Jewellery Care

Your jewellery is precious. Whether it is a diamond engagement ring worn every day, a string of pearls saved for special occasions, or a piece of gold jewellery that has been in the family for years, caring for it properly makes all the difference to how it looks and how long it lasts.

The guidance on this page comes from our team of experienced jewellers and is the same advice we give our clients every day in store. If you ever have a question about a specific piece, please reach out to us directly. We are always happy to help.

General Care for All Jewellery

Regardless of the metal or stone, a few simple habits will keep every piece in your collection looking its best.

What to avoid

• Strong chemicals are the number one enemy of fine jewellery. If you are scrubbing the bathroom, cleaning with bleach or strong household products, or working with solvents of any kind, take your jewellery off first. Chemicals accelerate wear on metals, damage stone surfaces, and in some cases can cause irreversible discolouration.
• Metal on metal contact causes damage quickly and quietly. If you are at the gym, working with tools, or doing any activity where your ring might strike a hard surface, listen for a faint ringing or tapping sound from your jewellery. That sound means metal is hitting metal. Stop, remove the piece, and put it somewhere safe. Better still, hook your ring onto a ring carrier pendant worn around your neck so it stays close without being at risk.
• Water and chemicals together are a particular problem. Chlorine in pools, salt in the ocean, and the chemical compounds in spa and hot tub water are all damaging to metals and settings over time. Living on the Gold Coast, we see jewellery come in regularly that has been worn surfing or in spas, and silver in particular can turn almost black very quickly. Take your jewellery off before swimming, surfing, or soaking.
• Always put your jewellery on last, after applying makeup, perfume, hairspray, and skincare products, and take it off first when undressing.
• After wearing, gently wipe your piece with a soft, dry cloth to remove skin oils and any residue before storing.
• Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or individual compartment to prevent scratching. Harder stones such as diamonds can scratch softer metals and stones if stored together.

Not sure if your piece needs attention? Take a photo and send it to us at service@myjewelleryshop.com.au or via our socials. Our team will do their best to give you an initial assessment from a clear photograph.

How often should I have my jewellery professionally serviced?

We recommend a professional clean and inspection every six months as a minimum. Six months passes quickly, and a great deal of wear can accumulate on a ring worn daily in that time. A professional service allows us to check claws, settings, and clasps for wear before a stone is lost, and to restore the polish and brilliance of the piece.

For all jewellery purchased at My Jewellery Shop, complimentary six-monthly cleans and checks are included as part of your purchase. We also offer a complimentary reminder service through our booking system. If you would like to be added to our six-monthly clean and check reminder list, simply send us a message or let us know next time you are in store and we will set it up for you.

Want a reminder when it is time for your clean and check? Contact us and we will add you to our reminder system so you never miss a service. You can also book your appointment online.

Diamonds

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, but the setting that holds a diamond is often far more vulnerable than the stone itself. A loose claw can mean a lost diamond, and that is always a devastating and preventable outcome. We strongly recommend a professional clean and claw check every six months, and this service is included complimentarily for all diamond jewellery purchased at My Jewellery Shop under our 7-Year Diamond Guarantee.

• Inspect the claws or setting regularly. If anything looks or feels loose, asymmetrical, or catches on fabric, stop wearing the piece immediately and bring it in for assessment.
• Diamonds attract grease and oils readily, which dulls their brilliance more than most people realise. A clean diamond sparkles significantly more than a dirty one, and regular at-home cleaning makes a noticeable difference.
• To clean at home between professional services, use your MJS Cleaning Liquid or MJS Mini Cleaning Bundle. Simply soak the piece briefly, use the brush to clean around and beneath the stone, rinse under warm water, and dry with a soft cloth. Our MJS cleaning products are non-toxic and safe for all diamond settings.
• For a quick and convenient on-the-go clean, the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik is a small twist-brush tool that removes oils and residue from diamonds in seconds. It is one of our fastest-selling products and worth keeping in your handbag or travel kit.
• Have your diamonds professionally cleaned and checked every six months without fail. Bring your piece in to us and we will take great care of it.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | My Jewellery Shop Deluxe Cleaning Bundle | Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is a timeless and relatively low-maintenance metal. Pure gold does not tarnish, but most jewellery is made from an alloy mixed with other metals for durability, and daily wear will naturally result in small surface scratches and the occasional dull patch over time.

