The Petit Cœur CARE GUIDE
The care advice & repair guide of the Jewellery Box d'un Petit
All the pieces in the Petit Cœur collection are either second hand, antique or vintage; their age and what they are made from should be taken into consideration when they are worn if your aim is to keep them in their current condition. For each item available in the collection, there is a specific section named "Care" in the listing, here I will mention both general and specific care advice for your piece as well as offer my professional opinion on how often the piece can be worn with the aim of keeping the risk of damage low. This guide will go over in more detail the methods I have found successful from my own experience working with and collecting antique and vintage fine jewellery for over 11 years.
Like all significant purchases, in your item's lifetime, it will inevitably need some maintenance and repair, however, below is my best care advice to help you protect your pieces, avoid damage and keep your jewels in their current condition
Jump to
The Guide Explained
Caring for jewellery can sometimes feel complicated, especially with antique and delicate pieces. This guide is designed to break things down so you can decide if a jewel is suited to you, clean and store it safely and recognise when a piece needs extra care.
The quick care guide
Three simple principles to help you care for and enjoy your jewellery every day. If the guide feels overwhelming then start with these basic steps
Is the piece suited to you?
Consider whether a jewel fits your lifestyle, or if it needs more mindful wear.
How to clean your jewels at home
Gentle, safe methods to keep your pieces sparkling without risk of damage.
How to examine your jewels
Tips for spotting signs of wear, loose settings, or damage early.
When to pay special attention to your jewels
Times and activities where extra care can help prevent accidents or loss.
How to store your jewels
Practical advice for keeping jewellery safe, secure, and well organised.
Understanding materials and limitations
Knowing which gemstones or items require more care and attention can help you make the right choice when deciding to invest in a piece.
The quick care guide
I am happy to be able to offer you flexible Petit Cœur layaway plans. If you have seen an item that you are passionate about taking home, but would like a little more time to pay in full, then please contact me directly and we can discuss your own personal layaway plan.
The terms and conditions which apply to all layaway plans with Jewellery Box d'un Petit Cœur are outlined below.
To Hold the Item
A minimum of 25% of the items price is needed as an initial part payment to hold the item. This initial part payment is non-refundable, but is transferable to hold another item or held as shop credit for another occasion, to use within six months.
Duration
The layaway plans I offer can extend up to three months.
Payments
25% will be paid, at the start, to hold the item, then payments can be split as you wish within the time frame we discuss. If you would like to pay by Paypal I can send you a Paypal invoice and if you prefer to pay via card I can send you an invoice via my website provider
Postage
The item will not be posted until all payments have been made. Please read my delivery policy for further information.
Missed Payments
If any payments are missed, I will send two reminder messages. If I have not received a response within 2 weeks of my second message then the layaway plan is cancelled. All payments are non-refundable and will not be able to be redeemed in shop credit. The item will be put back up for sale. If you are experiencing unforeseen circumstances please contact me directly and we can discuss the possibility of an extension of your plan or for what you have paid to be given to you in shop credit to use at a later date.
Returns
You may return layaway items, however, they can only be exchanged for another item or store credit, to be used within six months. All return postage costs must be paid for by the purchaser and, as outlined in my returns policy, it must be sent via a tracked and signed for service. It must be sent back in appropriate and secure packaging and received in the condition it was sold for me to process your exchange or shop credit. I recommend you use fully insured service as I will not issue exchanges or shop credit for items that are not safely received by myself, you will have to claim with your insurance. The postage costs for the original parcel I sent out will be deducted from the exchange value.
Cancellation
If you need to cancel your layaway, your payments are non-refundable but can be held as shop credit for another occasion or transferred to another item. There will also be a minimum spend of the total amount of your original item as well as a 6 month period, from the date the credit voucher is sent, to use the credit within.
If all the details in this guide feel overwhelming, then these three simple principles are easy to keep in mind. They apply to all pieces of jewellery and by following them, you’ll protect your treasures from unnecessary wear, loss, and damage.
1. PREVENT
Take your pieces off for any activity where they could get knocked or caught.
2. CLEAN
Regularly clean your pieces to keep free of dirt and dust build up.
3. STORE
Have a safe place that you always use for your pieces when they are not being worn.
Is the piece suited to you?
