Whether it’s a treasured heirloom or a recent investment, fine jewellery deserves care that matches its value.
To help you preserve your pieces for years – if not generations – to come, we turned to the experts at Partridge Jewellers to dish on everything jewellery care. In this exclusive Q&A, they share essential advice on caring for fine jewellery at home, the dos and don’ts of long-term storage, and what to know about cleaning kits and gemstone maintenance.
Your ultimate jewellery care routine starts here.
Q&A with Sylvia Halim, Production Manager at Partridge
What are the biggest mistakes people make when caring for their fine jewellery at home?
Generally, the common mistakes we tend to see happen fall into three categories:
Storage
One of the most common mistakes are placing jewellery pieces together in the same box, pouch, or bag – and when jewels rub against each other this can result in scratches to the metal or the gemstone. A little extra care in storage goes a long way in preserving a piece’s beauty.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning helps your jewellery maintain its sparkle, but balance is key. Over-cleaning or neglecting cleaning altogether can be harmful, depending on the type of metal and gemstones.
Avoid using harsh products like toothpaste or acetone, as these can scratch the metal and dull your gemstones. If you’re ever unsure about how best to clean your piece, we’re always happy to help – even if your piece is not from us.
Wearing
Jewellery is made to be enjoyed, but removing it during certain activities can help extend its life. We recommend taking off your pieces before cleaning, swimming, exercising, gardening, or lifting heavy objects. Doing so helps prevent physical damage, chemical exposure, and wear to settings such as claws – ensuring your stones remain secure and your jewellery stays in perfect shape.
For those investing in heirloom pieces, what’s the best way to store them long-term without compromising their condition?
The best way to store your special jewellery long-term is to choose the right vessel and maintain an ideal storage environment – a jewellery box lined with soft materials – such as velvet, silk, or cotton – is especially effective in protecting delicate pieces from scratches and damage.
At Partridge, regardless of whether you purchase a fine timepiece or precious jewellery, we provide complimentary keepsake boxes and velvet pouches that are handy for travelling and at-home storage.
The storage environment also plays a crucial role in preserving its condition. We recommend keeping your jewels in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Do different gemstones or metals require different types of care? If so, what should people be mindful of?
Yes, we definitely recommend being mindful of how and where you store specific gemstones – every stone is unique in its natural beauty, whilst also having unique properties that can make some of them more vulnerable to certain conditions than others.
For example, sapphires can fade or undergo colour changes when exposed to prolonged, direct sunlight, and pearls can become discoloured if exposed to heat, extended sunlight, or water.
Some rubies, particularly those that have been colour-treated, are more susceptible to damage from exposure to bleach or acidic substances like lemon juice. This can result in surface scratches or etching – and it’s why we recommend bringing in your jewels to be checked quite regularly – enabling us to help fix a smaller problem before it may become a bigger one.
What’s your take on at-home ultrasonic cleaners and jewellery cleaning kits – are they safe for all types of pieces?
Ultrasonic cleaners are a fantastic tool for keeping your jewellery sparkling, especially when used thoughtfully and within recommended guidelines.
A short, gentle clean is often all that’s needed – as overuse or prolonged cleaning may cause unnecessary wear or loosen stones. We also recommend being selective with the gemstones that you clean with an ultrasonic – while many stones come up beautifully, delicate gems like emeralds, pearls, and opals – as well as antique jewels – are best cleaned by hand to preserve their natural beauty.
If someone wants their investment pieces to look as good in 20 years as it does today, what jewellery care habits should they start now?
In addition to regular care at home, we highly recommend periodic inspections by a professional jeweller to help maintain the beauty and integrity of your pieces.
If possible, aim to have your jewellery checked twice a year. At Partridge, we offer a convenient drop-in service and are always happy to inspect and repair items – even if they weren’t purchased from us. So, if you happen to be passing by one of our boutiques, feel free to stop in, we’d love to take a look at your piece.
A New Era for Partridge: Auckland’s Newest Jewellery Destination
New Zealand’s premier destination for luxury timepieces and fine jewellery has officially opened the doors to its newest boutique – this time, with a refined focus on diamonds and craftsmanship.
Located at 80 Queen Street in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, the brand-new Partridge flagship jewellery boutique offers a dedicated space for showcasing some of the country’s most exquisite diamond and gemstone creations. This marks a significant new chapter for the heritage brand, coming just after its 160th anniversary – a celebration of six generations of artistry and excellence in jewellery-making.
Designed by acclaimed interior designer Hannah Davies (also behind Partridge’s Queenstown boutique), the new store blends timeless sophistication with thoughtful materiality. Rich green tones, softly folded timber, and plush finishes create a serene environment that invites visitors to explore the Partridge world in comfort and style.
From unique masterpieces to everyday heirlooms, the boutique’s carefully curated offering includes a dedicated selection of engagement and wedding rings – with both ready-to-wear and bespoke pieces created in collaboration with Partridge’s in-house artisans.
“The opening of our new flagship jewellery boutique at 80 Queen Street marks a significant moment for Partridge,” says Grant Partridge, Owner and Managing Director. “It’s an elegant new chapter for our jewellery business, and we’ve designed this space to warmly welcome both long-standing and new clients.”
This boutique is the fifth Partridge location on lower Queen Street and the ninth nationally, joining the jeweller’s esteemed family of luxury retail destinations, including:
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75 Queen Street (Rolex, Patek Philippe)
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112 Queen Street (Omega, Chopard, Grand Seiko, and more)
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44 Queen Street (Cartier, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre)
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58 Queen Street (TAG Heuer)
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Plus, locations in Newmarket, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown