CARING FOR YOUR L'ATELIER 73 JEWELLERY: THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Proper jewellery care is essential to preserve the beauty, quality and longevity of your pieces. Over time, exposure to everyday elements like moisture, chemicals and physical wear can cause tarnishing, scratches, or even damage. By following our simple tips, you can keep your pieces looking great and ensure they last.
CARING FOR YOUR GOLD PLATED JEWELLERY
Gold-plated pieces offer the look of solid gold at a more affordable price, but the thin layer of gold can wear down over time. With a little care and gentle handling, you can keep your jewellery looking shiny, bright, and beautiful for longer.
1. AVOID MOISTURE AND CHEMICALS
Exposure to water, perfumes, lotions, and household chemicals can cause fading or tarnishing. Always remove your gold-plated jewellery before applying cosmetics, washing hands, or using cleaning products to protect the delicate outer layer from damage or dullness.
2. REMOVE DURING DAILY ACTIVITES
Always take off your jewellery before showering, swimming, sleeping, or exercising. Excess moisture and sweat can cause discolouration and reduce the life of the plating, so it’s best to keep it dry and clean whenever possible.
3. CLEAN AND STORE PROPERLY
After each wear, gently wipe your jewellery with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and residue. Never use harsh cleaners or abrasives. Store separately in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to prevent scratches and preserve its shine.
STERLING SILVER & RHODIUM-PLATED JEWELLERY
Sterling silver (marked 925) and rhodium-plated items are strong and beautiful metals, but they are prone to tarnishing when exposed to air, moisture, or chemicals. Regular, gentle cleaning helps keep your pieces bright and prevents long-term dullness or discolouration.
1. CLEAN WITH SOAP AND WATER
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak your silver jewellery for 5–10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly in clean water and dry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth to restore its shine
2. USE BAKING SODA PASTE FOR TARNISH
For more stubborn tarnish, make a paste with two parts baking soda and one part water. Gently rub it onto the jewellery with a soft cloth or sponge, rinse well, and dry fully. Avoid excessive rubbing or pressure that could scratch the surface.
3. POLISH AND STORE WITH CARE
Use a special silver polishing cloth for regular maintenance. Avoid paper towels or tissues, which can cause micro-scratches. Store in an airtight container or anti-tarnish pouch, away from humidity, perfume, and lotions to reduce exposure and prevent oxidation.
PEARLS, CRYSTALS & STONES JEWELLERY CARE
Delicate materials such as pearls, cubic zirconias, imitation stones, and crystals require a gentle touch to maintain their natural beauty. These elements are sensitive to heat, chemicals, and rough surfaces, so proper handling and storage are key to keeping them pristine.
1. CARING FOR PEARL (FRESHWATER & IMITATION)
Wipe your pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each use to remove body oils and dirt. Avoid contact with perfumes, hairsprays, and cosmetics, as these can damage their luster. Store flat in a soft pouch—never in plastic, which can emit chemicals and cause damage.
2. LOOKING AFTER CUBIC ZIRCONIA (CZ)
Clean your CZ jewellery with warm water and mild soap, using a soft brush to gently reach behind the stones. Avoid ultrasonic machines or abrasive cleaners that may loosen settings or scratch the surface. Store pieces separately to prevent damage or dullness.
3. PROTECTING CRYSTALS AND STONES
Artificial crystals (like glass or acrylic) should be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth. Never soak them. Keep away from heat, perfume, or strong cleaners that could fade or cloud their finish. Store carefully in individual pouches to avoid scratches or chips.
NATURAL STONE & ENAMEL JEWELLERY CARE
Natural stones like turquoise, amethyst, and lapis lazuli—as well as colourful enamel coatings—add personality and colour to your jewellery. These materials are beautiful but sensitive to chemicals, heat, and impact, so they need extra care to maintain their quality.
1. CARING FOR NATURAL STONES
Natural stones are often porous and can absorb chemicals, causing staining or cracking. Wipe gently with a damp cloth after each wear to remove oils. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh abrasives, sunlight, and heat, which can fade colour or cause internal fractures.
2. CARING FOR ENAMEL JEWELLERY
Enamel is a glass or resin coating that can chip or crack if knocked or dropped. Clean gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth—never soak or use harsh chemicals. Avoid extreme temperature changes that may cause the enamel to expand and crack.
3. EXTRA TIPS FOR PROTECTION
Always remove both enamel and natural stone jewellery before cleaning, swimming, or exercising. Store wrapped in soft fabric and keep away from hard surfaces. Separate from other jewellery to avoid scratches, and never use chemical jewellery dips or rough polishing methods.
TITANIUM, COPPER & MIXED MATERIAL JEWELLERY
Jewellery made from titanium, copper, and fabric-based materials like rope or leather offers a modern edge, but each material reacts differently to wear. With careful cleaning and correct storage, you can enjoy these unique textures and finishes for years.
1. CARING FOR TITANIUM STEEL
Though very durable and resistant to tarnish, titanium and surgical steel benefit from regular cleaning. Wipe with a soft, damp cloth to remove fingerprints or build-up, and for deeper cleaning, use warm soapy water. Always dry completely to avoid water spots.
2. CARING FOR COOPER JEWELLERY
Copper naturally oxidises, which can lead to greenish discolouration over time. Clean using a baking soda and lemon juice paste or a specialist copper polish. Rinse thoroughly and dry well. To slow oxidation, store in an airtight bag and avoid water or sweat.
3. CARING FOR WOVEN OR ROPE ELEMENTS
Woven cords, leather, or fabric can stain, stretch, or break down if not cared for properly. Keep them dry and avoid perfumes or lotions. Spot clean with a damp cloth only—never soak. Store flat in a cool, dry space to prevent tangling or mildew.
How should I store my jewellery at home?
Proper storage is key to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your jewellery. Follow these tips to prevent tarnishing, scratches, and damage.
Keep your jewellery away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight, all of which can accelerate tarnishing and degrade materials. Avoid storing pieces in bathrooms or damp spaces.
Each piece should be stored in a soft pouch, your L’Atelier 73 box, or wrapped in anti-tarnish cloth. Add anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets to drawers or boxes for added protection against moisture and oxidation.
To avoid tangling and scratches, store items individually. Use divided compartments in your jewellery box or separate fabric pouches for each piece, especially those with delicate stones or chains.
Avoid stacking or coiling delicate items, which can cause kinks or breakage. Lay fine chains flat or use a dedicated jewellery organiser that allows you to hang them without tension.
Always wipe your jewellery with a soft polishing cloth after wear to remove sweat, oil, or product residue. Clean, dry pieces are less likely to tarnish and stay looking fresh for longer.
What’s the best way to store jewellery while travelling?
Travelling with jewellery can be risky without the right organisation. These simple tips will help keep your pieces safe, tangle-free, and ready to wear wherever you go.
Choose a compact, structured case with padded compartments, ring rolls, necklace hooks, and earring holders. It keeps everything in place and protects delicate items from knocks and scratches in transit.
Prevent tangling and scratching by storing each item in its own pouch or section. Soft cloth pouches, ziplock bags, or built-in dividers are great for keeping jewellery neat and protected on the move.
Wrap fragile pieces—like pearls, enamel, or fine chains—in soft fabric or tissue paper. For extra safety, use a pill organiser or a padded glasses case to prevent impact or bending during travel.
Bring only what you need: versatile, mix-and-match items you’ll actually wear. Avoid taking valuable or sentimental pieces that could be lost, damaged, or stolen on the journey.
Always store your jewellery in your hand luggage, never in checked bags. This helps prevent loss and allows you to keep an eye on your valuables throughout your journey.
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