The first time we consider care with jewellery is before it becomes part of our collection. Not all pieces, in fact most, cannot be worn day in day out without some risk. There are times where you might have specific requirements, such as if you are looking for a pair of earrings to wear every day or perhaps an engagement ring you would prefer to wear as much as possible. Alternatively, you might also be flexible and willing to let the right piece dictate how and when it can be worn safely.
The first things to ask yourself, when it comes to jewellery care is “does this piece suit my needs, am I willing to follow any restrictions required to wear it safely, or am I prepared to accept some risk to wear a piece how it suits me, even with some risk?”
Before I purchase a piece for my personal collection I always ask myself "how do I want to wear this piece; is it for everyday or is it for special occasions and do the materials and condition suit what I want?".
FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
How often can I wear it?
Some pieces are more delicate than others, while some are hard-wearing and practical. Ultimately, it’s up to you how often you choose to wear a piece. Jewellery is meant to be loved and enjoyed. It also marks special occasions and holds sentimental value, which might make wearing it all the time, even with some associated risk, worthwhile. I offer my suggestion of how often a piece can be worn in the listing for each item.
What is it made from?
The materials of a piece influence how much special attention it may require. Some gemstones are more susceptible to damage from knocks or exposure to chemicals. Some metals are softer than others and may show uneven wear if stacked next to other pieces during prolonged wear.
How is the setting constructed?
The setting is crucial when considering care. Flat settings or rub-over lips are practical and protective. Claw settings keep stones secure but should be checked regularly to ensure all prongs are intact. Backed settings should never be submerged in water, as moisture can become trapped and cause damage.
Is there already some wear?
If you love antique jewellery, signs of wear are part of a piece’s charm and character. Being aware of existing wear helps you prevent further damage and take care where needed.
How do I keep it clean?
Some pieces have specific cleaning requirements. See my home cleaning guide just below. Cleaning isn’t just about hygiene or sparkle but it also keeps your jewellery safer. Dirt buildup can put pressure on settings and even scratch stones or metal over time.
How to clean your jewels at home
There are lots of fancy tools and products to clean jewellery but the method I always come back to is the simplist, the most risk free and the most thorough. Many of the things you will have already at home ready to go. Your Petit Cœur order comes with a gifted sample polishing cloth.
Cleaning is not just for hygiene and sparkle but also for protecting your pieces:
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Dirt buildup can put pressure on settings and even scratch stones or metal over time
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Exposure to chemicals (including household cleaners, perfumes, chlorine, and even some harsh soaps) can erode metals, dull finishes, and damage sensitive gems like opals, pearls, turquoise, emeralds, and coral.
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Beauty products and natural oils can cause residue to build up, dulling stones and weakening settings
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Gentle cleaning is also an opportunity to check your piece, spotting issues before they become problems. For example, if a stone has come loose and is being held in by compacted dirt, then it is much better for it to fall out in a controlled environment where it can be easily retrieved.
You will need:
Essentials
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a loupe - to see where the dirt is and if it is really clean!
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a bowl - I recommend cleaning in a bowl so if any stones fall out you have full control and are able to retrieve it easily
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hot water - I go straight out the kettle for plain metal and diamond, ruby and sapphire - everything else I let cool slightly. More so for more sensitive gems like pearls, emeralds and opals, I make sure it is also an okay temperature for my hands (see my understanding limitations section for a full list of materials to be careful with)
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a soft tooth brush - for gentle scrubbing
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a softened toothpick - for those hard to reach areas. I have also used cotton as floss before for really hard to reach areas and stubborn build up
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a mild soap - anything gentle
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a drying cloth - kitchen roll or re-usable
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a gold polishing cloth - I use Town Talk and you'll have a gifted sample with your order
Extras
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a special jewel sparkle cleaner - I use Town Talk - for extra sparkle (read instructions as not safe for all gemstones)
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a silver specific cleaner and polishing cloth - if you want it to shine like new
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a microfibre cloth - for the perfectionist who loves dusting away those tiny hairs!
Hand polishing tips:
Tips for Step Six
of the how to
section
How to:
Step One - Fill your bowl with soapy hot water. I go straight out the kettle for plain metal items and items set with diamond, ruby and sapphire - everything else I let cool slightly. More so for more sensitive gems like pearls, emeralds and opals, I make sure it is also an okay temperature for my hands. I use a gentle soap.
