Jewellery Care Guide

Caring for Diamonds

Handle with Care — The “Touch or Not to Touch” Rule

Every time you touch your diamond, natural oils from your skin transfer to its surface. Over time, this film dulls its brilliance and light reflection.

Zorba Tip: Handle your diamond jewellery only by its edges, not by the stone.

Avoid wearing diamond rings or bangles when applying lotions, perfumes, or hairsprays. Diamonds repel water but attract oil — a single mist of perfume can coat them with residue.

Remember: the less you touch, the more they shine.

Regular Cleaning for Lasting Sparkle

A diamond shines because light travels perfectly through it. Dust, sweat, or grease can block that light.
 So, regular cleaning is your best friend.

 How to Clean at Home:

  1. Mix warm water with mild soap.

  2. Soak your jewellery for 10–15 minutes.

  3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean all sides — especially the back where dirt collects.

  4. Rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Never use toothpaste, bleach, or harsh chemicals — they can corrode metal settings and dull the stone.

Zorba Tip: Clean your diamonds every two weeks. And if you’re cleaning over a sink, cover the drain first!

Gentle Touch, Gentle Care

Yes, diamonds are tough — but their settings aren’t indestructible.
 A strong scrub can loosen prongs or dislodge stones.

If your diamond catches on clothing, don’t pull. Carefully untangle it to avoid damage.
 When cleaning, use only soft pressure. Let your care, not force, preserve its sparkle.

When Not to Wear Your Diamonds

Some moments are for shine — others are for safety.

Avoid wearing diamond jewellery when:

  • Swimming in salt water or chlorinated pools (can weaken settings).

  • Doing household cleaning with bleach or harsh chemicals.

  • Exercising or gymming (impact and sweat can loosen stones).

  • On sandy beaches — salt and sand can scratch metal and dull diamonds.

Zorba Insight:
 If you wouldn’t take your diamonds to sleep, the sea, or the sink — you’re already a diamond care pro.

Even diamonds can scratch each other. To prevent damage:

  • Store each piece separately in a soft, fabric-lined jewellery box.

  • Use individual pouches or compartments to avoid friction.

  • Never toss your jewellery together in one case.

If you don’t have a jewellery organizer, wrap each piece in soft tissue or velvet cloth.
 A little storage care today saves a lifetime of beauty tomorrow.

Inspect Regularly — The Zorba Maintenance Rule

Your diamonds deserve more than a casual glance.
 Every few months, inspect your jewellery for:

  • Loose or uneven prongs

  • Stones that appear tilted or unstable

  • Metal scratches or wear

If you notice any of the above, contact Zorba immediately.

Professional ultrasonic cleaning once or twice a year keeps your diamonds flawless. The gentle vibration removes microscopic dirt that home cleaning can’t reach.

Zorba Pro Tip: Ensure your diamond ring fits snugly. A loose fit increases wear on settings — and risks losing the stone.

Your diamonds are more than luxury — they’re legacies.
 With care, they will sparkle not just for you, but for generations to come.

At Zorba Diamond, we recommend:

  • Regular professional cleaning

  • Safe, separated storage

  • Gentle daily handling

  • Conscious wearing habits

Because brilliance isn’t just about how a diamond shines — it’s about how you care for it.

Zorba Diamond — where forever begins with flawless care.

Caring for Gemstones

Caring for Gemstones

Because every colour of nature deserves care as pure as its beauty.

Gemstones are nature’s art — rare, radiant, and full of mystery.
 Each one tells a story: of fire within ruby, of calm within sapphire, of grace within pearl.

But while they appear eternal, even the finest gemstones require delicate care to preserve their beauty.
 At Zorba Diamond, we believe owning gemstones is not just about possession — it’s about preserving a legacy of colour and light.

Here’s your complete guide to keeping them luminous, protected, and timeless.

How to Clean Your Gemstones

Most gemstones respond beautifully to warm water and mild soap.
 Here’s the Zorba way to do it safely:

  1. Mix a few drops of gentle detergent in warm water.

  2. Soak your jewellery briefly.

  3. Clean with a soft brush (baby toothbrushes are perfect).

  4. Rinse carefully in a bowl, not under running water.

  5. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Zorba Tip: Never clean jewellery directly in the sink — a loose gem can easily slip away.

