Care Instructions
Your Raffinato jewelry is crafted from the finest Italian gold to be treasured for generations. With thoughtful care. especially in our Gulf climate. each piece will maintain its exceptional beauty and radiant lustre for a lifetime.
Daily Wear
Last On, First Off
Always make jewelry the last thing you put on and the first thing you remove. Apply perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and makeup before wearing your pieces to protect gold alloys from chemical reactions.
Remove Before Swimming
Chlorinated pool water and saltwater can damage gold alloys and dull the finish over time. Always remove your jewelry before swimming, whether at the pool or the sea.
Remove During Activities
Take off your jewelry before exercising, household cleaning, gardening, or sleeping. Physical impact and cleaning chemicals can scratch, bend, or weaken settings.
Remove Before Showering
Soap residue and shampoo can build up on gold surfaces, gradually dulling the finish. Remove your pieces before showering or bathing to keep them gleaming.
Cleaning Your Jewelry
Gentle Cleaning at Home
Prepare the Solution
Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild, unscented dish soap.
Soak Gently
Place your jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This loosens oils, lotions, and everyday dust.
Brush Softly
Using a soft-bristle brush. a baby toothbrush works perfectly. gently clean around settings, links, and any intricate details.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse each piece under warm running water. Place a fine mesh strainer over the drain for safety.
Dry Completely
Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing. Trapped moisture can accelerate tarnishing.
Never Use These Cleaners
Toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, and abrasive household cleaners will scratch gold surfaces and damage gemstone settings. Only use mild dish soap or a professional jewelry cleaning solution.
Cleaning Diamond Pieces
Diamonds can be cleaned using the same warm soapy water method. However, never place pearls, emeralds, or opals in ultrasonic cleaners. these delicate stones require extra-gentle care.
Gulf Climate Care
Jeddah's coastal environment presents unique challenges for fine jewelry. These region-specific tips will help your pieces stay radiant year-round.
Coastal Humidity
Jeddah's humidity levels of 70–90% can accelerate tarnishing and oxidation of gold alloys. Store your jewelry in airtight containers or sealed pouches rather than open trays or dishes.
Summer Heat
With temperatures reaching 40–50°C in summer, never leave jewelry in your car, on a windowsill, or in direct sunlight. Extreme heat can weaken adhesives, warp delicate settings, and affect certain gemstones.
Temperature Swings
Rapid shifts between outdoor heat and indoor air conditioning can stress solder joints and prong settings over time. Allow your jewelry to adjust gradually and have prongs inspected annually.
Anti-Tarnish Protection
Place anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your jewelry box to absorb moisture. Replace them every few months. This simple step makes a significant difference in our coastal climate.
Care by Gold Type
Gemstone Care
Diamonds
Extremely durable but naturally attract oils from skin and cosmetics. Clean weekly with warm soapy water and a soft brush to keep their brilliant sparkle. Have prong settings checked every 12–18 months.
Pearls
Delicate and porous. always the last thing on, first thing off. Wipe gently with a damp soft cloth after each wear. Never soak pearls, and avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics. Store flat in a soft pouch.
Colored Gemstones
Care varies by stone type. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for emeralds, opals, and turquoise. Use gentle hand cleaning for all colored stones and consult the care card included with your purchase for stone-specific guidance.
Storage Guidelines
Ideal Storage Conditions
- Store each piece in its individual soft pouch or in a compartmented jewelry box
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. never store in the bathroom
- Use airtight containers in humid environments to slow tarnishing
- Place anti-tarnish strips inside your jewelry box and replace them every 3–4 months
Organization Tips
- Hang chain necklaces to prevent tangling and kinking
- Keep earring pairs together in small pouches or paired compartments
- Store rings in padded slots to prevent scratching against each other
- Wrap delicate or gemstone pieces individually in soft, lint-free cloth
What to Avoid
Chemicals
Chlorine, bleach, ammonia, and household cleaners can discolor gold and damage gemstone settings
Extreme Heat
Never leave jewelry in cars or direct sunlight. heat can weaken solder joints and affect certain gemstones
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Can damage pearls, emeralds, opals, and other sensitive stones, and may loosen prong settings
Abrasive Cleaners
Toothpaste, baking soda, and rough cloths will scratch gold surfaces and dull the finish permanently
Professional Care Services
Complimentary Services at Raffinato
- Annual cleaning, polishing, and thorough inspection
- Prong tightening and stone security check every 12–18 months
- Clasp and closure inspection and adjustment
- Professional ultrasonic cleaning for eligible pieces
Additional Services
- Rhodium replating for white gold pieces
- Ring resizing and band adjustment
- Chain repair and precision soldering
- Gemstone replacement and resetting
- Custom engraving and personalization
We recommend bringing your Raffinato jewelry in for a professional inspection and cleaning at least once a year. Regular maintenance preserves the beauty and integrity of your pieces, and allows us to catch any wear before it becomes a concern.
Schedule your complimentary annual care appointment