Step Two- For open settings, I let pieces soak in the water. The time will depend on how dirty they are. For pieces with really compact build-up I will leave them for over an hour. I do not submerge backed settings, or jewellery with hair, silk or paper. I will wet the toothbrush, or a cotton bud to be super precise with some pieces, and clean them in a controlled way in my hands. For lockets, that can be taken apart without disturbing what is kept inside, I take them apart to clean and let them fully dry before reassembling.
Step Three- Once your piece has had a good soak I give them an initial scrub with the brush to remove any significant dirt and then change the water. Always check all stones are there before pouring away any water! I then continue to change water, soak and scrub until the piece is clean. I check the piece using my loupe throughout. You'll be surprised what is still there even after lots of scrubbing. For tougher dirt, I soak my tooth pick slightly so it is soft and won't scratch, then I use it to poke out visible build ups. Be super careful not to put any pressure on the setting or gemstone. I have even used cotton thread as a floss for super hard to budge dirt in small places.
Step Four- If you have a special cleaner, like the Town Talk Jewel sparkle that I have in the photo above, then use this once the piece is clean and free from dirt. Follow the specific instructions and rinse in a bowl of plain water if required
Step Five- Dry off your clean jewels with a cloth and then leave them to fully dry on a cloth out in the open air of the room in a safe place where they won't get knocked or moved.
Step Six- Once fully dry polish them up with a polishing cloth. Take a look at the hand polishing tips for some hand polishing techniques. Then see them sparkle!!!
How to examine your jewels
The more you look the more you will understand and it is as simple as that when it comes to examining jewellery under magnification. A loupe is a tool I suggest that all jewellery enthusiasts invest in. They are an invaluable tool for helping you understand your piece and how to look after it. Knowing how your piece usually looks means you can spot when something isn't as it was. If you don't feel confident yet you can also take your piece to a local jeweller to be checked every now and then but I do recommend you have a go. It is an empowering skill for a jeweller collector to have. Each piece in the Petit Cœur collection is examined and has its current condition described in its listing. All pieces that are antique, vintage or second hand will have some wear, it is part of their charm and history.
Check for metal thinning
This will happen over a long period of time. Bands are an area that often wear. However, even thin bands still have lots of life left in them and replacing a shank is often possible.
Other areas to watch out for metal thinning are on bails, jump rings and chains. Spotting these before a break can save you from losing a pendant, part of an earring or a whole necklace. If you want to avoid metal wear for as long as possible (although all wear is inevitable if an item is being worn) then wear rings stacked solo or only next to metals of the same carat (this will not stop it wearing but just ensure both rings wear evenly at same rate rather than one more rapidly), wear heavy pendants on sturdy chains and match metals also.
Check for loss of detail
Noticing the early signs of loss of details to the engraving or enamel can prevent further damage as you can change how you have been wearing your piece if you want to stop the damage from getting worse.
Switch the order of your rings, only wear it solo or wear it less. Another option is to let the wear become part of the rings history; it is up to you to do what you feel comfortable with.
Check for chips, scratches and breaks
Once a stone is chipped, scratched or broken there is little that can be done apart from replace it, re-cut it or simply just learn to love it like that. However, we can learn from it and take preventatives to prevent damage for the other stones in the piece, or for future pieces made from the same gemstone.
Cabochon opals can easily be brought back to life with a little polish in the setting if a bit rubbed!
Check the setting
This is a really important one. Losing a stone is not only a pain, but also upsetting, especially if it is a 150 year old rose cut diamond or an antique cut sapphire. Old stones are harder to replace and are also often very unique, even if replaced with a similar stone of the same era.
For a claw setting it is important to ask - How many claws are there? Are any missing? Are they all touching the stone? Do any look damaged or worn?
For a rub over- Is there any dents or damage? Does the lip run around over the stones edge?
For a calibre or channel setting - Are the stones flush and supporting each other?
Is the stone straight in the setting?
Notice if it is at an angle or straight. With an older piece sometimes it is the stones that are irregular making it seem off. This why it is important to know how they sit normally so you can notice a change.
