Jewellery care
Proper care keeps jewellery from Atelier Tibet beautiful for many years. The most important rules apply to all materials, followed by advice for the individual materials.
The essentials at a glance
Putting on
- Only after applying creams, perfume and hairspray
- Avoid direct contact with perfume and hairspray
Taking off
- Before sport, showering, bathing and swimming
- During housework and when in contact with cleaning agents
- Before applying lotion
Storing
- In a soft fabric pouch, e.g. a brocade pouch, or a jewellery box
- Separately from other jewellery so nothing gets scratched
- Dry, dark and away from direct sunlight
Overview by material
| Material | Cleaning | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Gemstones | Soft, slightly damp cotton cloth, dry immediately | Soaking, soap, chemicals, ultrasound, hot water |
| Silver | Silver polishing cloth or silver polish | Silver dip with pieces set with stones |
| Gold-plated silver | Only a soft, dry cloth, dab gently | Silver polish and polishing cloths |
| Brass and copper | Soft, dry cloth | Moisture, sweat over long periods |
| Bone | Slightly damp cloth, dry immediately | Soaking, direct sunlight |
| Wood | Dry, soft cloth | Water, damp storage, sun |
| Seeds | Lukewarm water and a soft brush, about every 6 months | Damp storage, drying in the sun |
| Knotted bands | If needed, dab with a slightly damp cloth | Washing machine, bleach |
For pieces made of several materials, the most careful care applies, e.g. for a stone necklace with silver beads the care for gemstones.
Gemstones
Over time, stones can look duller. This is usually caused by skin oils, sweat and cosmetic residues that build up on the surface. Some stones, such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, malachite, opal, coral and amber, are also soft or porous and absorb liquids.
After wearing
- Wipe carefully with a soft, slightly damp cotton cloth
- Dry immediately with a dry, soft cloth
- Never soak the necklace in water
Do not use
- Ultrasonic cleaners
- Chemical cleaning agents
- Soap or washing-up liquid
- Hot water or steam
- Brushes
If a stone necklace has lost a lot of its shine despite care, a jeweller can gently re-polish the stones and remove fine scratches.
Silver
Silver tarnishes and darkens over time. This is a natural process and is easy to remedy.
Cleaning
- With a silver polishing cloth or silver polish
- For heavier tarnish: lukewarm water with a little washing-up liquid, then dry well. Only for pieces without stones
- Use silver dips sparingly and never on pieces with stones
Prevention
- Store airtight, e.g. in a resealable plastic bag
- Wear regularly, as this slows down tarnishing
- Remove before contact with sulphur, e.g. in thermal baths or when cooking with eggs and onions
Gold-plated silver
Gold plating is a thin layer of gold and more delicate than solid silver.
Cleaning
- Only dab gently with a soft, dry cloth, do not rub
- If needed, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately
Please note
- No silver polish and no polishing cloths, they wear off the gold plating
- Keep away from water, sweat and cosmetics as much as possible
- Gold plating wears off over time. A jeweller can re-plate the piece
Brass and copper
Brass and copper darken over time and develop a patina. Many people appreciate this, especially on traditional pieces.
Cleaning
- Wipe with a soft, dry cloth
- After wearing, dry off moisture and sweat
Please note
- Store in a dry place
- Copper can leave slight greenish marks on the skin. This is harmless and washes off
Bone
Bone is a natural material and needs a little moisture, but no water bath.
Cleaning and care
- Wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately
- Never soak, bone can swell and discolour
- Occasionally rub in a very thin layer of coconut or jojoba oil. This prevents drying out and cracks
Please note
- Do not store in direct sunlight or in very dry rooms
- Bone can discolour naturally over time. This is normal
Wood
Wooden beads and pendants are a living material.
Cleaning and care
- Dust with a dry, soft cloth
- If dirty, use a slightly damp cloth and rub dry immediately
- Two to three times a year, massage in a little wood oil, coconut oil or beeswax and polish
Please note
- Never immerse in water or store damp
- Avoid strong changes in temperature and humidity
- Do not store in the sun, wood can fade
- Fine cracks and colour changes are natural in wood
Seeds: rudraksha, bodhi and others
Seeds such as rudraksha or bodhi seeds benefit from regular wear. Skin contact keeps them supple.
Cleaning and care
- Clean about every 6 months with lukewarm water and a soft brush; in between, wipe with a slightly damp cloth
- Let air-dry, not in the sun
- Occasionally massage rudraksha with a little coconut or sandalwood oil, ideally in the evening, and wipe off any excess
Please note
- Do not store damp, otherwise mould may form
- Rudraksha seeds that are too dry can break
- Bodhi seeds develop a beautiful patina over time. This is desirable
Traditionally, rudraksha malas are also oiled with ghee or cleansed energetically, for instance with incense or overnight on a copper vessel with water.
Knotted bands
Knotted good-luck and protection bands made of textile are traditionally worn until they come off by themselves.
Care
- If needed, dab with a slightly damp cloth and let air-dry
Please note
- Colours can fade over time from water and sunlight
- Do not put in the washing machine
We are happy to answer questions about caring for a particular piece in our shop at Münstergasse 10 in Zurich.