The golden rule: put it on last, take it off first
Perfume, hairspray, moisturiser, and sunscreen all contain chemicals that dull metals and damage stones over time. Get dressed and apply products first, then put your jewellery on as the final step. At the end of the day, reverse the order.
Daily cleaning
After wearing a piece, give it a quick wipe with a soft lint-free cloth. This removes oils, sweat, and surface dust before they build up. A microfibre glasses cloth works perfectly.
For a deeper clean once a month:
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a drop of mild dish soap.
- Soak the piece for five minutes.
- Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to crevices.
- Rinse under clean running water.
- Pat dry immediately with a soft cloth. Do not air dry, as water spots can form.
Storage
The two enemies of jewellery in storage are moisture and friction. Keep each piece separate to prevent scratching. A lined jewellery box with individual compartments is ideal, but even small zip-lock bags work in a pinch.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep silver pieces in anti-tarnish bags or with a silica gel packet.
- Hang necklaces rather than laying them flat to prevent tangles.
- Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising.
Dealing with tarnish
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air. This is normal and not a defect. Light tarnish wipes off with a polishing cloth. For heavier tarnish, use a silver-specific cleaning solution and follow the instructions on the bottle.
Gold vermeil (sterling silver with a thick gold layer) resists tarnish well but will wear over time with heavy use. Avoid abrasive cloths on vermeil, as they can thin the gold layer.
Gemstone care
Different stones have different needs. Here are the basics:
- Moonstone and labradorite: Relatively soft stones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Wipe gently with a damp cloth.
- Rose quartz: Tougher than most, but can fade in prolonged direct sunlight. Store out of window light.
- Freshwater pearls: Very sensitive to chemicals. Wipe with a damp cloth only. Never soak.
When to seek professional help
If a clasp feels loose, a stone is wobbly, or a chain link is stretched, stop wearing the piece and bring it to a jeweller. Small repairs caught early are inexpensive. Ignored, they often lead to lost stones or broken chains.
We offer free repairs on all Bubbees pieces within the first year. After that, repairs are available at a flat rate. Contact us at [email protected] for details.