Introduction: Jewellery That Lasts a Lifetime
Owning a piece of fine jewellery — especially one handcrafted with precision and intention — is both a joy and a responsibility. Whether it’s a bespoke engagement ring or a treasured heirloom, your jewellery deserves thoughtful care to preserve its beauty and integrity.
At Rudolf Heltzel, we don’t just craft jewellery that stands the test of time. We also guide our clients in caring for their pieces — so they can be worn, cherished, and passed down through generations.
1. Clean Your Jewellery Gently and Consistently
Everyday wear exposes jewellery to oils, dust, skin products, and air pollutants — all of which can dull its brilliance over time. Regular, gentle cleaning helps maintain its natural shine.
Recommended method:
- Use lukewarm water with a small drop of mild dish soap
- Clean with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth
❌ Avoid: Harsh chemicals, toothpaste, ultrasonic machines (unless advised), or abrasive materials — these can scratch metal or loosen gemstones.
💡 Pro Tip: Always clean pieces one at a time to prevent scratching or tangling.
2. Store Jewellery with Intention
Jewellery should never be left in piles or exposed to environmental stress. Proper storage can prevent damage and extend the lifespan of each piece.
Best storage practices:
- Store each piece in a soft pouch or its original presentation box
- Keep chains fastened to avoid tangling
- Separate harder gemstones (like diamonds or sapphires) from softer ones
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade certain gemstones
✨ Bonus tip: For heirloom jewellery, include a written note about the piece’s origin or family story — preserving not just the object, but its meaning.
3. Avoid Everyday Chemicals and Environmental Stressors
Even the most robust materials — including 18ct gold and platinum — can be affected by modern products and environments.
Remove jewellery before:
- Applying perfume, hairspray, lotions, or self-tanner
- Cleaning (especially with bleach, ammonia, or strong detergents)
- Swimming in chlorinated or saltwater pools
- Cooking with acidic foods (lemon, vinegar, tomato)
💡 When in doubt, take it off. Your jewellery will thank you.
4. Schedule Regular Professional Check-Ups
Like any finely crafted object, handmade jewellery benefits from expert care. We recommend annual maintenance appointments to keep your pieces safe and sparkling.
Services to consider:
- Inspection of prongs, clasps, and settings
- Professional cleaning to restore lustre
- Polishing or re-finishing to remove surface wear
- Legacy repair or restoration for heirloom jewellery
🔧 At Rudolf Heltzel, our Kilkenny studio offers in-house legacy cleaning, gemstone checks, and expert servicing for bespoke and antique jewellery.
5. Know When to Remove Your Jewellery
Even the strongest jewellery should be treated with care. To prevent accidental damage, remove your pieces during activities that could expose them to physical stress or chemical exposure.
Take off your jewellery:
- During exercise, lifting, or physical labour
- When gardening or doing housework
- In extreme temperatures or hot tubs
- While applying heavy makeup or fake tan
A few seconds of caution can save decades of wear.
Final Thoughts: Jewellery as Legacy
Your jewellery is more than an accessory — it’s memory, artistry, and legacy. Caring for it ensures that it can be worn with pride and passed on with meaning.
Whether it’s a modern statement piece or a multi-generational heirloom, every jewel deserves attention, protection, and reverence.
🛠 Need Expert Jewellery Care?
✨ Book a care consultation with our team
📍 Drop into our Kilkenny workshop for tailored advice and legacy cleaning
Let us help you preserve what matters — beautifully.
