a Feature by Timothy Platten - Working Goldsmith / Prestige Beaconsfield.
Caring for your Jewellery
JEWELLERY usually has a long life and becomes part of
the persona of the wearer.
However, some kind of regular maintenance helps to
maintain its original beauty and reliability.
We are pleased to produce some sensible guidelines
that should prolong the life of your jewellery and at the
same time maintain the original attachment you felt
when you first acquired it.
Jewellery is designed to last
a lifetime and, by taking a
few simple precautions,
yours will soon become a
family heirloom.
It is suggested that you
bring your jewellery to
a professional jewellery
workshop once a year for
a professional ultra-sonic
clean and polish. (It should
also be mentioned that
regular professional maintenance is also helpful in
the event of a loss and subsequent insurance claim.) It is always a good idea to take a photograph of your
jewellery in case of loss or theft.
This annual clean and maintenance check will ensure
that the settings, clasps, chains and stones are secure.
Cleanliness does not affect the jewellery market value,
as jewellers routinely clean jewellery before offering it
for sale.
Ultrasonic Cleaning.
Ultrasonic
cleaners
are
useful for jewellery cleaning
and removing tarnish. They
use ultrasound waves and
chemicals combined to create
40
bubbles that “cling” to the foreign particles such as
dirt, oil, and unknown substances. The high frequency
waves are sent out and pull the contaminants off the
object. The bubbles collapse after they attach to the
contaminants and move to the surface of the chemical
solution creating what appears to be a boiling solution.
You can use a variety of different cleaning products
in an ultrasonic cleaner, although there are a number
of commercial solutions
available from your local
jeweller or store.
Please remember to
rinse your jewellery to
remove excess cleaning
product, it will eliminate
any soap build up left on
your jewellery - In addition DO NOT leave jewellery
overnight in any commercial jewellery cleaner as that
will destroy your jewellery.
Although it is not one of the 4 Cs, cleanliness affects
a gemstone’s beauty as much as any of the 4 C’s (cut,
carat, colour, clarity).
Because of the investment, both financially and
emotionally, in an individual piece of jewellery, it
is recommended that a professional jeweller be
consulted.
Prestige Jewellers, a Retail Outlet and ‘working
jewellery workshop’ based in the centre of the new
town in BEACONSFIELD have a full workshop service
on the premises and offer a free jewellery maintenance
check, to ensure that claws and the metal work is up
to standard.
In addition, for a short period offer via the attached
coupon, a ‘FREE ULTRASONIC CLEAN of either a ring or a
pair of diamond earrings.’
To advertise in Hiya Bucks text or call 07947 349134