Most of the jewellery and keepsakes we engrave are made from stainless steel, some with a gold, rose gold or black finish over the steel. A few pieces are leather or wood. All of them last for years with very little effort. Here is how to look after each one.
Stainless steel: the easy one
Stainless steel is strong and resists rust and tarnish in everyday wear, which is why it is used for so many engraved gifts. Polished silver-colour steel keeps its shine with a simple routine:
- Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove skin oils and moisture.
- If it looks dull, wash it in warm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid, rinse, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Use a soft toothbrush, gently, to clean around engraving, clasps and links.
- Dry it completely before you put it away.
Avoid abrasive pads and scouring powders: they leave fine scratches in a polished surface.
Gold, rose gold and black finishes
Coloured finishes sit as a thin layer on top of the steel. They look beautiful but need a gentler hand than plain steel, because friction and chemicals slowly wear the surface:
- Clean with a soft, dry cloth only, or warm water and a little mild soap if needed. Pat dry.
- Never use silver dip, jewellery cleaning fluids, bleach or polishing cloths impregnated with chemicals.
- Put perfume, hairspray and body lotion on first, let them dry, and put your jewellery on last.
- Take it off before swimming, bathing, showering, cleaning, the gym or gardening.
- Store each piece separately so harder items do not rub against it.
Rings and bracelets see the most friction, so a coloured finish on a ring will show wear sooner than on a pendant. That is normal for any plated jewellery.
Why the engraving stays
Laser engraving changes the surface of the metal itself, so there is no ink to fade or rub off. On black pieces the laser removes the black coating where it engraves, which is why the lettering appears light. You can read more in how laser engraving works.
Water, chlorine and salt
Steel copes with a splash of water, but chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs, and salt water at the beach, are harsh on finishes and chains. Take jewellery off before you go in. If it does get wet, rinse it in clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Storing your jewellery
- Keep pieces in a soft pouch or a lined box, apart from each other.
- Fasten chains before storing them so they do not tangle.
- Avoid bathroom shelves: steam and humidity are not kind to finishes.
- A small jewellery box keeps a favourite piece safe and easy to find.
Chains and clasps
Fine chains are the most delicate part of a necklace. Take necklaces off before sleeping, as chains can twist and knot overnight. If a chain does tangle, lay it flat and work the knot loose with two pins rather than pulling. Check clasps every so often; a clasp that no longer closes firmly is best replaced before the pendant is lost. When you put a necklace on, fasten it in front of you and then turn it round, which is gentler on the clasp than fiddling behind your neck.
Keyrings and everyday carry
Keyrings live a hard life in pockets and bags next to keys and coins. A little wear on the edges over the years is normal and is part of their character. Wipe them occasionally with a damp cloth and dry them. If you want a keyring to stay looking new for longer, keep it on a separate ring from your heaviest keys.
Leather
Our leather bracelets, wallets, keyrings and passport holders are engraved directly into the leather. To keep them looking good:
- Keep leather dry. If it gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators.
- Wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
- Avoid perfume and oils on leather bracelets.
- Leather darkens and softens with use; that is natural.
Wood
Our wooden guitar pick boxes and gift boxes should be kept dry and out of direct sunlight, which can fade wood over time. Dust with a dry cloth. Do not soak wood or put it in a dishwasher.
Pens
A Parker Jotter needs nothing more than a wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid leaving it in a hot car, and replace the refill when the ink runs out rather than forcing the mechanism.
Quick reference
- Do: wipe with a soft dry cloth, store separately, put jewellery on last.
- Don't: use chemicals or abrasive cleaners, swim or shower in it, store it damp.
If anything arrives faulty or damaged, we will put it right. See Delivery & Returns. Browse personalised jewellery.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower with stainless steel jewellery?
Steel copes with water, but soap, shampoo and hot water wear coloured finishes and chains faster. We recommend taking jewellery off before showering, bathing or swimming.
How do I clean gold or rose gold plated jewellery?
Use a soft dry cloth, or warm water with a little mild soap, then pat dry. Never use silver dip, cleaning fluids or chemical polishing cloths.
Will the engraving fade?
No. Laser engraving changes the surface of the item itself, so there is no ink to fade.