If it is loose in the setting a great way to check is to give it a little shake next to your ear...did you hear a rattle? Or touch it with a finger nail or tooth pick... does it move? Remember not too hard! We don't want to cause the damage...
Check for dirt build up
The perfect time to study your jewels is whilst cleaning. Make a habit of cleaning regularly and examine when you do to make sure all the dirt is gone!
When to pay special attention to your jewellery
Some activities and places are more suited to wearing jewellery than others. There are several factors that might influence when we choose to wear jewellery and what items are safer than others. These include activities and environment. It is up to us as individuals to decide when and what pieces we feel comfortable wearing; whether that be for travelling, events or daily activities. These are some times to be more mindful of your jewellery, however, jewellery is meant to be loved and worn and it is always up to you how you want to wear your pieces
Better to take off when...
Here are some activities where, if you have a safe place to store the piece, it is better to take it off. For on the go storage I recommend caring a pouch or having a dedicated space in your wallet or purse. Take a look at my storage advice below.
Gardening
Working
Out
Swimming
Sports
DIY
Times to be aware...
There are certain times when it’s worth being a little more mindful with your jewellery. I personally remove my pieces for showering, bathing, or sleeping, though I understand that with a wedding set or other meaningful jewellery, that isn’t always realistic.
Fragile antique pieces, especially those easily damaged by moisture, should always be taken off for activities involving water, even something as simple as washing hands. That said, only ever remove jewellery when you have a safe place to store it.
It’s also wise to be cautious when travelling or storing jewellery, as these are times when the risks of loss or theft are naturally higher or need to be be considered.
Travelling
Storing
Cleaning
wear gloves
Sleeping
Washing Hands
Showering
Bathing
How to store your jewels
- Protect your pieces
Consider insurance and follow their guidelines and requirements for how to store your pieces when they are not being worn at home.
- Jewellery Boxes
Use jewellery boxes or containers to keep items organised and protected. The containers just need to be soft on the inside and hard on the outside. These boxes can then stored in a safe (follow insurance requirements)
At Home Not Being Worn
- Quick access safe places
Key places; sink areas, shower or bath and bedside table. Anywhere you often feel the need to take off your jewellery have a dedicated safe place. Make a habit of only ever putting jewellery down in these dedicated places
- A go to Jewellery Box
If planning to wear the same jewels the next day have an easy to access overnight jewellery box. However, always follow the requirements of your insurance policy
At Home On & Off
- Analyse risks
Consider where you are going, where you are staying and what you are doing when you pack jewellery for travel. Make choices about what to take based on that. For the journey itself, keep your pieces on your person & as secure as possible. I like to mix & match to keep things light.
- Travel Jewellery Box
Keep items separated to avoid damage. Little pouches are great for keeping chains from tangling & protecting gemstones
Travelling Distance
- An on the go safe place
For whether you're going to the gym or simply washing your hands and wearing a piece that can't come in contact with water it is always a great idea to have a little pouch or a dedicated section of your purse or wallet to quickly pop pieces in when they are not being worn. If you don't have a safe place keep them on if the risk of misplacing is greater than the risk of damage.
Daily Out & About
Understanding materials and limitations
What is it made from?
The type of gemstone or metal can affect how often, and during which activities, a piece of jewellery can be worn with minimal risk. These are not strict rules; it is always your choice how you wear your pieces. But being aware allows you to make conscious decisions and helps avoid disappointment or unpleasant surprises
Metals and Wear
Gemstones
Fragile Materials
Metals rubbing on each other or hard surfaces will wear over time. The only difference that wearing two items of the same metal together will make is that they are more likely to wear evenly, but they will still wear.
For example:
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Platinum is highly resilient and resists loss of metal, while silver is softer and more prone to scratches. Gold becomes softer as the carat increases, so 9ct is harder than 18ct, which in turn is harder than pure 24ct.
To avoid...
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If you want to avoid or slow the process of wear then for rings you can wear pieces solo, switch the of your stack order, turn rings around or simply wear less often.
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For pendants and chains you can avoid wearing heavy pendants on light weight chains.
Be careful of...
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Enamels rubbing on hard surfaces or other pieces of jewellery
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Engravings rubbing on hard surfaces or other pieces of jewellery.
Pay attention to...
