A soft jewellery polishing cloth with tarnish preventative will help keep pieces lustrous and shinning. Special solutions for cleaning are available through Curyers, see our Cleaning Products page.

DONT'S
Don't wear your jewellery doing housework or gardening. Diamonds and metal may be tough but will still shatter and scratch.
Don't keep your jewellery all in one pile. Remember diamonds will scratch all of your other gold and stone set jewellery. Separate and keep in a lined box.
Don't sleep or shower in your jewellery. Sleeping with your jewels will cause damage and wear, whilst showering can create tarnishing.
Don't put your jewellery in chlorine bleach, as the metal may discolour.
Don't put your jewellery in salt water and other harsh chemicals as they can dull and erode your gems.

DO'S
~ Have your settings checked on a regular basis (at least once a year) and accept the fact they need maintenance due to wear and tear.
~ Have your pearls rethreaded once a year to maintain the length and safety weakened by contact with chemicals such as perfume and hairspray etc.
~ Clean your jewellery with soapy water and an old soft toothbrush to ensure no build up collects in between the settings. Or purchase specially designed jewellery cleaners for the best finish available.
~ Remember to have your jewellery valued regularly to submit to your insurance company as many forget to advise them of what items they own. They will usually have a maximum value before they need to know what you own. For example your insurance company may require prior knowledge for items exceeding $800. It is best to find out in advance. Wash your pearls in mild soapy water after wear and wrap in tissue paper when storing them away.

What does the word 'jewellery' really mean?
According to the Latin and French derivation of the word, it means joy or gladness. Historians say that even back in prehistoric times jewellery was known and regarded as a symbol of happiness.

Which came first the engagement ring or the wedding ring?
Curiously enough, historians are indecisive. However, the use of two rings can be followed back to the time when it was a custom to give the future bride a ring at the time of proposal, to accommodate to religious demands, and the marriage was prolonged. A second ring was presented by the bridegroom to represent his pledge of holy union.

Why is the engagement ring worn on the third finger of the left hand?
It was once thought that the vein 'vena amoris, the 'vein of love' ran directly down this finger straight to the heart. Science however, does not support this view. However, this is an appropriate finger for practicality as it a finger that best suits the protection of the ring itself due to the fact is is least active.

Why does my padlock on my bracelet not close?
Metal is fairly malleable and opening and closing your padlock will bend the arm slightly out of shape meaning it does not fit the catch. This is easily rectified by your local Showcase Jewellers.

What is the best way to close my locket? Lockets are fragile as they are hinged. When shutting, ensure that only gentle pressure is put on the catch itself. Do not put pressure on the centre of the locket as it is hollow and has little support.

Why do my earring backs seem loose?
Due to the shape of the butterfly backs, taking them on and off can make them becomes loose. This is easily rectified by your local Showcase Jewellers.

My hoops don't catch properly...
Again opening and closing the hinged catch will loosen the catch over time. This is easily fixed.

How do I put my toe ring on?
Toe rings are designed to fit most toes and have sufficient flexibility. However it is important to understand that the correct fit should be achieved only through slight adjustment of the rings diameter. Excessive bending or stretching may cause damage.

1. Pearls keep their original lustre better if given a soft wipe after wear. This is especially so in Summer as perspiration can affect them.

2. Because they can be scratched, it's a good idea to protect them in a chamois bag or wrapped separately, so your other jewellery doesn't harm them.

3. Some people find that their pearls change colour. Generally speaking this is because they have been worn when in the bath or working in the kitchen or laundry. Most cleaning agents contain bleach, so it's not surprising that pearls can lose colour under these circumstances.

4. While pearls can be washed in a solution of mild soap and water, particular care has to be taken because of the silk thread. It really is best if pearls are cleaned professionally. Your Showcase jeweller can assist.

5. If you have a string of pearls it's wise to often check if the string is loose or wearing thin. Large strands of expensive pearls should be knotted between each pearl. This ensures that they don't all run loose if the silk strand breaks.

Re-stringing should be carried out yearly. Simply take them to your Showcase jeweller. He or she is a professional and can offer reliable, expert advice as well as skilled craftsmanship.