Photo by David Perryman

Let’s be honest, the majority of us have the best intentions to look after our diamonds and jewels with the upmost care! But life can have a habit of getting in the way.

Now without taking over your life, I suggest adopting a simple and easy tender, love and care routine for your jewellery. Here are 5 easy steps to avoid those unwanted scratches and dents:

1. How to clean your wedding ring at home: This is super easy and takes no longer than a minute or two. Grab an old toothbrush, nice and soft is the key, and with soapy warm water gently brush under your diamond / gemstone. This will remove any unwanted dirt and grit. Also keep a polishing cloth at home to remove those fingerprints and surface dirt that keeps your pieces looking dull.

2. Safe keeping at home: Avoid doing the dishes wearing your rings, especially that beautiful engagement ring! I suggest having a small dish close to the sink that you routinely place your rings into.

3. Places to avoid wearing your engagement rings. Be mindful of where you wear your jewellery. For example, doing weights at the gym is not the best place! Just like you do at home, have a safe spot that you routinely put your jewellery when in these situations! Make it a good practice, at home and out, that when you take your jewels off you store them separate places so they don’t rub against each other leaving marks.

4. Ultrasonic Clean: Every now and then drop in to your jeweller (a good jeweller will not mind at all) and ask for a quick ultrasonic clean. Cleaning solution is added to water and sound waves are sent though to aggravate the water. Placing your jewellery into a basket into the ultrasonic will remove any stubborn dirt and grit. You will be amazed at how your diamond sparkles like new again! If you are keen to purchase an ultrasonic for your own home, then make sure you speak to a professional who can run you through how to use it and what gemstones you can and can not put into an ultrasonic cleaner.

5. Annual Check-up: Like any significant purchase that requires regular services, the same goes for your engagement rings and fine jewellery. A good jeweller will welcome you to drop your pieces in every 12 – 18 months for a polish and re-plating (if it is white gold) to remove any unwanted scratches and to check that your diamond is sitting nice and secure. Your brand new ring will delight you! This is a service that is offered free of charge annually by some jewellers, so when purchasing your engagement ring it is a good idea to ask about their follow-up service, as this can cost up to $100 every time.

Ms Gingham says: I have been using the toothbrush method to clean all my jewellery and it works a treat. Personally, I put my jewels in a small pot of water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent and bring to the boil on the stove before brushing them. They always gleam afterwards!

About Larsen Jewellery: Larsen Jewellery is a family owned business, established by Lars and Susie Larsen whose team of talented jewellers draw on more than 70 years of experience in the jewellery industry.