Clean it regularly using a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust, sweat, and oils. For metal straps, use a soft toothbrush to gently work out dirt between the links.

• Avoid moisture where possible unless your watch is specifically water-resistant. Even then, Dean advises against exposing it to hot showers, saunas, or chlorinated pools.

• Store it safely in a watch box or pouch when not in use. Keeping it flat and away from humidity helps prevent unnecessary wear.

• Keep up with servicing — most watches benefit from a professional service every 3–5 years to ensure the movement stays accurate and the seals remain watertight.

By treating your watch with the same care as your jewellery, you’ll extend its life and keep it in top condition, ready to pass down or enjoy for decades.

General Jewellery Care Tips

While diamonds, pearls, and watches have their own quirks, there are some golden rules that apply to almost every piece of jewellery. Building these habits into your routine can make a huge difference to how long your jewellery lasts and how good it looks.

✔️Check Your Jewellery Regularly

Loose stones, worn clasps, or bent claws can all spell trouble. A quick inspection every so often can save you from the heartbreak of losing a precious gem or having a piece break when you least expect it.

✔️Take Jewellery Off for Everyday Tasks

It might be tempting to keep your rings or bracelets on all the time, but activities like cleaning, gardening, or swimming can cause serious damage. Chemicals such as chlorine are particularly harsh on metals and stones, and heavy work can bend or scratch delicate pieces.

✔️Avoid Storing Jewellery in Bathrooms

Bathrooms are humid places, and fluctuating moisture and temperature can tarnish metals and dull gemstones over time. Instead, keep jewellery in a cool, dry place, ideally in a proper lined box or pouch.

✔️Book a Professional Check-Up

Just like your car, jewellery benefits from an annual service. A professional clean and polish, along with a check of settings and clasps, can help your favourite pieces stay secure, sparkling, and ready to wear.

Think of this yearly check as an MOT for your jewellery – a little care and attention now can make sure your treasures last a lifetime.

Expert Help, Right Here in Leighton Buzzard

Looking after your jewellery at home goes a long way, but nothing replaces the expertise of a skilled goldsmith. At Stephen Alan’s Jewellers, Dean Quy can clean, polish, and restore your pieces, making sure they stay as beautiful and secure as the day you first wore them.

Book an appointment with us today and let Dean help you protect your treasures for years to come.