Care for Your Jewellery

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, but they are not indestructible. They can chip if struck at the right angle and they attract grease and oils — which is why they lose their sparkle over time. Regular cleaning restores their brilliance.

• ① Soak in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 20–30 minutes monthly.
• ② Gently scrub the diamond and setting with a soft toothbrush — pay attention to the underside where grease collects.
• ③ Rinse under warm running water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• ④ Inspect prongs regularly — loose prongs can lead to stone loss. If a prong feels sharp or catches fabric, bring it in.
• ⑤ Avoid touching the stone directly — skin oils instantly create a greasy film that dulls sparkle.
• ⑥ Do not wear during heavy manual work — a sharp blow to the girdle can chip a diamond.

Sterling silver (925) naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture — this is a chemical reaction, not a defect. Tarnish appears as a dark or yellow film on the surface and can be easily removed with the right care routine. The best prevention is regular wear and proper storage.

• ① Polish with a silver polishing cloth after each wear to slow tarnishing.
• ② For heavier tarnish, soak in warm soapy water and gently polish with a soft cloth.
• ③ Dry completely before storing — even a little moisture accelerates tarnishing.
• ④ Store in an airtight zip bag or the Azul silver pouch with an anti-tarnish strip.
• ⑤ Keep away from rubber bands — rubber contains sulphur which rapidly blackens silver.
• ⑥ Never use toothpaste — it is too abrasive and will scratch the surface permanently.

Platinum and palladium are among the most durable metals used in jewellery. Unlike gold, they do not lose metal when scratched — instead the metal moves, creating a natural patina over time. Many collectors prefer this lived-in look, but it can be polished away professionally if desired.

• ① Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush every few weeks.
• ② Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• ③ The natural patina that develops over time is normal — it can be polished away by our team if preferred.
• ④ Platinum is hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnish — it requires less maintenance than gold or silver.
• ⑤ Avoid exposure to chlorine — although more resistant, prolonged exposure can still cause damage.
• ⑥ Palladium is lighter than platinum — treat it with the same care but handle gently as it can be slightly more susceptible to bending.

Precious stones — emeralds, rubies and sapphires — each have unique properties that affect how they should be cleaned and stored. Emeralds in particular are often treated with oils or resins that can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.

• ① Emerald: Wipe only with a damp soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic cleaners — they strip the natural oils used to fill inclusions. Store away from heat and direct light which can fade colour.
• ② Ruby: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rubies are hardy (Mohs 9) but avoid heat treatment at home. Untreated rubies can handle ultrasonic cleaning; treated ones cannot.
• ③ Sapphire: The most durable of the three (Mohs 9). Warm soapy water and a soft brush works well. Most sapphires are heat-treated and are generally safe with ultrasonic cleaning.
• ④ Store each gemstone piece separately — harder stones like sapphire and ruby will scratch softer ones like emerald.
• ⑤ Avoid exposing any precious stone to sudden temperature changes — thermal shock can cause cracking.

Bridal and special occasion jewellery often features intricate settings, multiple stones and fine workmanship that requires extra care. These pieces are typically worn less frequently, which means proper storage between occasions is as important as cleaning.

• ① Clean your bridal set professionally before and after the wedding day to ensure maximum sparkle.
• ② Store in the original Azul box, wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, in a cool dry place.
• ③ Apply all perfumes, hairsprays and makeup before putting on your jewellery — never after.
• ④ Remove before the first dance, swimming or any activity that risks snagging or impact.
• ⑤ Check all stone settings after the wedding — dancing, hugging and general activity can loosen prongs.
• ⑥ For pieces worn rarely, take them out of storage every few months, wear them briefly, then clean and re-store — this keeps metal from becoming brittle.