Ultrasonic Cleaners: Use with Care

While ultrasonic cleaners are effective, they’re not for all gemstones.
 Stones like emerald, tanzanite, moonstone, and opal may crack or lose polish under vibration.
 When unsure, visit your nearest jeweller for a gentle steam or sonic cleaning.

Storing Gemstones

Even gems can harm each other — a diamond can scratch a pearl; a ruby can scuff an emerald.

To avoid damage:

  • Store each piece individually in a soft, fabric-lined case.

  • Use separate pouches or compartments.

  • For delicate stones like pearls and opals, store in an environment with slight moisture — not airtight lockers.
    arls breathe. Store them close to air, not in sealed boxes, to prevent drying or cracking.

Harsh sunlight and high heat can change a gem’s character.

  • Amethyst, topaz, smoky quartz may fade in direct sunlight.

  • Pearl, ivory can bleach or dry out.

  • Opals can crack due to temperature changes.

Keep your gemstone jewellery away from prolonged sun exposure and heat sources — even from closed car dashboards or vanity lights.

Keep Gemstones Away from Chemicals

Even everyday products can dull your gemstones — perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and cosmetics all leave residue.

The golden rule:

“Last to wear, first to remove.”

Always put on your gemstone jewellery after applying makeup, perfume, or hair products — and remove it before bedtime or cleaning.

Avoid wearing gemstone jewellery in swimming pools or when using cleaning agents containing bleach or chlorine.

orba Reminder: Luxury deserves discipline — your stones will thank you for it.

Many gemstones are enhanced to improve their colour and clarity —
 like bleached pearls, heat-treated topaz, or fracture-filled emeralds.

These treatments are delicate and can be damaged by:

  • Ultrasonic or steam cleaners

  • Solvents

  • Excessive heat or air pressure

Always ask your jeweller if your gem is treated — and follow their care instructions closely.

Inspect Regularly for Loose Stones

Over time, gemstone settings can loosen — especially in rings or bracelets worn daily.

Every few months:

  • Examine prongs and clasps under light.

  • Gently shake the piece near your ear; if you hear movement, get it checked immediately.

Take your jewellery to a trusted jeweller once a year for professional inspection and tightening.

The Don’ts of Gemstone Care

To protect your treasured stones:

  • Never carry all gemstone jewellery in one pouch while travelling.

  • Avoid wearing them while gardening, cleaning, or doing strenuous work.

  • Don’t toss them on dressers or drawers — always use soft-lined cases.

  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaning unless you’re sure of the stone’s tolerance.

Caring for Pearls

Why Pearls Need Special Care

Unlike other gemstones, pearls are not carved from the Earth — they are cultivated by life itself.
 Each pearl begins as a tiny irritant inside an oyster, coated over time with nacre, the natural, lustrous substance that gives pearls their signature sheen.

This nacre is soft and porous, making pearls vulnerable to scratches, dryness, and chemical damage.
 The thinner the nacre, the more fragile the pearl. That’s why your pearl earrings or rings need far gentler handling than gold or diamonds.

Zorba Tip: The richer the nacre, the longer the glow — but even the finest pearls require mindful care.

Daily Pearl Care — A Ritual of Softness

Pearls are sensitive to acids, sweat, perfume, and humidity. To protect them:

  • Always wear your pearls after applying makeup, perfume, or hairspray.

  • After each wear, wipe them gently with a soft, clean cloth to remove oils and moisture.

  • Avoid wearing them during workouts or in humid weather.

  • Let pearls be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.

Zorba Wisdom: Pearls love skin contact but not sweat — wear them often, but handle them softly.

When Not to Wear Pearls

Pearls and water don’t share the same love story.
 Avoid wearing your pearls when:

  • Bathing or showering

  • Swimming (especially in chlorinated or salt water)

  • In saunas, steam rooms, or direct sunlight

If pearls come into contact with liquids like fruit juice, detergent, or vinegar, gently wipe them immediately with a soft cloth.

