STONE STORY JEWELLERY CARE GUIDE
At Stone Story, we craft our pieces using the finest semi-precious gemstones, 925 BIS Hallmarked Sterling Silver, and offer 18K gold plating or rhodium for enhanced durability and luster. To ensure your jewellery lasts a lifetime, follow these care instructions:
1. General Care for All Jewellery
- Avoid direct contact with chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays contain ingredients that can tarnish the metal and dull gemstone shine. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry.
- Remove jewellery before swimming or showering: Chlorine, salt water, and harsh soaps can discolor gemstones and degrade metal plating over time.
- Store jewellery properly: Keep your pieces in a soft, dry place, preferably in individual pouches or boxes to prevent scratching, tangling, or tarnishing.
2. 18k Gold-Plated Jewellery Care
- Avoid Frequent Water Exposure: Gold plating can wear off over time, especially with prolonged exposure to water. Remove your gold-plated jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Gentle Cleaning: Clean gold-plated pieces with a soft cloth. Avoid using liquid jewellery cleaners, as they can be too harsh for the plating. For a deeper clean, a mild soap and water solution can be used, followed by drying with a soft cloth.
3. Rhodium-Plated Jewellery Care
- Rhodium Plating Durability: Rhodium protects your silver from tarnish and enhances shine. However, like all plating, it can wear over time. To extend its life, avoid rough surfaces or handling your jewellery too roughly.
- Cleaning Rhodium-Plated Jewellery: Wipe with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid chemical-based cleaners, as they can wear down the rhodium finish.
4. Gemstone Care
Each gemstone has unique properties and care needs:
- Avoid Heat and Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight can fade or damage certain gemstones (such as amethyst and turquoise). Store in a cool, dark place when not in use.
- Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners: Some gemstones like opals, turquoise, and pearls are sensitive to vibrations and moisture, which can cause cracks. Stick to gentle hand cleaning.
- Daily Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean gemstones. Avoid harsh cleaners, as they can strip the stone’s natural luster.
5. Storing Your Jewellery
- Individual Pouches or Boxes: Store each piece separately to avoid scratching and tangling. Soft fabric pouches or lined jewellery boxes are best.
- Avoid Humidity: Keep your jewellery in a dry place. High humidity environments (like bathrooms) can accelerate tarnishing of silver or damage gemstones.
6. Regular Inspections
Check your jewellery regularly for loose stones, worn clasps, or signs of damage. This helps ensure the longevity of your pieces and prevents accidental loss.
7. Professional Cleaning & Plating Services
For a deeper clean, Stone Story offers professional cleaning and refurbishing services to restore your jewellery’s original shine and finish. Contact us for more information on these services.
