Jewellery Care and Maintenance
WEAR & CARE
Whilst our rings are designed with utmost care and made to last, they are ultimately quite fine items. By putting a lot of weight or pressure on a ring - for example, by lifting heavy weights, putting your bodyweight onto your hands, doing housework or exercise and physical activities such as hiking or climbing - you risk damaging it. The additional pressure and weight can cause distress to the setting, and over time it can slowly bend out of shape, which in turn can cause a gemstone to come loose or fall out of its setting entirely.
We work with some of the hardest gemstones available for durability, but while sapphires and diamonds are incredibly hard and durable, they are not indestructible and can be chipped if hit at a particular angle with enough force. Care must be taken to not knock your piece against any other hard material. The same applies to the mount itself: gold and platinum are hardwearing, but can also be dent or bent out of shape with a hard knock or if placed under excessive pressure.
We always advise taking off fine jewellery when doing any form of exercise or playing sports, doing housework, or doing any other strenuous activity (such as carrying heavy objects) which could place unnecessary pressure on your piece and potentially lead to damaging it.
While we are always happy to advise and facilitate repairs of Rachel Boston pieces that might have been damaged through normal wear and tear, this is at our discretion on a case-by-case basis, and we cannot be held responsible for any damaged or lost gemstones. As these pieces are high-value, both materially and sentimentally, we strongly advise all of our customers to take out insurance so costs will be covered in the event of loss or damage.
We work with some of the hardest gemstones available for durability, but while sapphires and diamonds are incredibly hard and durable, they are not indestructible and can be chipped if hit at a particular angle with enough force. Care must be taken to not knock your piece against any other hard material. The same applies to the mount itself: gold and platinum are hardwearing, but can also be dent or bent out of shape with a hard knock or if placed under excessive pressure.
We always advise taking off fine jewellery when doing any form of exercise or playing sports, doing housework, or doing any other strenuous activity (such as carrying heavy objects) which could place unnecessary pressure on your piece and potentially lead to damaging it.
While we are always happy to advise and facilitate repairs of Rachel Boston pieces that might have been damaged through normal wear and tear, this is at our discretion on a case-by-case basis, and we cannot be held responsible for any damaged or lost gemstones. As these pieces are high-value, both materially and sentimentally, we strongly advise all of our customers to take out insurance so costs will be covered in the event of loss or damage.
MAINTENANCE
We recommend regular servicing of your fine jewellery, to make sure it is well looked-after and maintained so it can last a lifetime. We offer a check-up and cleaning service to make sure your piece is secure and looking its best, and can advise if any maintenance work is required. We recommend booking in yearly, with a more thorough re-polish/clean every few years, as to not overly distress the metal.
If you feel like any part of your ring is sharp or snagging on things, or otherwise loose, do e-mail us as soon as possible so we can schedule a check-up and carry out any maintenance work - often, it is simply a question of tightening the claws on the setting for maximum safety and comfort of wear. We recommend the ring not be worn in the meantime, as you risk catching the setting on something and loosening the gemstone.
In between check-ups, you can keep your ring clean by following our cleaning instructions below.
If you feel like any part of your ring is sharp or snagging on things, or otherwise loose, do e-mail us as soon as possible so we can schedule a check-up and carry out any maintenance work - often, it is simply a question of tightening the claws on the setting for maximum safety and comfort of wear. We recommend the ring not be worn in the meantime, as you risk catching the setting on something and loosening the gemstone.
In between check-ups, you can keep your ring clean by following our cleaning instructions below.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR JEWELLERY?
Grime can buildup on a ring, either underneath the settings or around the stones which can cause the diamonds to look dull. To clean at home first soak your jewellery in warm to hot water for about 20-30 minutes.
We recommend buying a soft toothbrush specifically for your engagement ring and gently rinsing your ring with warm water (make sure the drain is covered or use a bowl) and dishwasher liquid and gently brushing the ring with the toothbrush to remove the grime. Repeat as necessary. Afterwards dry the your ring and use a jewellery polishing cloth for a sparkling finish.
If a lot of grime has built up over time and hardened it might be best to bring the ring to us so we can help you clean the ring professionally and safely.
Stay away from household cleaners with harsh chemicals as they could damage or discolour the ring or any abrasive cleaners which could scratch the metal.
When to take it off?
1. At the Gym
We always advise against wearing your ring when you visit the gym or partaking in any strenuous physical activities (tennis, weight-lifting, rock climbing etc). Rings are made in platinum or gold, and even though they are hard wearing materials they are to a certain degree soft and by putting pressure on the material you could risk damaging the shape or the claws that hold the stones which in turn could lead to a stone falling out. Keep your ring in a safe place so you don’t damage it when you’re working out.
2. Beauty Regime
It’s common to want to keep your ring on when you’re getting ready but moisturisers, lotions, cosmetics, hairspray and perfumes all cause a build up of grime which diminishes the brilliance and natural sheen of your diamond.
3. In Water
You should never wear your engagement ring in the ocean, pool or showering.
Ocean - Cold water ‘shrinks’ your fingers making it easy for your ring to slip off and disappear in to the ocean.
Pool - Chlorine can sometimes damage or discolour the mounts of your rings.
Showering - Your ring can easily slip off your finger and risk falling down the drain. Also oily or exfoliating body washes can damage the diamond.
4. Cleaning
A diamond is one of the world's hardest materials but it can still chip! Cleaning can be a very vigorous activity with lots of potential to bang your ring on hard surfaces which can damage the setting or stones. Household cleaners also contain harsh chemicals which can damage and discolour the metal. When washing the dishes you also risk the ring slipping off and falling down the drain. Better to be safe and keep the ring in a secure place until you have finished.