Jewellery Knowledge & Care

Yes. Chlorine and harsh chemicals can damage or discolour jewellery and can affect alloys, solder and finishes. Remove jewellery before swimming pools, hot tubs or using strong chemicals.

Yes. Diamonds are very hard but can still chip or fracture from impact, especially around vulnerable edges or inclusions.

Often yes. Gold Factory offers polishing, cleaning, plating, stone work, repair, antique finishing and restoration depending on the item.

It is better not to. Chlorinated pools, salt water, physical activity and the risk of loss can all damage or endanger jewellery.

Plain solid gold may tolerate water, but soaps, shampoos and chemicals can dull finishes and affect stones or plated surfaces. Removing jewellery before showering is the safer care approach.

Yes. Dirt, grit and small stones are abrasive and can scratch metal or gemstones. Remove jewellery before gardening, building work or similar activities.

Perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and lotions can build up on jewellery or affect delicate stones and plated finishes. Apply products first and allow them to dry before putting jewellery on.

There is no single fixed interval for every piece. If a ring is worn daily, especially a stone-set ring, periodic professional inspection is sensible, and any loose stone or snagging claw should be checked promptly.

There is no universal interval. It depends on wear, skin chemistry, item type and the finish. Replate when the customer notices the underlying colour or wants the bright white finish restored.

22ct gold is relatively soft. Avoid heavy impact, bending, pulling and abrasive contact. Remove delicate pieces before strenuous work, sport or activities that could catch or distort the jewellery.

Diamonds are hard but settings can wear or bend. Avoid strong impact, check claws periodically and clean carefully to remove oils and dirt.

Different gemstones have different hardness, porosity and treatment sensitivities. If the stone is unknown or valuable, ask Gold Factory before using chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners or heat.

Pearls are much softer and more sensitive than gold or diamonds. Keep them away from perfume, hairspray, chemicals and abrasives, and wipe them gently after wear.

Use a suitable jewellery-cleaning method for the specific piece and take extra care with delicate settings or stones. Gold Factory sells cleaning products and also provides professional cleaning and polishing services.

Store pieces separately in a clean, dry jewellery box or soft pouch so they do not scratch or tangle with other items.

For delicate chains, earrings, stone-set rings and high-carat gold, removing jewellery before sleep can reduce snagging, bending and wear.

Many white-gold items are rhodium plated to give a bright white surface. The coating can wear with use and can be renewed through professional rhodium plating.

Yes. The Jewellery Knowledge Centre provides educational information about gold, silver, platinum, hallmarks, diamonds, gemstones, jewellery manufacturing and related subjects.

Yes. It includes guidance on UK hallmarks, gold hallmarks, silver hallmarks, platinum hallmarks and fineness marks.

Yes. It covers the jewellery-making journey, including the path from an idea to CAD, casting, stone setting, polishing and finishing.

Yes. It includes educational information comparing natural and lab-grown diamonds as well as the Diamond 4Cs, certificates, shapes and choosing a diamond.

It includes information such as Understanding Gold, Gold Purity Explained, Gold Colours and how gold jewellery prices can be calculated.