Jewellery Care
 

ERIC PETERSEN Fine Jewellery is handcrafted and requires proper care and attention. Many things can dull the appearance of gemstones or precious metals such as air pollutants, dust, perspiration, creams, perfumes and other natural elements. The recommendations below will help you to preserve them in their original condition.

Eric Petersen advises against using an ultrasonic cleaner, steamer or other home jewellery cleaning chemicals (including bleach, ammonia, and baking soda) on gemstones. They should only be cleaned with diluted mild dish soap and warm water (see below for cleaning instructions). 

Additionally, fine jewellery should be professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. Just like a fine automobile, periodic inspection and maintenance of jewellery helps to 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. Please contact us at info@ericpetersentoronto.com for yearly maintenance instructions.  

We suggest the following At Home cleaning instructions: 


General
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. 

Cleaning Gold and Platinum Jewellery
To clean gold or platinum 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 warm 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, as many solutions tend to increase the speed and frequency of oxidation. When not in use, store your jewellery in the pouch or box 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. If more thorough cleaning is required, ERIC PETERSEN or an authorized ERIC PETERSEN jeweller can clean your pieces to restore them to a like-new condition. 

Oxidized Silver
Oxidized silver is affected by wear, moisture, and oils in the skin and will fade over time. Take extra care to keep oxidized silver pieces dry to extend their finishes.

Pearls
Pearls are an organic gem and they require specific care that will protect them for a very long time. They can be harmed by contact with many chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics and hair care products of all kinds. 

Always store your pearls wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch and protected from all abrasive objects. Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth moistened with water. Never place your pearls in an ultrasonic or use a jewellery cleaner not made for pearls. 

Jade
When wearing jade, be careful not to hit or drop the stone as it may easily crack or chip. Chlorine is harmful to jade; do not wear your jade swimming. Jade can be scratched by harder gemstones and metals. Keep your Jade stored separate from other jewellery. Clean jade with water only. 

Diamonds, did you know?
Diamonds are the hardest material on earth, but they can also 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.  It’s rare, but it happens.