How to Store Pearls the Right Way

Pearls can get scratched by harder gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires. To keep them safe:

  • Store each pearl piece separately in a fabric-lined box or soft pouch.

  • Fasten clasps before storing to avoid tangling.

  • Avoid plastic bags — the chemicals they release can dull the nacre.

  • Don’t lock pearls away for years. Pearls contain natural moisture and can dry out if stored too long in airtight boxes.

Zorba Tip: Pearls thrive on touch. Wear them often — it keeps their natural luster alive.

Maintaining Pearl Jewellery

Even the finest silk or nylon thread can weaken over time.
 Check your pearl strands, earrings, and clasps periodically:

  • Inspect for loose pearls or stretched strings.

  • Restring your pearl necklaces once a year.

For safety, ask your jeweller to knot between each pearl — this prevents loss if the strand ever breaks.

How to Clean Pearls at Home

You don’t need chemicals or ultrasonic machines — just patience and care.

🩵 The Zorba Cleaning Ritual:

  1. Lay the jewellery flat on a clean, soft towel.

  2. Mix mild soap with warm water.

  3. Dip a soft brush or cloth and clean gently — don’t soak.

  4. Rinse briefly in cool water (for under five minutes).

  5. Let it air dry flat, untouched, until completely dry.

Avoid twisting or hanging wet strands — they can stretch and lose shape.

Things You Should Never Do

To keep your pearls pristine:

  • ❌ Never use toothpaste, alcohol, or bleach.

  • ❌ Never steam-clean or use ultrasonic cleaners.

  • ❌ Never expose pearls to heat or direct sunlight.

  • ❌ Never store them with hard gemstones or in plastic.
  • ❌ Never toss them carelessly on hard surfaces.

Caring for Rubies

Caring for Rubies
  1. Mix mild soap with warm water in a bowl.

  2. Soak your ruby jewellery for 10–15 minutes to loosen dirt.

  3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around the stone and its setting.

  4. Rinse in clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

  5. Avoid using toothpaste, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners.

Frequency: Once a month at home, and once a year professionally polished by a jeweller to maintain their brilliance.

Wear Rubies the Right Way

The secret to preserving your rubies starts with when you wear them.

  • Always wear your ruby jewellery after applying perfume, hairspray, or makeup.

  • Avoid direct exposure to creams, moisturizers, or oils.

  • When you return home, remove them first and store them properly before relaxing.

    Let your jewels be the final touch before stepping out — and the first to come off when you return.

Though rubies rank high on the Mohs hardness scale (9/10), they are not invincible.
 Acids like lemon juice or vinegar can damage their surface — especially in stones with fractures or dye treatments.

So before cooking, cleaning, or using any chemicals, remove your ruby rings, bangles, or bracelets.
 Even a splash of boric acid or household cleaner can cloud their polish or cause surface erosion.

Store Your Rubies with Care

Even the “King of Gemstones” can be dethroned by careless storage.

  • Keep your rubies separate from diamonds and harder gems, which can scratch them.

  • Store them flat in fabric-lined compartments or soft pouches.

  • Avoid plastic bags — they can trap moisture and degrade metals.

  • Never let ruby jewellery rub against each other; friction can damage prongs or polish.

 Store jewellery flat, not hanging — this prevents stress on settings and keeps the stones secure.

Make it a habit to inspect your ruby jewellery regularly.
 Check for:

  • Uneven or lifted prongs

  • Chips or surface abrasions

  • Loose settings or movement of the stone

If you notice any looseness or imbalance, visit a professional jeweller immediately.
 For rings, ensure the fit is snug — a loose ring increases the risk of knocks and stone damage.

 At the Jeweller’s Bench

When taking ruby jewellery for resizing, polishing, or resetting, always request the work to be done in your presence.

Synthetic rubies are visually identical to natural ones — replacing can happen unnoticed.
 Having your piece worked on before your eyes ensures authenticity and peace of mind.

Also, ask your jeweller to check the metal finish.
 Gold and platinum surfaces can dull with time, affecting how light reflects through your ruby.
 White gold pieces may need rhodium re-plating every few years to enhance contrast and brilliance.

