Kirsty Bridgewater Jewellery is handcrafted and requires proper care and attention. Air pollutants, dust, perspiration, perfumes and other natural elements can dull the appearance of gemstones or precious metals. The recommendations below will help you to preserve them in their original condition. 

Ensure that you remove your jewellery when washing your hands and putting on lotion, perfume or face cream. The particles present in these cosmetics, which are not eliminated by rapid rinsing, may become lodged in cavities and form a corrosive blend of materials that in the long term may lead to premature discoloration of the metal and skin irritation. 

Products containing mercury, such as mercurochrome, cause irreversible damage to gold. 

Take your regular activities into account when choosing your jewellery. Avoid wearing them on the beach, at the swimming pool, working out, or to play sports so as to avoid knocks, scratches and damage to the stones. Wearing your jewellery should also be avoided when doing housework or gardening. 

Diamonds can break, crack, and chip. Diamonds grow and crystallize with cleavage lines. If struck at the right angle and the right amount of impact, diamonds can actually separate. Cleavage lines are the diamonds weak spots. diamonds are cut and shaped following these lines. 

Diamonds can chip at the edges. The edges are the weakest part of the Diamond. A good strike at the right angle can take a section of the girdle away. Sometimes a good hard strike can fracture your diamond and turn it into pieces of cloudy sections. 

We suggest the following At Home cleaning instructions: 

Cleaning Gold Jewellery- To clean gold jewellery dilute dish detergent in a small bowl of warm water and soak each piece for a 3-5 mins. Gently clean your item by using a soft bristle toothbrush. To ensure you removed all the diluted dish soap, rinse your jewellery under warm running water, and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be sure to dry your jewellery completely before wearing again. 

Cleaning Silver Jewellery - Sterling silver tarnishes in the presence of common everyday items that contain sulfur, such as leather, rubber, chlorine, and perspiration. Other elements to be mindful of are air pollutants and salt water. Use a clean, cotton cloth and mild dish detergent diluted in water. Apply the diluted dish detergent to the clean cotton cloth and rub the piece in one direction. Try to avoid circular motions. We do not recommend silver polish or dip style cleaning solutions. When not in use, store your jewelry in the pouch you received when purchased. 

To remove heavier tarnish, wash your silver jewellery with warm water and mild soap. Never use anything but a clean, nub-free cotton or flannel cloth.  

We advise against using an ultrasonic cleaner, steamer or other "at home" jewelry cleaning chemicals (including bleach, ammonia, and baking soda) on gemstones. They should only be cleaned with diluted mild dish soap and warm water (see above for clean instructions). 

Additionally, jewellery should be professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. Just like a fine car, periodic inspection and maintenance of jewellery helps prevent costly repairs or replacements. Personally inspect your jewellery as you wear it by looking for loose or chipped stones, worn metal, or malfunctioning clasps.