How to care for luxury pendants

Whether it's a cross, a heart-shaped pendant, an elegant monogram or a designer piece set with precious stones - every piece of neck jewellery requires care that respects the material, construction and set elements.

When should you take off the chain with the pendant?

Although pendants from reputable brands are designed to be worn every day, there are situations when it makes more sense to remove them to prevent potential damage or even loss.

• Always remove the pendant when doing household chores with aggressive cleaning agents. Chemicals can erode the surface of precious metals, causing loss of luster and, in the case of some gemstones, permanent damage. Be especially careful with pendants with pearls or opals that are sensitive to acids.
• Similarly, it is best not to wear jewellery around your neck during intense sporting activities, gardening or when visiting the pool or sauna. Chlorine in pool water can damage some metals, and sweat and high temperatures can accelerate oxidation processes, especially in silver jewellery.

TIP: Get an elegant jewellery box or a special case. You won't just lose your pendant and you'll protect it from dust and other dirt.

You can do basic jewellery cleaning at home

Regular cleaning of your pendant is essential:

• How to clean gold pendantsGold

  of all colours - yellow, white and rose - is a relatively durable material, but requires a gentle approach. For basic cleaning, prepare a solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild soap. Soak the pendant for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush (ideally an old toothbrush). Rinse thoroughly in clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  
  White gold plated with rhodium can lose its shine over time. In this case, it is advisable to visit a specialist who will re-plating with rhodium and restore the original appearance.
  
  

• How to clean gemstone

  pendantsDiamonds are the hardest natural material, but they attract grease, which reduces their sparkle. Clean them in the same way as gold, but pay special attention to the area around the setting of the stone, where dirt often accumulates.
  
  Sapphires and rubies are quite durable, but should not be exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations. Use lukewarm water and avoid harsh chemicals.
  
  Emeralds may contain natural internal cracks, making them more fragile than other gemstones. Never ultrasonically clean them, use only lukewarm water with a minimum of mild soap.
  
  Pearls and opals require special attention. These are organic or porous materials that can be damaged by water or chemicals. Clean them only with a lightly dampened soft cloth and never immerse them in water.

Proper storage of the pendant prolongs the life of the pendant

The ideal storage space should meet several criteria:

• Protection from moisture is essential - excessive moisture can cause corrosion of metals and damage to some gemstones. Conversely, too dry an environment can damage pearls or opals.
• Prevent scratches by storing each pendant separately in a soft case or in a jewellery box with separate compartments lined with velvet. Diamond pendants should be stored separately as diamonds can easily scratch other stones and metals.
• The environment should be at a stable temperature and protected from direct sunlight, which can affect the colour of some stones.

Selected jewellery may require special care

For pendants with embossed details such as angels or crosses, use a soft brush. This is the only way to get into all the folds and details where dirt can accumulate.

For pendants with moving parts, check regularly to make sure the mechanism is not jamming. Occasionally apply a small amount of special oil.

When to seek professional help

See a jeweller immediately if the stone is loose in the setting, if the chain or clasp is damaged, if the pendant has visible cracks or deformations, if there is a loss of lustre that cannot be restored by home cleaning, or if there is any mechanical damage.

At BENY you are assured of a lifetime guarantee

All jewellery purchased at BENY comes with a lifetime guarantee, which includes professional cleaning and basic maintenance. We recommend an inspection every two years, but our experts are available whenever you need them.

Beautiful jewellery is meant to shine for generations. That's why we put the same care and precision into every maintenance that our jewelry is made with. In the exclusive BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague, our experienced experts will not only give you comprehensive advice on the care of your current jewellery, but will also help you choose new pieces. Do not hesitate to visit us.