The Enemies of Gold
Gold itself is extraordinarily stable — it does not corrode, tarnish, or oxidise under normal conditions. But the alloys mixed with it to create 18 or 22 karat gold can react with certain chemicals. Chlorine is the most destructive: it weakens the alloy structure over time, eventually causing brittleness and breakage at stress points. Remove your gold jewellery before swimming — in pools especially, but in the sea as well.
Perfume, lotions, and cleaning products all contain chemicals that can dull gold's surface over time. The rule is simple: jewellery goes on last, after all cosmetics and fragrance. And it comes off first, before washing hands or applying hand cream.
Cleaning at Home
Most gold and diamond jewellery can be safely cleaned at home with nothing more than warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Soak the piece for a few minutes, then gently brush — especially around settings where dirt and skin oils accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Ultrasonic cleaners are effective for solid gold and diamond pieces but should never be used on pieces with treated stones, pearls, emeralds, or any stone with surface fracture filling. When in doubt, bring the piece to Mila for professional cleaning — it is complimentary for all pieces purchased with us.
Storage and Separation
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth — they will scratch everything they touch, including other diamonds and other jewellery. Store every piece separately, either in individual soft pouches or in a jewellery box with divided compartments. Never pile jewellery together in a dish or drawer.
A well-cared-for piece of fine jewellery will look better at fifty years than it did at five. It is one of the very few things in life that genuinely improves with time.
Bring your pieces in for professional inspection and cleaning once a year. A trained eye will catch a loosening prong or a hairline fracture long before it becomes a lost stone. The cost of prevention is always a fraction of the cost of repair.
