Product Care

Gemstone Jewellery

Certain basic precautions should be taken with all of your jewellery. However, some gemstones, as outlined in this section, require special care.

Take care to protect your jewellery from impact against hard surfaces and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. Even a diamond can chip if hit with enough force or at just the right angle. Many stones such as amethyst, emerald, kunzite, opal, pearl, peridot, tanzanite and tourmaline are very delicate and easily abraded. Enamel can also chip or scratch when struck.

Gemstones can scratch other gemstones and wear away at precious metals. Therefore, avoid stacking those rings and bracelets that would be vulnerable to such abrasion. Extreme temperatures, perfumes, cosmetics, ultrasonic cleaning and household chemicals can also damage jewellery.

Pearl Jewellery

Fine cultured pearls with thick nacre layers will last for generations if cared for properly. Cultured pearls should be kept free of perfumes, cosmetics, perspiration and dirt. You may gently wipe cultured pearls with a slightly damp cloth. Cultured pearls are strung on pure silk with knots between each cultured pearl. Over time, the silk will stretch, weaken and become soiled. If you wear your cultured pearls regularly, we encourage you to have your cultured pearls cleaned and restrung annually.

If worn often, pearls should be cleaned and restrung professionally once a year. Between cleanings, wipe pearls gently with a damp cloth.

Silver Care 

Sterling silver tarnishes, especially when exposed to salt air and products containing sulphur, such as rubber bands and some papers. However, silver that is regularly used typically needs less care, so La Vivacita strongly encourages you to wear your silver every day.

Using a small amount of soap and water on a soft cloth, gently rub the silver several times. Then rinse the silver thoroughly in warm water and carefully dry. This will remove the tarnish and dullness, keeping your sterling silver like new. Please note: chlorine and bleach accelerate tarnishing and should be avoided.

Once cleaned and polished, silver must be kept in a cool, dark place. Storing your pieces separately prevents any chance of jewellery scratching or tangling with each other.

All things considered, keeping your sterling silver clean comes down to maintaining a balance of regular at-home care and professional cleaning appointments. We suggest an annual cleaning by professionals for all jewellery.

Remember that it’s easier to prevent tarnish than it is to remove it after it occurs. If you see tarnish beginning to form, be sure to clean it immediately. Following these steps will help keep your sterling silver looking like new for years to come.

Gold plated jewellery

Gently rub your gold-plated jewellery with a soft jewellery cloth to restore its shine. After every use, clean your jewellery with a cotton ball or a very soft cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Plated pieces can be prone to oxidation, so we recommend removing before you swim, shower, or apply lotion, makeup, or perfume. To minimise scratches, store your pieces separate in your jewellery box.