Education on proper jewellery care and cleaning

At Noémi Eśka, every piece of jewellery is lovingly hand-crafted with special care and attention from the husband and wife duo directly from their Cotswolds studio. What began as a kitchen table project in 2016 has blossomed into the love affair that is Noémi Eśka – truly unique and personalised fine jewellery that started with the epitome of what is personal, the fingerprint design pendant. From there, the collection has grown to include various precious metals and fine gemstones.

With this in mind, we have put together a guide to help prolong your treasured pieces and keep heirlooms and keepsakes looking their best for years to come. After all, you're not buying a piece of jewellery; you're investing in something meaningful that will withstand the test of time and can be passed along for future generations to cherish.

Wearing 

Your jewellery is precious, and because it holds meaningful memories, it deserves to be treated with special care and attention. It's really important to remember that different materials react differently to everyday wear and tear. For instance, silver jewellery is prone to scratching and oxidising over time. 

Do take extra care to ensure you're not exposing your jewellery to harsh chemicals. Applying make-up, hairspray, perfumes, and lotions can all contain ingredients that can react poorly with your jewellery and damage it over time. To prevent this, always put on your jewellery after applying products.

Swimming pools and spas can also cause damage to your jewellery due to the chlorinated water, leading to colour changes and even structural damage. To avoid this, and for safety, remove your jewellery before entering the pool or spa.

So, while exercise is great for the mind and body, some activities can damage your jewellery due to hard blows. Remember, also, that salt water and our sweat can cause damage. So, as part of your exercise regime, consider getting into the habit of removing your jewellery, so you can workout worry free.

The nitty-gritty of cleaning 

Jewellery is profoundly sentimental, so it is important to clean your jewellery with a gentle touch by using a soft cloth and warm water to preserve its delicate materials.

For those intricate pieces with lots of detailing, a soft toothbrush can be a game-changer. It gets into all those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, leaving your jewellery sparkling. And if there's still some dirt that won't budge, don't worry - simply soak the jewellery in clean water. It's incredible how a little bit of patience and time can work wonders.

Step-by-step.

1. Begin by filling a clean bowl with lukewarm water that's around 30°C. Next, add a few drops of mild, pH-neutral washing dish liquid to the bowl. It's important to note that boiling water can potentially damage your jewellery, so don't be tempted to think it will deep clean your jewellery.
2. Wash (or soak) your jewellery in the water for up to two minutes using your hands or a soft-bristled brush. Avoid tugging, pulling, or applying hard pressure during cleaning as this may cause damage.
3. Carefully rinse your jewellery with clean water (tip: if you're near the sink, plug the drain – we definitely don't want anything slipping away).
4. Next, dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, or lay your jewellery out to air dry, again on a soft lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can occasionally be abrasive and cause scratching. 
5. Lastly, if you’re not wearing your jewellery, store it straight away in its box or pouch. Avoid hot and humid spaces, such as the bathroom, where the heat and moisture may cause precious metals to tarnish. 

Final thoughts. Remember, your jewellery is not just an accessory – it's a reflection of who you are and what you hold dear. With a little bit of love and care, your jewellery will continue to be a cherished part of your life, bringing you joy and happiness every time you wear it, as it was created with that in mind, from our loving hands at Noémi Eśka to yours.