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Areas to watch out for metal wearing are ring shanks and galleries, pendant bails, jump rings and chain links.
First, it helps to look up a few facts about your chosen gem. Hardness (resistance to scratching) and toughness (resistance to breaking) are different qualities and both matter.
For example:
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Emerald: Hardness 7½–8, but poor to fair toughness. Beautiful, and although hard it is not tough but fragile and requires extra care.
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Nephrite jade: Hardness 6–6½, but exceptional toughness. It can be carved, yet it is remarkably resilient.
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The most resilient gems include diamond, sapphire and ruby, although no gemstone, not even diamond, is indestructible
To avoid…
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Knocking vulnerable gems (like opal, pearl, emerald, turquoise) which can chip, scratch, or wear easily. Take vulnerable pieces off for activities where they are at risk
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Storing harder stones against softer ones as hard gems can scratch soft gems (e.g. diamonds scratching opals). Travel with pieces stored separately — soft pouches or individual plastic bags prevent harder gems from scratching softer ones
Be careful of…
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Gems that are porous or sensitive to chemicals, like pearls, emeralds, coral, turquoise, and opals. Perfume, hairspray, or cleaning products can cause permanent damage.
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Heat-sensitive stones such as opal, moonstone, some garnets, and treated emeralds should be cleaned only with water that feels comfortable to your hand
Pay attention to…
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Common fragile gems: emerald, opal, pearl, coral, amber, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, shell, topaz, marcasite.
Sometimes other vulnerable materials are used in jewellery. Antique jewellery often incorporates delicate, non-metal and non-gemstone materials that require special care. These add charm and historical significance, but they are particularly sensitive to moisture, abrasion, and chemicals.
For example:
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Hair and teeth (used in mourning or sentimental pieces)
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Photographs
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Miniature paintings
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Silk or fabric (lockets)
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Glass (used as covers, or cut and polished to imitate gemstones)
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Foil backings (used in closed or backed settings to enhance colour)
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Gemstone simulants (paste, doublets, or composites)
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Shell or enamel (often found in cameos and decorative details)
To avoid…
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Getting certain fragile materials wet
Be careful of…
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Glass, which can chip or scratch more easily than gemstone.
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Enamel, which can crack or chip if knocked.
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Foil-backed stones, which can darken or lose brilliance if exposed to moisture.
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Imitations like paste or doublets: treat them gently, as they are less durable than natural gemstones.
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Faux pearls which are extremely sensitive to hot water and this can remove the lustre
Pay attention to…
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How much you wear these pieces. They will damage if worn day in and day out.
How is it constructed?
How it is constructed can affect how we care and look after an item. This can include what type of jewellery item it is or what setting techniques or form a piece has.
What is it?
How is it made?
Rings...
The most prone to damage due to the fact they are worn in the place we use the most. Take them off for any activity they might be at risk and be aware that they are on (this means try not to lean on your knuckles and so on)
Necklaces, chains and bracelets...
These are at risk of getting caught or tangled. Again, take them off for certain activities and spend some time just untangling throughout the day. Weak links or damage to clasps are areas to pay attention to.
Earrings...
Probably in the safest place, however, be careful with delicate wires when hooking on and off... I know i've snapped a few...
Take off dangly earrings for sportive activities.
Lockets...
Be careful opening and closing lockets and keep parts together so they don't get lost. To clean a locket take apart sections and clean individually,
I personally would not take apart anything original or disturb something precious like hair or artwork, . Make sure it is fully dry before reassembling.
What is the setting type?
Claw settings and rub over settings are very safe and secure. Things to keep an eye on are weak, damaged or missing claws or dents or damage to a rub over.
For a calibre or channel setting the stones can rely on each other to stay in. Ask yourself 'are they flush and supporting each other?". If you lose a stone, don't wear the piece until a jeweller has checked the piece and replaced the stone or secured the setting.
For a backed setting try to keep them dry and dust free.
How is the stone held in?
Split pearls, marcasites and pastes can be held in by plaster of paris, jewellers glue and resin. These types of settings do dry out and lose stones over time, however, are often easier to replace.
Is it proud or flat?
Flat pieces sit closer to the body and therefore are less likely to get knocked or caught. If you have a super spectacular proud art deco ring it is likely to need to come off more often than a flat band for certain activities.