Your Faller jewellery requires a little care and attention to keep it looking its best.
Jewellery Care
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SILVER
Wearing Silver
Protect silver jewellery from scratching and denting caused by impact with hard surfaces. All jewellery will develop scratches over time, particularly soft metals such as silver. Textured surfaces will slightly polish with wear and polished surfaces will scratch and become abraded. To reduce this, rings, in particular, should always be removed before doing heavy lifting or manual work, before swimming or exercising and when playing a sport or at the beach. To reduce tarnish be sure any lotions and/or perfumes are absorbed into your skin before you put any silver jewellery on. To return your jewellery to its original finish, professional cleaning and polishing is sometimes necessary.
Cleaning Silver At Home
Tarnish is an unsightly yellow or to purple-black coating which develops over time on the surface of silver. The modern world and the way we live means there is a lot of sulfur in the atmosphere and this causes tarnish. There are a wide variety of proprietory silver cleaners available including cloths, foams, baths and dips to remove tarnish and inhibit its recurrence. (To make sure your jewellery stays perfect, always read the manufacturer’s instructions). If you use a silver dip solution, dip your jewellery for a couple of seconds only as leaving in too long can damage your jewellery. NB. Not to be used with gemstone or pearl jewellery. Then rinse thoroughly in warm (not cold) soapy water and dry and buff with a soft cloth to produce a lasting shine. Never use tissues or paper towels for cleaning or drying silver as these may scratch the jewellery. Silver is the softest of precious metals so needs particular care when cleaning to avoid abrasion.
Storing Silver
How you store your silver jewellery can also reduce tarnish developing. When you remove your jewellery at the end of your day, take a couple of minutes to wipe it off with a jewellery cloth or an old t-shirt. After it is wiped clean, store it in an airtight container, such as a resealable plastic bag, a cloth bag and/or an airtight jewellery box. The less air and light your silver is exposed to when you aren’t wearing it, the less tarnish will occur, making it easy to have shiny jewellery each and every time you’re ready to wear it. Anti-tarnish strips placed in the bag with the jewellery will inhibit tarnish but need replacing every couple of months. Taking the time to keep your silver jewellery clean after wearing it and storing it away from light and air is all that’s needed to cut down on tarnish significantly.
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GOLD & PLATINUM
Wearing Gold & Platinum
Protect gold, platinum & palladium jewellery from scratching and denting caused by impact with hard surfaces. All jewellery will develop scratches over time. Textured surfaces will slightly polish with wear and polished surfaces will scratch and become abraded. To reduce this jewellery should always be removed before doing heavy lifting or manual work, when playing a sport or at the beach.
Substances such as shampoo, sunscreen, make-up, flour, dust, and hairspray also cause a buildup of grime on jewellery. Taking off your rings before working with greasy or dirty substances will help or wear protective gloves. Preferably put your jewellery on last when getting dressed.
To return your jewellery to its original finish, professional cleaning and polishing are sometimes necessary.Cleaning Gold & Platinum At Home
18ct gold doesn’t tarnish and like platinum & palladium requires little maintenance to keep looking at its best. (Lower carat golds can tarnish, particularly 9ct gold as it has the highest silver content.) Buff your jewelry with a soft chamois cloth if it seems to be losing its lustre. This might be enough to restore the shine right away, with no further cleaning necessary. If the dirt is harder to remove don’t use abrasive cleaners as this can damage your jewellery. Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent and warm water in a small bowl and soak each piece individually. Soak longer if it is particularly dirty. A soft-bristled child’s toothbrush can be used to carefully clean in any crevices or around gemstones. Rinse thoroughly, then buff and polish the piece gently with a chamois or other soft cloth until completely dry.
Storing Gold & Platinum
Store your jewellery separately to prevent tangles and reduce scratching. Keep chains fastened so that they don’t get tangled up.
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DIAMOND
Wearing Diamond Jewellery
Protect any jewellery from scratching and denting caused by impact with hard surfaces. To reduce this jewellery should always be removed before doing heavy lifting or manual work. Even a diamond can chip if hit with enough force and at the right angle.
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GEMSTONE
Wearing Gem Jewellery
Substances such as shampoo, sunscreen, make-up, flour, dust, and hairspray can all cause a buildup of grime around gems, creating a hazy film that reduces their sparkle. Taking off your gemstone rings before working with greasy or dirty substances will help. Also always put your jewellery on last when getting dressed.
Protect from breakage caused by impact with hard surfaces, as some gems such as tanzanite are particularly susceptible. Gemstones such as amethyst, emerald, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite, and tourmaline are very delicate and easily abraded so remove when doing any rough manual work.
Common chemicals can cause lasting damage. You should not only remove gemstone rings before you use bleach, or use hair dye but ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before you put your ring back on your finger. Chlorine is a definite no-no so avoid wearing jewellery when swimming.Cleaning Gem Jewellery At Home
Don’t use ammonia with gemstone jewellery. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft child’s toothbrush to remove build up under the stone. Rinse well to remove any residue and dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Don’t use heat to dry gemstones. Do not expose to acids. Emeralds, in particular, are sensitive to pressure and vulnerable to household chemicals.
Storing Gem Jewellery
Gemstones, in particular, can damage each other so always store in separate compartments or separate bags. Keep your gemstone jewellery somewhere dry, with low humidity. Certain coloured stones, such as emeralds and opal need to be stored away from direct sunlight as they can crack if they are allowed to become too dry.
For more specific information on individual gem characteristics and care go to or gemstone guide.
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PEARL
Wearing Pearls
Cultured pearls are formed inside oysters. As they are of organic origin they are particularly susceptible to damage and should be treated with care. Apply perfume and hairspray and leave a few minutes before putting on pearls to reduce damage. Everyday wear and the natural constituents of your skin can have a detrimental effect on the silk used to thread your cultured pearls. Get them checked regularly to see if they need restrung.
Cleaning Pearls
After wearing, clean it with a soft dry cloth. If needed wipe pearls with a soft damp cloth after wearing to remove perfume, hairspray and anything else likely to damage them. Should you need to wash your cultured pearl jewellery, do it with water and maybe a drop or two of detergent. Don’t use any form of chemicals, as they are most likely to damage the cultured pearls. Wrap the pearls in a soft cloth and allow to dry naturally.
Storing Pearls
Cultured pearls are soft and any rough treatment such as carrying in a handbag or putting them loose in a jewellery box may also damage them. Wrap them in tissue for protection.
For more information on the different varieties of pearls view our pearl page.
Rings sustain more wear and damage than any other jewellery. Even the most secure diamond settings may loosen over time, particularly if extensively worn. We suggest you visually inspect your rings periodically for any bent or loosened claws. Gently rub your piece of jewellery against a thin cloth to ensure that claws are not catching. Call to Faller if you think there is any problem. We can give your Faller jewellery an expert check and clean at the same time and return it to you looking like new.
For more information on Faller polishing and repairs view our FAQ’s on our Guide page.