Jewellery Care
Your jewellery is designed to be worn, loved, and treasured for years to come. With the right care, you can keep it looking its best while preserving the detail and character that makes it unique.
What is our jewellery made from?
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a precious metal made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% “other” metal, usually copper. Sterling silver tarnishes naturally and occurs when your jewellery is exposed to the air. More specifically, it is caused by a chemical reaction between the sterling silver and the air and any chemicals that come into contact with it. This is a process called ‘oxidation’, causing a thin layer of tarnish to sit on your jewellery. The good news is this is 100% reversible!
Solid Gold
As the name suggests, when a piece of jewellery is described as ‘solid gold’ it has been made entirely out of gold, rather than simply being ‘gold plated’. A plated piece of jewellery has a thin layer of gold over a base of non-gold metal.
In its purest form (24 carat) gold is very soft, and scratches easily. Therefore, it is commonly combined with alloys to create a more structurally sound metal. All Ruby Tynan Jewellery described as ‘gold’ is made from 9 carat or 18 carat gold.
Diamonds & Pearls
Diamonds are natural gemstones formed deep within the Earth over millions of years under intense heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but are created in a controlled environment rather than formed underground.
Pearls are organic gemstones formed within molluscs, such as oysters. Their soft lustre and delicate surface make them unique, but also more sensitive, meaning they require gentler care than other gemstones.
What is tarnishing?
Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction that happens when metals come into contact with elements in the air, moisture, and everyday substances.
It usually appears as:
- A dull or darkened surface
- Slight discolouration (grey, yellow, or black tones)
This is completely normal and not a sign that your jewellery is faulty. In fact, it’s a natural process that occurs even with precious metals.
Most jewellery metals — including silver and gold alloys — are mixed with other metals to make them strong enough for everyday wear.
These alloyed metals can react with:
- Air and moisture
- Natural oils from your skin
- Perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics
- Chlorine, salt water, and cleaning products
This reaction creates a thin surface layer (tarnish), which can cause the metal to lose its shine over time.
How to
Prevent Tarnishing
Tarnishing can’t always be completely avoided, but it can be slowed down significantly with the right care.
We recommend:
- Removing jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising
- Removing jewellery when sleeping - your jewellery can become caught or tangled
- Avoiding contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products
- Storing your jewellery in a dry, enclosed space when not in use
- Keeping pieces separate to prevent scratches
Even simple habits can make a big difference in maintaining your jewellery’s finish over time.
How to
Clean Your Jewellery
Regular, gentle cleaning will help restore shine and remove everyday build-up.
Polishing Cloth
Using a polishing cloth (especially one impregnated with polishing compounds) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain the shine of your jewellery between deeper cleans.
Gently hold your piece to avoid dropping it while cleaning. Using your cloth, rub the surface of the jewellery in small, gentle motions. Focus on areas that appear dull or slightly tarnished. Take extra care around fine details, engravings, or impression areas — a light touch helps preserve the texture. Keep polishing until the surface regains its natural shine
Warm Soapy Water
A gentle clean using warm soapy water is one of the safest and most effective ways to care for your jewellery at home.
Add a small amount of mild soap to lukewarm water and mix gently. Place your jewellery in the bowl and leave it to soak for 5–10 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt, oils, or residue. Using a soft brush or cloth, carefully clean the surface of your jewellery. Take extra care around detailed areas, settings, and impressions where dirt can build up. Rinse your jewellery under clean lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. Pat dry with a soft cloth and allow your jewellery to air dry completely before wearing or storing.
The "Baking Soda" Method
For more noticeable tarnish, the baking soda method can help. This should be used occasionally and with care, as it is slightly more abrasive than gentle soap cleaning. This method is not suitable for cleaning pearls.
Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side facing up. Lay your jewellery directly onto the foil, ensuring it is in contact with the surface. Sprinkle baking soda over the jewellery and carefully pour boiling water into the bowl submerging the jewellery. Allow the jewellery to sit for 5–10 minutes while the reaction lifts the tarnish. Rinse jewellery thoroughly with clean water, and dry with a soft cloth.
