YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO JEWELLERY CARE & REPAIR


Welcome to the Ashes With Art Jewellery Care & Repair Guide — your trusted resource for memorial jewellery maintenance, cleaning, resize and adjustments, and professional repair services.

Here, you’ll find expert advice on how to clean, store, and care for your jewellery at home, as well as details on our professional jewellery repair, resizing, and replating services. Whether your piece is silver, gold, or set with glass, our jewellers ensure it lasts beautifully for a lifetime.

Wearing Your Jewellery
Everyday tips to protect your jewellery.
Jewellery care
Cleaning & At-Home Care
Safe ways to clean your jewellery at home.
Cleaning guide
Caring For Your Pieces
How to keep memorial jewellery sparkling.
Gemstone care
Wear & Tear
Understanding tarnish, scratches, and normal wear.
Learn more
Servicing & Repairs
Professional cleaning, polishing, and repairs.
Book a service
Ring Resizing
Expert resizing & adjustments
Book Now

WEARING YOUR JEWELLERY

Each piece of Ashes With Art memorial jewellery is crafted from solid precious metals, hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office for purity and authenticity.

We never use resin or glue — only enduring, high-quality materials including handcrafted glass gemstones, which are completely UV safe and waterproof.

Your jewellery is designed for everyday life, but like all fine jewellery, it benefits from gentle care. Read on to learn how to keep your piece as beautiful and meaningful as the day it was made.

MADE TO LAST

MADE TO LAST

Your jewellery is fully waterproof and safe to wear while washing your hands or showering.
For silver jewellery, however, frequent exposure to chlorinated or salt water can cause mild tarnish — harmless and easy to polish away.

To help prevent tarnish or accidental damage, remove your jewellery before swimming, exercising, or using household cleaners.

EVERYDAY JEWELLERY CARE

EVERYDAY JEWELLERY CARE

Apply lotions, perfumes, and hair products before putting on your jewellery — this prevents build-up that can dull the shine.

We also recommend removing your jewellery before bed to prevent accidental bending or catching on fabrics. Small mindful habits like these will keep your jewellery radiant for years to come.

CARING FOR CHAINS & CLASPS

CARING FOR CHAINS & CLASPS

Chains and clasps should be handled with care.
Always fasten your chain before storing it to avoid tangles, and remove necklaces before sleeping or exercising.

If your clasp feels loose or stiff, our jewellers can service and secure it as part of our professional jewellery repair service.

FAQ - Wearing Your Jewellery

Can I wear my jewellery every day?
Yes — Ashes With Art jewellery is designed for regular wear and crafted from solid precious metals that are fully waterproof and UV safe. You can wear it while showering, washing up, or caught in the rain without any worry. Each piece is made to last a lifetime, combining durability with timeless design.
Is my jewellery waterproof?
Yes. Every Ashes With Art piece is completely waterproof and permanently sealed, meaning the ashes or hair inside can never come loose. For silver jewellery, we recommend removing it before swimming in pools or the sea to help prevent surface tarnish and keep it looking bright.
Can I wear my jewellery to bed?
We recommend removing your jewellery before sleeping to avoid bending, tangling, or catching on fabrics during the night. This small step helps preserve the strength of chains and settings over time.
What if my chain breaks or stretches?
Chains can sometimes weaken or stretch if they are pulled or caught. If this happens, our expert jewellers can inspect and repair your chain to restore its strength and appearance. We also offer replacement chains on our website if needed — simply contact our team for advice or to book a repair.
💎 Need Help with Your Jewellery? ✨

Our jewellers can professionally clean, service, or repair your piece to keep it looking its best. Whether you’ve noticed light wear, a stretched chain, or a loose clasp, we’ll handle your memorial jewellery with care and precision.


CLEANING & AT-HOME CARE

Over time, even the finest jewellery may collect light marks or residue. With a few simple at-home steps, you can keep your memorial jewellery shining bright.

EVERYDAY  POLISHING

EVERYDAY POLISHING

Regular wear naturally helps prevent tarnish and develops a soft, beautiful patina.

Use your Ashes With Art polishing cloth to gently remove fingerprints or dullness.