How to Clean Platinum Jewellery

Handling Platinum Jewellery — Touch with Care

A freshly polished platinum surface can attract fingerprints easily, dulling its sheen.
 Avoid touching your jewellery directly; handle it gently by the edges.

Zorba Tip:
 Always make your platinum the last thing you wear before stepping out — and the first thing you remove when you return.

This ensures minimal exposure to perfumes, makeup, lotions, or moisturisers that can leave residue on the surface.

If you wear platinum rings, take them off before washing or applying hand cream — water and oils can cause temporary dullness.

Cleaning Your Platinum Jewellery at Home

Even the toughest metals need gentle cleansing. Platinum may not lose its structure, but it can lose its sparkle if dirt settles into crevices.

Here’s how to safely clean it at home:

💧 The Zorba Platinum Cleaning Ritual

  1. Prepare a bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild liquid detergent.

  2. Soak plain platinum pieces (without stones) for 10–15 minutes.

  3. Gently clean using a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially around joints or clasps.

  4. Rinse thoroughly in clean, cool water.

  5. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

 In under ten minutes, your platinum jewellery will regain its natural white glow.

Avoid: Toothpaste, baking soda, or ammonia-based cleaners — they can cause micro-abrasions.

For Gemstone-Studded Platinum Jewellery

Gemstones need extra love. Avoid soaking platinum jewellery that’s mounted with gems like emeralds, tanzanite, opals, or topaz.

Instead:

  • Dip a soft brush into mild soapy water.

  • Clean gently around the setting.

  • Wipe with a damp cloth and dry completely.

Check for loose stones or prongs before cleaning — and have them inspected regularly by use for the condition of the product.

Storing Platinum Jewellery the Right Way

Though platinum is strong, it’s not immune to scratches.
 Store each piece separately to preserve its shine.

🕊️ Zorba Storage Guide

  • Use a fabric-lined box with individual compartments.

  • Avoid plastic bags or direct contact with other metals.

  • Wrap delicate pieces in soft tissue or velvet pouches.

  • Always lay jewellery flat — avoid tangling chains or scratching surfaces.

This prevents platinum from rubbing against gold, silver, or gemstones, which can leave marks or dull the surface.

What to Avoid While Wearing Platinum

Platinum jewellery can accompany you through life — but not through everything.

Remove your jewellery before:

  • Cleaning or washing dishes (chemicals like bleach can damage finish and stones)

  • Gardening or household chores

  • Gym or heavy work involving abrasion

Zorba Tip:
 Even the strongest metal appreciates rest — let your platinum relax when you do.

How Platinum Ages Gracefully

Unlike gold, platinum doesn’t wear away — it develops a patina, a soft, satin finish that enhances its vintage charm.
 Many collectors love this natural evolution, calling it the metal’s true character.

But if you prefer the original high-polish look, two options can restore its shine:

  1. Professional Buffing – Polishing removes fine scratches and brightens the surface.

  2. Rhodium Plating – Adds a mirror-like finish and protective layer, lasting 6–12 months.

Both methods keep your platinum looking pristine — timeless and renewed.

When to Visit the Jeweller

Schedule a professional inspection every 6–12 months.
 Your jeweller will:

  • Check prongs and gemstone security.

  • Remove deep scratches and polish the metal.

  • Resize rings safely using platinum (never white gold, as it leaves visible joints).

A little care ensures your investment — and your emotions — stay secure.

How to Clean Your Diamond Nose Pin

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Your diamond nose pin faces daily exposure to:

  • Natural skin oils and sweat

  • Moisturisers, makeup, and perfume residue

  • Environmental dust and pollution

All of these can build up a thin layer over your diamond, preventing light from entering and reflecting — which is what gives diamonds their iconic sparkle.

Zorba Tip:
 Clean your diamond nose pin once every two weeks.
 If you have a cold or wear it continuously, clean it even more often.

How to Clean Your Diamond Nose Pin at Home

You don’t need professional tools — just patience and care.

