Jewelry maintenance – worn with love, kept with care
“I wear my jewellery all the time.”
A phrase I hear regularly in my studio. And understandably so – you want to keep a precious piece of jewelry close to you, day after day. Especially when it has a story or memory attached to it.
So let me preface: jewellery is there to be worn. They may live, get a scratch, endure something. But with attention, love and occasional proper care. Because proper maintenance of jewellery significantly extends its life.
Just as you don’t take a beautiful bag out in the pouring rain or have leather shoes polished and protected from time to time, the same goes for jewellery: regular maintenance really does make a difference. Do you have a piece of jewelry that deserves extra attention? Please feel free to contact me – I am happy to look at them in the studio.
Tip from this goldsmith: for example, do not go gardening with a pearl ring on your hand….
The right stone in the right place
When I design a piece of jewelry, I always look at its use.
- Is it a ring that is worn daily?
- Or is my client willing to take them off while sleeping, doing chores or gardening?
- Is it a pendant worn occasionally on a special occasion?
- Or perhaps a bracelet that is worn often and that you move around a lot?
Every situation calls for different choices when it comes to gems and pearls. Some gemstones are hard and resistant to daily use, such as sapphire or tourmaline. Others – such as moonstone or opal – are actually softer and more sensitive to knocks or scratches.
In professional terms, we look at the Mohs scale, a scale from 1 to 10 that indicates how hard (and thus how durable) a gemstone is. Diamond scores a 10, sapphire a 9, and moonstone is around 6.
For rings, which have to endure a lot, I therefore recommend gemstones from the harder segment. Pearls or softer stones are beautiful – but perhaps better suited for earrings or a pendant. Or for a ring that you deliberately take off when you know it’s going to take some beating.
Be well advised. I like to think with you about which stone best suits your jewelry and how you wear it. You will soon read more about the differences in hardness and properties on the page on gemstones and pearls.
Those who like jewellery with harder gemstones may also want to check out the Elevance collection – a line that combines color, sophistication and comfort to wear.
Annual checkup: prevention rather than cure
A well-made piece of jewelry will last for years – but that doesn’t mean nothing ever wears out. A setting (the rim or legs that hold a gemstone) can thin or even bend over time. Clasps of a necklace or bracelet are prone to wear, especially with daily use. And gemstones or pearls can become dull from skin grease, soap scum or other daily “life.
What many people do not know is that it is very normal – and even advisable – to have your jewellery checked annually. Just as you have a car serviced, or a chain on your bicycle tightened once, a treasured jewellery also deserves a little attention from time to time.
A little check really makes all the difference. Just checking the legs, checking the clasp, cleaning the gemstones and maybe having the ring polished or matted nicely again. This does not have to be a major operation – but it can save you a lot of suffering. Because often it is not noticeable until it is actually too late.
Emotion deserves attention
Many of the jewellery pieces I make or rework carry a story. A memory of a loved one, a new phase of life, a promise or a grateful moment.
And that is precisely why it is important to take good care of it. A piece of jewelry is allowed to live, but it is also allowed to be cared for from time to time. Just as you cherish your story, it is nice if you also treat the jewelry itself with love.
Are you curious if your ring is still properly set? Would you like advice on gemstones or pearls? Or do you want to give your jewellery a little apk? You are welcome to visit my studio in Beltrum.
Simply make an appointment via the contact page. I like to look with you, think with you – and tell you what the jewellery needs to be worn for many years to come.
Love,
Sarah