HOW TO CLEAN JEWELLERY WITH SOAP AND WATER

HOW TO CLEAN JEWELLERY WITH SOAP AND WATER

Your jewellery is fully waterproof, so you can safely give it a gentle wash at home.

To clean:

1. Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with warm water in a bowl.
2. Place your jewellery in and let it soak for a few minutes.
3. Use a soft baby toothbrush to loosen any residue.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap.
5. Pat dry with a soft cloth or allow to air-dry completely.

Always clean over a soft surface, such as a towel or cloth, to avoid damage if your piece slips.

LEARN TO REMOVE TARNISH AT HOME
STORING YOUR JEWELLERY

STORING YOUR JEWELLERY

When not wearing your jewellery, store it in your Ashes With Art pouch or box, away from other pieces to avoid scratching.

For pendants and bracelets, lay chains carefully to avoid tangles or knots that could lead to breaks.

Your travel pouch is perfect for the gym, pool, or trips away — place your jewellery inside rather than leaving it loose in a bag or pocket.

For longer storage, add a silica-gel packet to absorb moisture and reduce tarnish. 

FAQ- Cleaning & At-Home Care

How often should I clean my jewellery?
A gentle polish every few weeks keeps your jewellery bright. For a deeper clean, soap and water once a month works beautifully. We recommend booking a full service annually.
What should I use to clean the glass gemstone?
Simply wipe the gemstone with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid soaking or using sprays — they can leave residue or dull the surface.

CARING FOR YOUR JEWELLERY

Every piece of Ashes With Art memorial jewellery — whether set with a glass gemstone, diamond, or crafted from solid precious metal — is made for everyday wear and lasting beauty. Each design is fully waterproof, UV safe, and hallmarked for authenticity, ensuring your piece can be worn and loved for a lifetime.

With simple care and gentle maintenance, your ashes jewellery will stay bright, secure, and beautiful for many years to come.

CARING FOR YOUR DIAMOND JEWELLERY

CARING FOR YOUR DIAMOND JEWELLERY

Every gemstone, whether a diamond, glass gemstone, or another precious stone, is carefully hand set by our jewellers for strength, brilliance, and lasting security. We use a variety of settings, including claw settings, and bezel (rub-over) settings.

To care for your diamond jewellery, avoid direct knocks or pressure that could loosen claws or damage settings. Our jewellers check all claws and settings as part of your annual jewellery service, ensuring every stone remains safe, secure, and perfectly set for years to come.

For everyday maintenance, gently wipe the gemstone with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints or residue. Diamond jewellery can be professionally cleaned during your annual service to restore its full sparkle and brilliance.

PROFESSIONAL REPOLISHING

PROFESSIONAL REPOLISHING

Our glass gemstones are designed for strength, clarity, and everyday wear. Each gemstone is made from solid glass — not resin — and is fully waterproof and UV safe, allowing you to wear your jewellery with confidence.

To keep your glass gemstone looking its best, avoid hard knocks that could scuff the surface, and wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints or residue.

If your gemstone ever appears less vibrant, our jewellers can gently repolish it during your Full Jewellery Service to restore its smooth surface and original brilliance. This professional process is completely safe and carried out by our memorial specialists in-house.

This service is included within our Full Jewellery Service for glass gemstone jewellery and can be arranged through our studio.

BOOK A FULL SERVICE

FAQ - Glass Gemstone Care

Can the ashes ever come out of the gemstone?
No — the ashes are permanently sealed within the glass and cannot come out, even with wear or water exposure.
What if my glass gemstone gets scratched?
Minor surface marks are normal over time. We can repolish your gemstone through our Full Jewellery Service to restore its smooth, glossy finish.
Can I clean my gemstone with water or polish?
Simply use clean water and a soft cloth.
Can I wear my glass gemstone jewellery in the shower?
Yes — your jewellery is fully waterproof.

UNDERSTANDING WEAR & TEAR

All jewellery changes gently with time. Fine scratches, soft shine, or a natural patina are signs of a piece that’s loved and worn — not of damage. With the right care, any signs of wear can be refreshed or restored, keeping your jewellery looking beautiful for a lifetime.