The Zorba Cleaning Ritual

You’ll need:

  • A bowl of warm (not hot) water

  • A few drops of mild liquid detergent

  • A soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work best)

  • A lint-free, soft cloth

Steps:

  1. If cleaning near a sink, cover the drain — small jewellery can slip through easily.

  2. Mix a few drops of mild detergent into warm water.

  3. Soak the nose pin for 5–10 minutes to loosen grime.

  4. Gently brush the diamond and edges — do not apply pressure.

  5. Rinse in clean, cool water.

  6. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and let it air dry completely before wearing again.


 Never use toothpaste, ammonia, or bleach. While diamonds are durable, these substances can corrode the gold prongs or loosen the setting.

 

Diamond nose pins are tiny treasures — one gentle slip or tug can bend the prongs.
 When cleaning or removing them, handle by the metal edges, not the diamond itself.

If your piercing is new, clean the pin sparingly until it’s fully healed — excessive handling can irritate the area.

 

Though diamonds don’t easily chip, they can scratch other gemstones and metal surfaces.
 Store your diamond nose pins separately to preserve both their shine and structure.

🕊️ Zorba Storage Guide

  • Use a fabric-lined jewellery box with small compartments.

  • Wrap individual nose pins in soft tissue or velvet pouches.

  • A ring box works perfectly for single pieces.

  • Never toss them in a common pouch with other jewellery.


 If you own multiple designs, label small pouches — it makes retrieval easier and safer.

 

Even the finest craftsmanship deserves a quick check.
 Every few weeks, look closely at:

  • The prongs — all should be of equal length.

  • The diamond’s grip — if it moves even slightly, get it checked immediately.

  • The metal base — ensure there are no bends or cracks.

If you notice any irregularity, take your nose pin to a trusted jeweller.
 Always have resetting or repairs done in your presence to ensure the authenticity of your diamond.

Professional Cleaning and Polishing

Every few months, give your diamond nose pin a professional touch-up.
 Jewellers often use ultrasonic cleaning machines that remove deep-seated dirt and restore clarity.

You may also request a light polish on the gold or platinum base — it won’t affect your diamond but will make the overall shine richer.

Zorba Tip:
 Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for antique or delicate screw-type nose pins unless verified safe by your jeweller.

How to Clean Gold Jewellery

How to Clean Gold Jewellery

— Bring Back the Glow of Timeless Beauty

Because gold doesn’t just shine — it reflects your story.

Gold itself never tarnishes — it’s pure, noble, and eternal.
 But the metals mixed with it — like copper, silver, or nickel — react with air, moisture, and chemicals.
 This is what causes discoloration, dullness, or dark patches on your jewellery.

Other everyday culprits include:

  • Perfumes, moisturisers, hairsprays, and lotions

  • Sweat and body oils

  • Dust and dirt buildup from daily wear

 Zorba Tip: Your gold doesn’t fade — it simply needs a gentle revival.

How to Clean Plain Gold Jewellery at Home

You don’t need expensive kits or harsh chemicals — just warm water, mild soap, and a soft touch.

The Zorba Cleaning Ritual:

  1. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot)

  2. Add a few drops of mild liquid soap or dishwashing solution.

  3. Soak your gold pieces for 15–20 minutes.

  4. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush (like a baby toothbrush).

  5. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

  6. Lay them flat on a towel and let them air-dry completely before storing.

Zorba Tip:
 Use sodium-free seltzer water or club soda instead of tap water — the carbonation helps loosen dirt naturally.

Avoid: Boiling water, harsh detergents, or toothpaste — they can erode polish and weaken delicate joints.

Cleaning Gemstone-Studded Gold Jewellery

Gemstones elevate gold — but they also need extra care.
 Never soak gemstone jewellery in water, as trapped moisture can loosen the settings or dull the shine of softer stones.

Safe Cleaning Method:

  • Dip a soft brush in mild soapy water.

  • Gently clean the surface and edges around the gemstones.

  • Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

  • Ensure the jewellery is completely dry before storing.

Important:
 Hot water can damage delicate gems like emeralds, opals, or turquoise. Always use room-temperature water.

If your gold jewellery still looks dull even after gentle cleaning, it might need professional ultrasonic or steam cleaning.