Here is something important to understand, and something we tell every client: surface scratches, small dings, and a slight loss of shine in yellow gold are completely normal. They are not damage. Because gold has a polished surface, these marks are easily and quickly buffed out. We have an in-house workshop with professional buffing equipment, and a full service can restore your piece to as close to new as possible. It genuinely takes only minutes, and the transformation is remarkable.

• Yellow gold is suitable for everyday wear in most alloys, though higher carat gold is softer and more susceptible to surface marking.
• Clean regularly with your MJS Cleaning Liquid or cleaning bundle to maintain lustre between professional services.
• Avoid abrasive cloths or pastes, which can add fine scratches to the surface.
• When you notice your gold has lost some of its shine, or you can feel the texture of daily wear on its surface, bring it in for an in-store service. A professional polish will restore it beautifully.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | My Jewellery Shop Deluxe Cleaning Bundle

White Gold

White gold is one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and fine jewellery, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. Understanding how white gold is made and finished will help you know exactly what to expect and when your ring needs attention.

Gold comes out of the ground wanting to be yellow. To create white gold, yellow gold is alloyed with other white metals, typically palladium and a mix of other metals, to lighten its colour. However, even after alloying, white gold still has a faint yellow tinge. To achieve the bright, mirror-like finish you see when you buy a white gold ring, it is finished with a plating of rhodium, a rare precious metal in the platinum family.

Rhodium is extraordinary. It is self-levelling, which means it fills in tiny surface scratches as it is applied, giving the ring an incredibly smooth, reflective finish. It is also heavier than gold and lays down a super-protective coating over the piece. A freshly rhodium-plated ring is not just beautiful, it is well protected.

Over time, with daily wear, the rhodium plating gradually wears away. When this happens, the ring begins to show that faint yellow undertone of the underlying gold alloy, particularly along the base of the shank where wear is greatest. This is the moment to bring your ring in.

• When you notice your white gold ring starting to look slightly yellow, even just at the base, that is your cue that it needs attention. Do not wait.
• Bring it in for an in-store service: a professional clean, inspection, and rhodium re-plate will restore it to its original brilliance and protection.
• How long does rhodium plating last? It depends entirely on your skin chemistry and lifestyle. People with naturally acidic skin, athletes, or those who work with their hands may find plating lasts as little as six months. A piece worn only occasionally for special events can retain its plating for up to two years. Both are normal.
• Between professional services, clean with your MJS Cleaning Liquid or cleaning bundle. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and remove the ring before any task involving strong household products.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | My Jewellery Shop Deluxe Cleaning Bundle

Rose Gold

Rose gold gets its warm, romantic blush tone from its copper content, and it has become one of the most popular choices for engagement and fashion rings. The same rules that apply to yellow gold apply here, with a couple of additional considerations specific to copper alloys.

Just as with yellow gold, small surface scratches and occasional dullness in rose gold are completely normal. The polished surface can be easily restored with a professional buff in our in-house workshop, bringing it back to a beautiful finish quickly and affordably.

• Rose gold is slightly more susceptible to surface marking than yellow gold due to its copper content. This is not a flaw; it is simply the nature of the alloy.
• An interesting characteristic of rose gold is that different people's skin chemistry can affect its colour subtly over time. Because copper is reactive, individuals with more acidic skin may notice a slight deepening or shift in the warm tone. This is entirely natural and not a quality issue.
• Avoid exposing rose gold to chlorine, which reacts with copper and can cause discolouration.
• Clean with your MJS Cleaning Liquid or cleaning bundle. Avoid abrasive products.
• Bring it in for a professional service whenever you notice it has lost its shine. We will have it looking beautiful again in no time.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | My Jewellery Shop Deluxe Cleaning Bundle

Two-Tone and Mixed Metal Jewellery

Two-tone pieces, such as a yellow gold band with a white gold or platinum setting, are a beautiful design choice that combines the warmth of yellow gold with the brilliance of white metals. When it comes to cleaning, the key is to use a product that is safe for all metals present in the piece.