UNDERSTANDING TARNISH

UNDERSTANDING TARNISH

Sterling silver jewellery can naturally tarnish — and that’s perfectly normal. It happens when the metal reacts with elements in the air or everyday products like perfume, lotion, or cleaning agents.

Tarnish appears as grey, brown, or black marks on the surface and may develop gradually or suddenly. It only affects the outer layer of the metal and causes no lasting damage. Tarnish isn’t a flaw or sign of poor quality — it’s easily removed with a gentle polish to restore your silver’s bright, clean shine.

REMOVING TARNISH AND RESTORING SHINE

REMOVING TARNISH AND RESTORING SHINE

Tarnish can be lifted quickly and safely with a polishing cloth or a professional clean.

You can also use this simple at-home method for silver:

- Line a bowl with foil (shiny side up).
- Add hot water and a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda per 500 ml.
- Place jewellery so it touches the foil and wait for fizzing to stop.
- Rinse and polish dry.

This simple process restores shine without damaging silver.

SCRATCHES & PATINA

SCRATCHES & PATINA

All precious metals — including gold, silver, and platinum — can develop fine scratches with daily wear. These marks are completely normal and simply part of your jewellery’s natural life.

Rings are most prone to light scratches as they come into contact with hard surfaces like keys, phones, and desks. Over time, these blend into a soft patina that adds warmth and character to your piece.

A gentle polish at home can lift surface marks, while deeper scratches can be restored through our professional jewellery cleaning and servicing options.

PROFESSIONAL JEWELLERY CLEANING
WHITE GOLD & RHODIUM PLATING

WHITE GOLD & RHODIUM PLATING

White gold jewellery naturally has a soft, pale yellow tone. To achieve its bright, cool-white finish, each piece is coated in a thin layer of rhodium plating.

Over time, this plating gently wears away, revealing the warmer hue beneath — a normal part of the metal’s ageing process. A simple rhodium replating service will restore your jewellery’s original brilliant white colour and shine.

RHODIUM REPLATING SERVICE

FAQ - Tarnish, Scratches, and Replating

Why has my silver jewellery tarnished?
Tarnish is a natural reaction between sterling silver and elements such as sulphur in the air or contact with skincare, cleaning products, or body oils. It’s completely harmless and can be easily removed with a gentle polish.
Can I prevent tarnish completely?
Not entirely — but regular wear actually helps prevent tarnish. When storing your jewellery, keep it in a pouch or airtight box with a silica-gel packet to reduce moisture and slow the process.
What if my jewellery gets scratched?
Light scratches are normal and part of everyday wear. Surface marks can be removed during your annual jewellery service, while deeper ones can be restored by our professional jewellers.
Why is my white gold jewellery turning yellow?
That’s simply the natural tone of white gold showing through as the rhodium plating wears away. It’s easy to refresh with professional rhodium replating, restoring its bright, cool-white finish.

SERVICING & REPAIRS

Your memorial jewellery holds deep meaning, and with daily wear it’s natural for pieces to develop dullness, scratches, or light tarnish over time. Settings may also loosen slightly with regular use.

To keep your jewellery beautiful and secure, we recommend a full professional service once a year. Regular jewellery servicing and cleaning not only restores shine but also helps prevent future damage or loss, especially for pieces containing gemstones or glass.

EXPERT MEMORIAL JEWELLERY CARE

EXPERT MEMORIAL JEWELLERY CARE

As leading memorial jewellery specialists, all servicing and repairs are carried out in-house by our trained jewellers with the utmost care and respect. Every piece is handled securely, ensuring that any ashes, hair, or glass gemstones remain completely safe throughout the process.

Our expert team focuses on restoring your jewellery’s original brilliance while preserving its sentimental meaning, so your piece continues to look and feel as special as the day it was made.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN A FULL SERVICE

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN A FULL SERVICE

Our Full Jewellery Service is a complete professional restoration designed to bring your piece back to its original beauty. Each item is carefully inspected by our jewellers before and after servicing to ensure every detail is perfect.

Your service includes:

- Deep cleaning and professional polishing to restore shine
- Checking and tightening of settings and gemstones
- Polishing of glass gemstones for lasting clarity
- