Care & Repairs
With proper care, your handcrafted jewellery will remain beautiful for years to come.
General Care
Each piece of Yuko Jewellery is handcrafted with care. To maintain its beauty and extend its life:
- Put on last: Apply perfume, hairspray, lotions, and sunscreen before wearing your jewellery
- Remove before: Swimming, showering, exercising, cleaning, or sleeping
- Avoid exposure to: Chlorine, saltwater, household chemicals, extreme temperatures, and humidity
- Handle with care: Avoid contact with hard surfaces like concrete, steel, or tiles
Storage
Proper storage helps prevent scratches, tarnishing, and damage:
- Store each piece separately in the original Yuko Jewellery box to prevent scratching
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Lay necklaces and chains flat to prevent kinking and tangling
- Keep pieces away from other jewellery that may cause scratches
Cleaning
To clean your jewellery:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish the surface
- For stubborn marks, dampen the cloth slightly with lukewarm water
- Dry thoroughly before storing
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, or abrasive materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver naturally develops a patina over time, which many find adds character. If you prefer a brighter finish:
- Polish regularly with a silver polishing cloth
- For matte-finish silver, use silver dip briefly (5-10 seconds), rinse, and dry with a soft cloth
- Store in an airtight container when not wearing
- Wear often — your skin's natural oils help prevent tarnishing
Gold & Gold-Plated Pieces
To extend the life of gold plating:
- Remove before contact with water, especially chlorinated or salt water
- Clean only with a dry, soft cloth
- Store separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching
- Avoid rubbing or abrasive cleaning methods
Enamel Elements
Some pieces incorporate enamel details:
- Keep away from extreme heat which may cause damage
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to prevent discolouration
- Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid silver dip and hot water on enamelled surfaces
Botanical & Natural Materials
Pieces featuring natural or botanical elements require special care:
- Avoid exposure to water and high humidity
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Handle gently — natural materials may be more delicate
Regular Maintenance
- Check clasps and closures regularly to ensure they're secure
- Inspect pieces periodically for any signs of wear
- Have precious pieces professionally serviced every 12-18 months
Repairs & Alterations
I offer repair services for all Yuko Jewellery pieces. If your piece needs repair or restoration, please contact me and I will do my best to restore it to its original condition.
Repair Process
- Contact me: Email yuko@yukojewellery.com.au with photos and a description of the issue
- Assessment: I will provide a repair quote and estimated timeframe
- Send your piece: Ship via registered, insured mail to the address provided
- Repair & return: Once complete, your piece will be returned to you
Please Note
- Repairs are offered for Yuko Jewellery pieces only
- Repair costs and timeframes vary depending on the work required
- Some materials (particularly natural elements) may not be repairable to their original condition
Questions?
If you have any questions about caring for your piece, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm always happy to help.