JEWELRY CARE

Taking care of your jewelry ensures it will last a lifetime and continue to shine beautifully. Here are my top tips for keeping your pieces in great condition:

Daily Care

  • Remove your jewelry before lifting weights, engaging in strenuous activities, swimming, or going to bed. This helps prevent damage, scratches, and unnecessary stress on your pieces.

  • Keep away from chemicals like cleaning supplies, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays. These can dull the finish and even cause damage over time.

Storage

  • Store your jewelry in a dedicated jewelry box or soft pouch when you’re not wearing it. Keeping pieces separate helps avoid scratches and tangling.

Cleaning

  • Clean gently using a small amount of mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush, and warm water. Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Satin Finish Care

  • Many of my pieces have a satin finish, which will wear naturally over time with regular wear and rubbing.

  • To refresh your satin finish, feel free to contact me at Corkie@CorkieBoltonJewelry.com.

  • Avoid using traditional polishing cloths, as they can remove satin finishes.

Special Care for Opals & Softer Stones

  • As of 2025, I am working almost exclusively with opal from the Lightning Ridge region of Australia. Lightning Ridge produces some of the hardest and most durable opals in the world, with a hardness range of 5.5-6.5. Some areas even produce stones approaching 7.5, similar to quartz. Thanks to their crystalline arrangement and conchoidal fracture, they have enhanced structural integrity when shaped smoothly with no sharp corners. 

  • Opal is still more fragile than diamonds and sapphires, so be mindful when wearing yours to prevent accidental damage. Avoid exposure to chemicals, oils, and sudden temperature changes. Showering and exposure to water is okay with Australian opals. 

  • Other softer stones include turquoise, the same extra care should be taken with turquoise pieces as well!

Final Thoughts

Caring for your jewelry is simple but important. With a little attention, your pieces will continue to look amazing for years to come.

Have questions about your jewelry care? Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!