Silver jewellery, particularly sterling silver, is known for its brilliant shine but is also prone to tarnishing when exposed to air and moisture. Here are some tips to keep your silver pieces looking as stunning as the day you bought them:

Regular Cleaning: Clean your silver jewellery regularly using a silver polishing cloth. Avoid using tissues or paper towels, which can scratch the surface.

Homemade Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing soap. Soak the silver piece for a few minutes, gently rub with a soft cloth or brush, and rinse thoroughly. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

Preventing Tarnish: When not in use, store silver jewellery in airtight bags or anti-tarnish cloth pouches to limit its exposure to air. Including a silica gel packet can also help absorb moisture.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Silver is sensitive to chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and even strong detergents. Always remove your silver jewelry before engaging in activities that could expose it to these substances. 

Gemstones, whether set in rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, require tailored care depending on their specific properties. Here are some best practices for the most common gemstones in Kicky & Perky's collections.

• Ruby, Sapphire, and Quartz: These stones are generally durable, making them easier to care for. Clean with a mild soapy solution and a soft brush. Avoid exposing them to chemicals or extreme heat, which can damage their color and finish.

• Mother-of-Pearl: This organic gemstone is more delicate than most others. Use a damp, soft cloth to clean, and avoid exposing it to acids or cleaning solutions. Ensure mother-of-pearl jewellery is stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches.

• Moissanite: Known for its brilliance, Moissanite is a strong gemstone but still needs to be cared for to retain its sparkle. Clean Moissanite jewellery using a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Soak the piece and use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub away any dirt.

• Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners: While ultrasonic cleaners are effective for certain gemstones, they can damage softer stones like pearls or opals. Always verify whether your gemstone can safely be cleaned using such devices.

Jewellery faces several potential threats that can lead to damage if not properly mitigated. Here are some specific hazards and how to protect your pieces:

• Exposure to Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade some gemstones (like amethyst or rose quartz) and weaken other materials like resin or enamel.

• Contact with Water: Water can cause tarnishing in metals and weaken the structural integrity of certain gemstones. It is especially important to avoid saltwater or chlorinated pools, as these can have harsh effects on both metals and stones.

• Mechanical Damage: Ensure that you don't sleep in your jewelry, as tossing and turning can damage delicate settings or stones. Remove rings and bracelets before heavy lifting or working with tools, as they are susceptible to bending or scratches.

Even with the best care, your jewellery may eventually require professional attention. Regular check-ups with a jeweller can help ensure that settings are secure, gemstones are polished, and any worn plating is redone.

• Inspect Jewellery Regularly: Check the settings of stones to ensure they are still tight. A jeweller can easily fix loose stones before they fall out.

• Re-plating Gold Jewelry: Over time, gold-plated pieces may lose their shine. A jeweller can professionally re-plate the item to restore its original appearance.

• Deep Cleaning Services: For particularly dirty pieces, or ones that contain delicate gemstones, a professional jeweller can offer a deeper clean than at-home methods allow.