General aftercare

General advice

Watches and jewellery are subject to the laws of physics, the same as all of us, and with a little common sense ought to last you a lifetime. Ideally don’t wear pieces during very physical activities – gym work is a prime example. You can clean most items with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water, though not with certain gemstones (see later). Moving mechanical elements do wear over time (clasps, buckles, earring backs) so please do check these now and again. You can always ask us for advice and take advantage of our in house workshop or even our express repairs service (where suitable). And don't forget our amazing range of cleaning products available to buy here. 

Insurance

Do ensure you’ve adequate insurance for your treasured possessions – visit our valuations page for more information if you need it, Keep your valuations up to date and organised. Many clients photograph all their jewellery and items, listing them somewhere ‘just in case’ as well as performing formal valuations as per their insurer’s stipulations. We’re always available if you need any advice. You can also visit TH March for information or click here for a quote for jewellery insurance policy.

Rings

If you’ve bought a ring there are a couple of tips for you. Scuffs and bumps are normal, after all your hands come into contact with all sorts of physical objects. It’s worth paying particular attention to metal handrails, metal door knobs and hard oven handles (esp. Agas). Have no fear though, in almost all cases we can re-polish or refinish your ring back to pristine condition in the shop. Typically most clients do this once every 5 or 7 years.

With some claw set gemstone rings, from time to time accidents happen and you may ‘pull’ a claw without even realising it, possibly loosening a gemstone. Take a look every now and again for anything obvious. Hold a ring up to your ear between your thumb and forefinger: tap the band and you may hear a loose gemstone rattle.

Over time, claws can and do wear down leaving your gemstone/s less secure and liable to loss- this is normal. We find claws usually need 're-building' every 3-8 years on average to keep your gems secure - if you're at all worried about the security of your claws please do bring your ring in for us to examine -there's no fee for us to take a look. 

If your ring requires a lot of effort to take off or put on, or seems to be changing shape this is often a sign that the size isn't quite right. Drop in to let us take a look - and be aware not doing so may cause further damage.

Additionally, if you've a ring and you're wearing it next to others, just common sense check they fit together well and won't cause any damage to each other. If you’re worried about anything, bring it in to us for advice right away. 

Diamonds

Whilst diamonds are the hardest gemstone, you can still chip one if unlucky. Keep an eye out with a visual inspection every now and again. We’ll always take a look if you’re passing. Moreover, they can scratch other items, so try to store them separately.

Emeralds, pearls, opal & turquoise

These gemstones are especially delicate and require specific care. They’re softer than many gemstones, so be careful when wearing. Avoid hairspray, make up, perfume and water. Why? These stones are porous and take in water and/ or chemicals to adverse effect. Pearls are strung on natural silk, these need re-stringing when loose or beginning to tire (you’ll see!).

Tanzanite

A softer gemstone, it’s a little susceptible to chipping so take a fraction more care when wearing.

Watches

Make sure your watch fits properly. Sounds obvious however too loose or too tight and you’ll eventually have problems with the clasp or damage the bracelet. One in seven or eight new mechanical or automatic watches may have irregular timekeeping and require manufacturer’s regulation as the complex mechanism adjusts to being worn by you. Drop it into us and we’ll arrange this at no charge. If you’re starting a mechanical or automatic watch from zero power, wind it about 40 times to fully power it. Any less and timekeeping won’t be accurate. Changing the date? It’s imperative you read your instruction manual, as to the right way to do so as performing this operation wrongly will damage the movement. Please keep your box, guarantee and paperwork in safe place. Your watch will have a 2 or 3 year guarantee and in the unlikely event something happens, you’ll need the paperwork. Watches are very small, very complicated machines, operating 24 hours a day and do require service. The interval depends on many factors, for example your body heat will transfer through a case and may dry up oils faster than someone else. Changes in pressure, temperature also affect. Typically, a watch can work for 2 to 7 years without service, battery or automatic. A formal service will restore any water resistance to a watch too. Your manufacturer will explain more about service in the instructions.

One last thing, don’t charge your mobile phone near any watch – the magnetic field given off by the charging process will almost certainly magnetise your watch leading to service.

You can learn a little more about servicing here.

Our policy for valuations & revaluations fees on items bought from us or elsewhere

Please also take a look at our valuations page.

Thanks for reading through to the end, if we’ve missed something let us know and we’ll fill in the gap. With your help in following these guidelines and taking the outlined simple preventative common sense steps, we’re confident your purchase will last years to come. Accidents do happen and sometimes things don’t go to plan. Don’t Panic! Please be assured Jacobs will always be available to help in answering any queries or investigating further.

And don’t forget our design service for remodelling old jewellery or making something extra special next time.

We also stock a wide range of cleaning products to keep your items sparkling - click here.