Baroque Rocks’ General Jewellery Care Guide
Written by Baroque Rocks
At Baroque Rocks, we are often asked how best to protect gold jewellery, gemstones and vintage bejewelled treasures from damage. Proper jewellery care ensures your pieces remain beautiful for decades to come. Whether you wear contemporary jewellery or collectible vintage jewellery, a few simple habits will help protect precious metals and gemstones.
Check Your Jewellery Before Wearing It
When putting on your jewellery, take a moment to admire your pieces — and while marvelling at their beauty, check that clasps, joins and gemstone settings are secure. A quick inspection can prevent the heartbreak of losing a precious stone.
The Golden Rule of Jewellery Care
A well-known rule in jewellery care is that jewellery should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. Always allow perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and lotions to dry before putting on your jewels. The chemicals in these products can tarnish metals and damage delicate gemstones.
Avoid Jewellery Damage from Layering
Layering jewellery can look wonderfully glamorous — almost Christmas tree levels of sparkle — but it should be done carefully. Gemstones, even diamonds, can scratch other stones, so avoid wearing multiple pieces that constantly rub together.
When to Remove Jewellery
Certain activities expose jewellery to knocks, scratches or chemicals and it is best to remove it beforehand.
Cleaning and Washing Up: When tackling household chores, don those splendid Marigold gloves to protect both your jewellery and your hands from harsh chemicals such as bleach.
Sport and Exercise: If you are proud of your sporting prowess — which we applaud — remove jewellery before exercising to avoid damaging precious metals and gemstones.
Swimming: Chlorine can tarnish gold and silver jewellery and may affect gemstones. Whether you opt for a swimsuit or your birthday suit, your jewels are best kept safely ashore.
Gardening: If you are nurturing roses or hoping to grow the largest marrow for your village fete, remove your jewellery or wear protective gloves to prevent scratches.
Protect Jewellery from Temperature and Weather
Weather also plays a role in jewellery care. Extreme heat and humidity can accelerate tarnishing, while very cold temperatures can cause fingers to shrink — meaning rings may unexpectedly slip off.
Caring for Vintage Jewellery
Vintage pieces deserve particular attention. Vintage jewellery from the 1960s, 1970s and later decades, such as the hand-curated pieces found at Baroque Rocks, often feature textured gold surfaces and unusual gemstone settings. These designs benefit from gentle handling and occasional professional inspection.
Respect Your Jewels
With a little care — and a touch of Aretha Franklin RESPECT — jewellery can remain as dazzling as the day it was first worn. Proper jewellery care and maintenance ensures that your favourite pieces continue to glitter for generations.
Top Tip: Curious Magpies, read on to uncover more glittering knowledge “Baroque Rocks’ Guide to Caring for Gold Jewellery and Delicate Gemstones”