Jewellery & Watch Care Guide

Care & Maintenance

Protecting Jewellery & Watches for Long-Term Wear

Simple Guidance for Everyday Ownership

Fine jewellery and luxury watches are designed to be worn and enjoyed — but like all precision-crafted items, they benefit from informed care. At Clarindon Jewellers, our Care & Maintenance guidance helps owners understand how everyday wear affects jewellery and watches, and how simple habits can preserve condition, comfort, and longevity.

This guidance is educational and preventative, not prescriptive.

Understanding Normal Wear

All jewellery and watches show signs of wear over time. This is normal and expected.

Wear may include:

  • Light scratches and surface marks

  • Softening of polished finishes

  • Gradual loosening of settings through daily movement

  • Changes in appearance due to contact with skin, clothing, or surfaces

Understanding what is normal helps avoid unnecessary concern.

Jewellery Care & Maintenance

Everyday Jewellery Care

We recommend:

  • Removing jewellery during manual work, sport, or heavy lifting

  • Avoiding contact with harsh chemicals and cleaning products

  • Putting jewellery on after cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions

  • Removing rings before sleeping where possible

Small habits make a significant difference over time.

Cleaning Jewellery at Home

For most jewellery:

  • Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush

  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth

  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless advised

Some gemstones and settings require specialist care.

Professional Jewellery Checks

Regular professional checks help:

  • Identify loose stones early

  • Assess wear to settings

  • Maintain security and comfort

We typically recommend periodic inspections for frequently worn rings.

Watch Care & Maintenance

Everyday Watch Care

To support long-term performance:

  • Avoid shocks or impact

  • Keep watches away from strong magnetic fields

  • Do not operate crowns or pushers underwater unless designed for it

  • Follow manufacturer water-resistance guidance

Mechanical watches are precision instruments.

Servicing & Maintenance

Watches require periodic servicing to:

  • Maintain accuracy

  • Prevent internal wear

  • Replace worn seals and components

Service intervals vary by movement and use and should be discussed individually.

Metal-Specific Care Considerations

Different metals age differently:

  • Platinum develops a natural patina

  • Gold gradually loses metal through wear and polishing

  • White gold requires periodic rhodium replating

These characteristics are normal and explained clearly before purchase.

Storage & Protection

When not worn:

  • Store jewellery separately to prevent scratching

  • Keep watches in dry, stable environments

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or moisture

Correct storage reduces unnecessary wear.

When to Seek Professional Advice

You should seek professional guidance if you notice:

  • Loose stones or movement

  • Discomfort or sharp edges

  • Changes in fit

  • Reduced watch accuracy or condensation

Early attention often prevents larger issues later.

A Thoughtful Approach to Ownership

Care and maintenance are part of responsible ownership — not a sign of fragility. With realistic expectations and occasional professional attention, fine jewellery and watches are designed to last for generations.

Care & Maintenance FAQs

Do scratches mean my jewellery is damaged?
No. Scratches are a normal part of wear.

How often should jewellery be checked?
Annually is common for frequently worn pieces.

Can I clean all jewellery at home?
Some materials and gemstones require professional care.

Do watches need servicing if they seem fine?
Yes. Internal wear occurs even when performance appears normal.

Is white gold maintenance different?
Yes. Rhodium replating is required periodically.