• Always use a gentle, all-metal-safe cleaner. Never use a silver-specific cleaner on a two-tone piece containing gold, as it can damage the gold component.
• Our MJS branded cleaning products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for all metal types including gold, silver, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. They are also safe for pearls, opal, turquoise, and most soft or porous stones, making them the safest all-round choice for mixed metal pieces. Note: avoid contact with amber.
• Use a soft cloth and gentle brushing only. For two-tone pieces with a rhodium-plated white gold component, follow the white gold guidance above for professional re-plating when needed.
• If you are ever unsure, bring the piece in to us. We are always happy to clean and inspect it for you in store.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | My Jewellery Shop Deluxe Cleaning Bundle

Platinum

Platinum is one of the most durable and pure metals used in fine jewellery. It is naturally white, hypoallergenic, and does not require rhodium plating, unlike white gold. It is an excellent choice for engagement rings and jewellery intended for daily wear over a lifetime.

• Platinum is highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion. It is one of the most low-maintenance fine metals available.
• Over time, platinum develops a natural soft patina from daily wear. This is a characteristic of the metal and not damage. Some people love the patina; others prefer the original bright finish. A professional polish will restore it if desired.
• Clean with your MJS Cleaning Liquid and a soft cloth. Our products are safe for platinum.
• Have platinum pieces professionally inspected every six months, particularly engagement rings, to check settings and claws.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | My Jewellery Shop Deluxe Cleaning Bundle

Silver

Sterling silver is a beautiful metal with a long history in fine jewellery, but it is the most prone to tarnishing of all the metals we work with. Tarnish is a completely natural chemical reaction between silver and sulphur compounds in the air, and it is entirely normal. With the right care routine, it is very easily managed.

Polished Silver

• Polished silver is suitable for everyday wear in most designs, though delicate pieces are best reserved for occasional use.
• The best thing you can do for polished silver is wear it regularly. Jewellery that sits unworn tarnishes faster. The natural oils from your skin actually help maintain the surface.
• Store silver in an airtight pouch or anti-tarnish bag when not wearing it. Exposure to air is the primary cause of tarnishing.
• Keep silver away from perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and body lotions.
• Clean regularly with our Silver Jewellery Cleaning Bundle, which includes a silver-specific liquid cleaner, polishing cloth, and cleaning wipes, or use the MJS Cleaning Liquid which is safe for sterling silver.
• For stubborn tarnish, a silver cleaning cloth or commercial silver polish will restore the shine quickly.
• Surface scratches and the occasional dull patch on polished silver are completely normal and are easily buffed out. Our in-house workshop can restore a beautiful polish to your silver pieces.

Oxidised Silver

• Do not use silver dip, silver liquid cleaner, or silver polish on oxidised silver under any circumstances. These products will strip the oxidation and permanently alter the appearance of the piece.
• The correct way to clean oxidised silver is with a proper silver polishing cloth. Our Connoisseurs Silver Jewellery Polish Cloth is ideal for this purpose.
• The cloths contain an anti-tarnish treatment that is deposited onto the jewellery as you polish. The more regularly you use the cloth, the more anti-tarnish builds up on the piece, and the longer it stays clean and beautiful. The more love you give it, the more love it will give you.
• Wash oxidised silver only with warm soapy water and a soft cloth if needed, then dry thoroughly.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid (for polished silver only) | Silver Jewellery Cleaning Bundle | Connoisseurs Silver Jewellery Cleaner | Connoisseurs Silver Jewellery Polish Cloth (for both polished and oxidised silver)

Important: Never use silver-specific liquid cleaners or dip on oxidised silver. For oxidised pieces, use a silver polishing cloth only.

Pearls

Pearls are organic gems and among the most delicate pieces in any collection. They require gentle handling and specific care to preserve their lustre and surface integrity.

