22K gold is soft, rich in colour and does not rust, but the finishes, stones, beads and pearls that make Ambar House pieces special need a little care. These simple habits will keep your necklaces, haars, chokers, bangles, earrings and rings looking the way they did on the day you first wore them.
Everyday care for 22K gold jewellery
- Put it on last, take it off first. Wear your jewellery after make-up, perfume, hairspray and creams have dried, and take it off before you remove make-up or change.
- Keep it away from water and chemicals. Take jewellery off before bathing, swimming, cleaning or working out. Chlorine, soap residue, sweat and household cleaners dull the gold and can loosen stones.
- Wipe it after every wear. Use a soft, dry cotton or microfibre cloth to remove skin oils and make-up before you put a piece away.
- Handle pieces by the gold. Hold necklaces by the clasp or chain and earrings by the post, not by beads, drops or pearl strands.
Caring for antique and temple finishes
Many Ambar House pieces have an antique or temple finish, where the deeper parts of the carving are darker than the raised gold. This contrast is deliberate and is what makes the design stand out.
- Clean antique pieces with a soft dry cloth or a very soft brush only.
- Do not rub them with gold polishing cloths, toothpaste or polishing liquids. These brighten the whole surface and remove the antique tone.
- If an antique piece needs more than a wipe, message us on WhatsApp before cleaning it yourself.
Pieces with stones, beads and pearls
- Never soak jewellery with stones, beads, pearl drops or threaded strands. Water can weaken settings and threads.
- Keep pearls away from perfume, hairspray and creams. They are softer than gold and lose their lustre quickly.
- Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on any piece with stones, beads or pearls.
- Check bead strands, drops and fringes from time to time. If something feels loose, stop wearing the piece and contact us.
Cleaning plain gold
Pieces that are all gold, with no stones, beads or antique finish, can be cleaned gently at home. Dip a soft cloth in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, wipe the piece, rinse the cloth and wipe again with clean water. Dry it completely with a soft towel before you store it.
Storing your jewellery
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined box, so pieces do not scratch or tangle.
- Lay heavy necklaces, haars and chokers flat rather than hanging them, so the weight does not stretch links or threads.
- Keep bangles in pairs in a bangle box or upright on a soft roll.
- Store jewellery in a dry place. A small silica gel sachet in the box helps keep moisture away.
- Use a padded jewellery case for travel, and pack jewellery in your hand luggage.
Bangles, earrings and rings
- Bangles: fold your hand and slide bangles on gently. Forcing a bangle can bend it, and knocks against hard surfaces can dent broad designs.
- Earrings and jhumkas: check that screws and backs are secure each time you wear them. Heavy jhumkas are more comfortable with ear chains or supports.
- Rings: take rings off before cooking, cleaning or applying hand cream, as these are the pieces most exposed to daily wear.
Need help?
If a piece needs attention, or you are unsure how to care for a particular design, message us on WhatsApp with a photo and we will guide you.
