How do I maintain the shine and quality of my birthstone and name earrings?

Maintain the shine and quality of your birthstone and name earrings by cleaning them gently, protecting them from chemicals and moisture, and storing them separately when they are not being worn. The appropriate care depends on the metal, the birthstone and the construction of the name detail, so avoid abrasive products or intensive cleaning methods unless their suitability has been confirmed.

Clean them gently. After wearing your earrings, wipe the metal, stone and name detail with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. This removes skin oils, dust and light cosmetic residue before it builds up. If they need more than a dry wipe, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild, non-moisturising soap, then clean carefully with a very soft cloth. Rinse away any soap residue and dry the earrings thoroughly, paying particular attention to the back of the setting and around the fastening.

Do not scrub personalised lettering, fine edges or stone settings. A soft brush may be suitable for some robust designs, but it can catch on delicate name details or loosen dirt into the setting. Do not use toothpaste, bicarbonate of soda, silver dip, abrasive polishing cloths or household cleaning products unless we have specifically advised that they are appropriate for your earrings.

Take account of the birthstone. Birthstones do not all have the same hardness, porosity or resistance to heat and chemicals. Some are more easily scratched, while others may be affected by prolonged soaking, sudden temperature changes or strong cleaning solutions. Even a relatively durable stone can be vulnerable if it has inclusions, a treatment or a delicate setting. Do not assume that a cleaning method suitable for one pair will be suitable for another.

Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners should only be used after the earrings have been assessed. Vibration and heat can damage certain stones, affect treatments or expose a loose setting. This is particularly important for earrings with small stones, fine claws, removable components or detailed name designs.

Keep products away from the earrings. Put your earrings on after applying perfume, hairspray, make-up, moisturiser and other personal-care products. These substances can leave a film on the metal and stone, dull the finish and collect around the name detail. Household chemicals, chlorine, bleach, cleaning sprays and hand sanitiser can also affect some metals, plating, settings and gemstones.

Remove the earrings before bathing, swimming, exercising, sleeping or doing household work. Water itself is not always harmful, but moisture can remain behind the fastening and encourage tarnishing or residue. Swimming-pool chemicals and salt water are especially unsuitable for many jewellery finishes. Avoid wearing the earrings during activities where they could be caught, knocked or pulled.

Store them separately. Keep each pair in a clean, dry, fabric-lined jewellery box or a soft pouch. Separating them prevents the name detail, posts and stones from rubbing against other jewellery and causing scratches. Store the earrings away from direct sunlight, radiators and areas with high humidity. Fasten the backs securely, but do not force them if they feel stiff or misaligned.

Do not leave personalised earrings loose in a handbag, bathroom or jewellery dish with other pieces. Fine lettering and protruding settings can catch on fabric or become distorted if the earrings are pressed beneath heavier jewellery.

Check them regularly. Look for movement in the birthstone, bent posts, worn or loose backs, sharp edges, tarnishing, damaged plating or distortion to the name detail. If a stone rattles, the fastening no longer holds securely or the earring has been caught, stop wearing it until it has been inspected. Continuing to wear a piece with a loose setting can result in the stone being lost or further damage to the design.

Do not attempt to straighten a post, tighten a setting or repair personalised lettering at home. Pliers and unsuitable tools can mark the metal or permanently alter the shape. Bring the earrings to Steven Charles Quance for professional cleaning, inspection or repair so that the stone, setting, metal finish and name detail can be considered together.

Arrange professional care when needed. Professional cleaning is useful when residue has collected in areas that cannot be reached safely at home, or when the earrings have lost their lustre despite gentle cleaning. An inspection can also identify worn fittings, weakened settings and early damage before it becomes more serious. If the earrings are made from plated metal, contain a treated or delicate stone, or include intricate lettering, ask for care advice specific to that design.

With gentle handling, suitable storage and regular checks, birthstone and name earrings can retain their polish and personal detail for many years. If you are unsure which cleaning method is safe for your particular pair, contact Steven Charles Quance before using water, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning or steam.