The Value of Maintenance

Jewellery isn’t fragile, but it is delicate.
Every diamond, clasp, and polish carries craftsmanship that deserves respect.
Over time, daily wear dulls brilliance and loosens settings — not because the piece is low quality, but because even gold and gemstones have limits.

At Hour Time Jewellery, we see maintenance as part of ownership.
A ring isn’t finished the day you collect it — it begins a lifetime of care.

Follow these habits and your jewellery will stay radiant for decades.

1. Gentle Cleaning Is Key

Dust, oils, and soap residue gradually coat metal and stones, dimming their sparkle.
But harsh cleaning methods can do more harm than good.

Here’s how to clean safely:

• Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.

• Soak the jewellery for 5–10 minutes.

• Gently brush with a soft toothbrush.

• Rinse under lukewarm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners at home unless you’re sure the piece can handle it — delicate settings, emeralds, and pearls can crack or loosen under vibration.

2. Keep Chemicals Away

Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cleaning agents all erode metal polish and degrade stone settings.
They can cause rhodium plating on white gold to fade faster, and soften prong solder over time.

Simple rule: jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.

Never wear fine pieces in pools or spas — chlorine corrodes alloys and discolours gold permanently.

3. Store Properly

Jewellery boxes aren’t just for display — they’re for protection.

• Store pieces separately to avoid scratches, especially rings with high settings.

• Use soft-lined boxes or pouches instead of hard surfaces.

• Keep silver pieces in anti-tarnish cloths or bags.

• Avoid leaving jewellery in bathrooms — moisture accelerates oxidation.

At Hour Time Jewellery, every piece comes with packaging designed for long-term safekeeping — use it.

4. Regular Professional Check-Ups

Even the strongest ring can loosen with time.
Claws wear down, prongs shift, and small vibrations from daily wear can slowly compromise a setting.

We recommend a professional inspection every 12 months for engagement rings and diamond jewellery.
A 10-minute check prevents potential loss and expensive repairs.

During inspection, we:

• Test prongs and claw tightness

• Check for hidden cracks or chips

• Re-polish and re-rhodium if needed

This isn’t upselling — it’s preservation. You wouldn’t skip servicing a car; your jewellery deserves the same attention.

5. Know When to Take It Off

It’s tempting to wear jewellery all day — especially engagement rings.
But continuous contact with hard surfaces (gym equipment, housework, or even typing) can flatten claws and cause invisible micro-scratches.

Take off your pieces when:

• Lifting weights or exercising

• Cleaning or cooking

• Sleeping

• Applying skincare or makeup

Gold is malleable; even tiny daily knocks add up over time.

6. The Polishing Myth

A professional polish restores shine — but it should be done sparingly.
Excessive polishing gradually removes a fine surface layer of gold each time.

We recommend polishing no more than once every 1–2 years.
For minor dullness, a microfibre cloth at home is sufficient.

Hour Time Jewellery offers in-house ultrasonic cleaning and light polishing to refresh brilliance without eroding the metal’s structure.

7. Caring for Specific Stones

Not all gemstones behave like diamonds.

• Emeralds: Porous and brittle. Clean only with mild water and soft cloths. Never soak.

• Sapphires & Rubies: Strong but can scratch softer stones — store separately.

• Opals & Pearls: Sensitive to heat and chemicals. Avoid contact with anything acidic or alkaline.

Each gemstone has personality. Treat it according to its nature.

8. Insurance & Appraisal

Caring for your jewellery also means protecting it financially.
Keep every certificate, appraisal, and proof of purchase.
Insure high-value items separately — home insurance rarely covers full replacement.

We provide official valuations suitable for insurers, including detailed descriptions, weights, and imagery for record keeping.

9. The Hour Time Promise

Our commitment doesn’t end after delivery.
Every Hour Time client receives complimentary annual cleaning and inspection on bespoke pieces.
We want our work to shine exactly as it did the day it left our hands — for as long as it’s worn.

Jewellery isn’t disposable. It’s generational.
And with care, yours can become an heirloom.