Caring For Your Jewellery Purchase

Caring for jewellery is important. Smales has established and maintained the highest standards in design, materials and craftsmanship, creating jewellery that has been passed down from generation to generation, complemented by exclusive collections from world-class designers from around the world. With some simple, basic care, you can help preserve and protect your jewellery for years to come.

Professional cleanings are recommended as often as once a year. We encourage you to bring your Smales jewellery back to us for professional servicing. Our staff are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of jewellery care: cleaning gemstones, restringing pearls and repairing clasps and earring backs.

Between professional servicing, most gold and platinum jewellery can be maintained with a non-abrasive cleaner. Examine your jewellery regularly to make sure settings are snug and clasps and joinings are secure. Sterling silver tarnishes rapidly, especially when exposed to salt air and products containing sulphur, such as rubber bands and some papers. We recommend a non-abrasive silver polish, available in store, to keep your silver looking its best. Jewellery storage is also important. At the time of purchase, all Smales jewellery is wrapped in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. When not wearing your jewellery, we recommend that you place the piece back in its original case or another suitably lined box or pouch, especially necklaces and chains which may kink if not stored correctly.

While all jewellery needs some TLC over time, white gold will need a little more care to help retain its original lustre as years go by.

White gold jewellery may need to be re-rhodiumed from time to time to restore the whiteness to the metal.

The frequency is determined by the amount of wear and is a personal choice. We can inspect your piece and make a professional recommendation.

Some gemstones require special care, but certain basic precautions apply to all jewellery set with gemstones.

Avoid excessive impact against hard surfaces, extreme temperature changes and contact with perfumes, cosmetics and household chemicals. Prong settings are particularly vulnerable and should be examined regularly to be sure they hold the stone securely.

Jewellery set with gemstones can be maintained with a non-abrasive jewellery cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaning is not safe for many gemstones, so we advise against this method. To clean diamonds, use a mild solution of 6 parts warm water to 1 part cloudy ammonia, 1 part dish washing liquid and apply with a very soft bristle brush.

Dust, pollution and daily wear all conspire to cloud the brilliance of a diamond and dull the surface of platinum and gold. We suggest your ring receives periodic professional maintenance. Our trained staff will check that the setting is adequately securing your stones and give your ring a thorough cleaning.

Between professional cleanings, we recommend the occasional use of a nonabrasive cleaner for diamond jewellery. 6 parts warm water to 1 part cloudy ammonia, 1 part dish washing liquid and apply with a very soft bristle brush.

Jewellery with stones other than diamonds may need other care.

Fine cultured pearls with thick nacre layers will last for generations if cared for properly.

Cultured pearls should be kept free of perfumes, cosmetics, perspiration and dirt. You may gently wipe cultured pearls with a slightly damp cloth.

Our cultured pearls are strung on pure silk with knots between each cultured pearl. Over time, the silk will stretch, weaken and become soiled. If you wear your cultured pearls regularly, we encourage you to have your cultured pearls cleaned and restrung annually.

At the time of purchase, all Smales jewellery is wrapped in a protective box, case or tarnish-resistant pouch. When not wearing your jewellery, we recommend that you place the piece back in its original case or another suitably lined box or pouch, especially necklaces and chains which may kink if not stored correctly.

All jewellery articles of value should be independently valued to safeguard against any loss, theft and or damage.

Most insurance companies require independent jewellery valuations for any item that is to be insured against loss or theft. A jewellery valuation will provide detailed description of the jewellery, the elements it is made up of, along with an itemisation of replacement cost.

Having your jewellery professionally valued by a registered valuer provides:

• Peace of mind – insurance companies should provide full compensation if it has been specified in your policy and you have documented proof of its value with full description of the items.
• Proof of ownership – in the happy event that lost or stolen jewellery is recovered, your valuation will provide proof of ownership.
• Re-sale value – if you choose to sell your jewellery, a valuation is an effective means of ensuring you receive a fair market price, provided the valuation is undertaken for that reason.

It is important to have your jewellery revalued every two years to ensure the valuation is up to date and the gold, platinum, gemstone and price fluctuations (AUD versus USD) have been taken into account.

In the unhappy event that you have to make a claim, your insurance company may request an up-to-date jewellery valuation report. The re-valuation process will also note any wear and tear and ensure you are not paying excessive insurance premiums if prices decrease.

We strongly recommend having your special pieces insured by a specialist insurance company to give you complete peace of mind.

Smales offers insurance through its third party provider, specialist jewellery insurer, Q Report.

Cover can be arranged in-store, immediately after purchase.