• Pearls are highly sensitive to chemicals. Keep them away from perfume, hairspray, body lotion, sunscreen, and cosmetics entirely. Always put pearls on last and take them off first.
• Wipe pearls with a warm, damp soft cloth after every wear to remove any body oils or residue. Allow them to dry completely before storing.
• Store pearls separately, wrapped in a soft cloth or pouch. Do not store them in an airtight container, as pearls need a small amount of moisture to prevent the nacre from drying out and cracking.
• Never use silver dip, ultrasonic cleaners, or any cleaner containing ammonia or vinegar on pearls. For at-home cleaning, our MJS Cleaning Liquid is safe for pearls, or use the Connoisseurs Delicate Jewellery Cleaner, which is ammonia-free and formulated for delicate stones.
• Pearl necklaces and bracelets should ideally be restrung every two years, or sooner if the thread appears stretched or discoloured. We offer restringing in store.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | Connoisseurs Delicate Jewellery Cleaner | Delicate Jewellery Cleaning Bundle

Semi-Precious and Delicate Stones

Semi-precious stones such as opal, turquoise, coral, onyx, and many others require gentle care. These stones are often softer, more porous, or more sensitive to chemicals than diamonds and harder gemstones.

• Avoid exposing semi-precious stones to harsh cleaning products, perfumes, or chlorine.
• Our MJS Cleaning Liquid is safe for opal, turquoise, and most soft or porous stones. The one stone to be aware of is amber: our MJS Cleaning Liquid should not be used on amber jewellery.
• The Connoisseurs Delicate Jewellery Cleaner is ammonia-free and specifically formulated for semi-precious and delicate stones including pearls, opal, coral, onyx, and turquoise.
• Store delicate stone pieces separately and cushioned to prevent scratching from harder stones or metals.
• If a stone appears cloudy, chipped, or loose, bring it in for assessment before attempting to clean it at home.

Shop: My Jewellery Shop Cleaning Liquid | My Jewellery Shop Mini Cleaning Bundle | Connoisseurs Delicate Jewellery Cleaner | Delicate Jewellery Cleaning Bundle

Not sure which cleaner is right for your stone? The MJS Cleaning Liquid is our safest all-round recommendation for most metals and stones. If you have something delicate or unusual, send us a photo and we will advise you directly.

Professional Cleaning and In-Store Servicing

No matter how carefully you care for your jewellery at home, there is no substitute for a professional service. Our in-store team uses professional equipment including ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, and in-house buffing machinery to restore your pieces to as close to new as possible. A full service also gives us the opportunity to check your settings, claws, and clasps before small wear becomes a bigger problem.

For clients who have purchased jewellery at My Jewellery Shop, complimentary six-monthly professional cleans and checks are included as part of your purchase. We also offer a clean and check reminder service, so you never have to remember on your own. Just ask us to add you to the list.

To book your piece in for a professional service, please call us, email us, or book an appointment online. We also welcome walk-ins during business hours.

Tips for Active and Busy Lifestyles

Life on the Gold Coast means surfing, swimming, gym sessions, outdoor work, and everything in between. Jewellery is made for wearing, and we never want you to feel like you cannot enjoy your life with your pieces on. But a few simple habits make a big difference.

• If you are going surfing, swimming, or into a pool or spa, take your jewellery off and leave it somewhere safe. A few minutes before you head in is all it takes.
• If you are training at the gym or doing any kind of weight work, remove rings in particular. Metal on metal contact can damage settings and stones very quickly. If you can hear a faint ringing or tapping sound from your ring, that is metal striking metal. Stop immediately, remove the ring, and assess it.
• For those who cannot bear to leave a special ring behind, we stock ring carrier pendants, a small pendant that hooks onto your chain and holds your ring safely against your chest while you are active. Ask us about these in store.
• Tradespeople, healthcare workers, and anyone who works with their hands: a simple habit of taking your ring off at the start of your shift and putting it back on when you leave will significantly extend its life and protect the piece you love.

Ask Us Anything

Our team has nearly five decades of combined expertise in fine jewellery, and we genuinely love sharing that knowledge with our clients. If you are ever unsure about how to care for a piece, whether something looks right, or what product to use, please reach out to us before attempting anything at home.

You can contact us in any of the following ways:

• Phone us on (07) 5572 9009 during business hours
• Email us at service@myjewelleryshop.com.au
• Send us a direct message on our social media channels
• Come and see us in store at 2231 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach QLD 4218
• Send us a photo of your piece by email or DM and our team will do their best to give you an initial assessment
• Book an appointment online for a dedicated six-monthly clean and check service

Business hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm, Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm (AEST)

My Jewellery Shop Pty Ltd | ABN 59 143 898 604 | 2231 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach QLD 4218
service@myjewelleryshop.com.au | (07) 5572 9009 | www.myjewelleryshop.com.au