Jewellers use:

  • Ultrasonic cleaners – for deep cleaning hard-to-reach crevices.

  • Steam cleaners – to remove grime and restore brilliance.

Always ask your jeweller if these methods are safe for your specific jewellery type — especially for gemstone-studded or antique pieces.

Zorba Recommends:
 A professional polish once a year keeps your gold radiant and renewed.

Zorba Diamond’s Golden Care Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do:

  • Clean gold with mild soap and warm water

  • Use a bowl, never wash directly under a tap.

  • Store gold separately in soft-lined boxes or

  • Wipe with a soft cloth after every use to remove oils and residue.

❌ Don’t:

  • Use bleach, alcohol, or ammonia-based

  • Soak gemstone jewellery for long periods.

  • Use rough brushes or scouring pads.

  • Store gold with other metals — scratches happen easily.

Zorba Tip:
 Even the purest gold deserves a little rest — remove your jewellery before sleeping, bathing, or working with chemicals.

How to Clean YourDiamond Earrings

Why Cleaning Matters

Your earrings rest close to your skin — meaning they come in constant contact with:

  • Natural oils from your skin and hair

  • Perfumes, sprays, and moisturisers

  • Makeup and airborne dust

This buildup forms a film on the surface, making even the most finely cut diamond appear dull.

Zorba Tip:
 Clean your diamond earrings once every two weeks, and after any event where you’ve worn perfume or makeup.

How to Clean Diamond Earrings at Home

You don’t need anything fancy — just a soft hand and a few household essentials.

The Zorba Cleaning Ritual

You’ll need:

  • A bowl of warm (not hot) water

  • A few drops of mild detergent or dish soap

  • A soft-bristled toothbrush (preferably baby brush)

  • A microfiber or lint-free cloth
      

Steps:

  1. Prepare the solution — Mix mild detergent in warm water.

  2. Soak your earrings for 15–20 minutes. This loosens dirt and oil.

  3. Gently brush around the diamonds and their settings. Don’t apply force; earrings have delicate prongs.

  4. Rinse with cool, clean water.

  5. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and allow them to air dry completely before storing or wearing again.

Zorba Tip:
 Clean over a cloth-lined surface, not directly over a sink — tiny pieces can easily slip away.

For Studded or Cluster Earrings

If your earrings are detailed or feature multiple small diamonds (like micro-pavé or halo settings):

  • Use short, light brush strokes to avoid dislodging stones.

  • Avoid soaking for too long — a few minutes is enough.

Never use ultrasonic cleaners for fragile, antique, or screw-back earrings unless your jeweller approves.

The Don’ts of Cleaning Diamond Earrings
  • ❌ Never use toothpaste, bleach, alcohol, or ammonia.

  • ❌ Avoid hot water, as it can weaken glue or settings.

  • ❌ Don’t clean when you’re in a hurry — a gentle approach always wins.

  • ❌ Don’t handle diamonds by the stones; always hold by the metal edges.

Even though diamonds are the hardest gemstones, they can scratch each other or softer stones.
 Store your earrings safely to preserve both the diamond’s sparkle and the metal’s polish.

🕊️ Zorba Storage Guide

  • Use a fabric-lined jewellery box with dividers.

  • Wrap each earring pair in soft tissue or velvet pouches.

  • Keep earrings separate from rings and bangles.

  • For frequent use, a dedicated earring travel case is a great investment.

Zorba Tip:
 For screw-back earrings, always check the thread tightness before wearing — a small twist saves a big worry.

Over time, even the best craftsmanship needs a little attention.
 Every few weeks, inspect your earrings for:

  • Loose prongs or missing claws

  • Movement of the diamond in the setting

  • Bent or weakened posts and locks

If you notice any irregularity, visit your jeweller immediately — preventive care protects both the diamond and your peace of mind.

Professional Cleaning & Polishing

Once or twice a year, let your earrings experience a professional rejuvenation.
 Your jeweller may use ultrasonic or steam cleaning, restoring their clarity and brilliance.

Additionally, you can request:

  • Rhodium plating (for white gold earrings)

  • Repolishing (for yellow or rose gold bases)

✨ The result: a mirror-like glow that feels brand new.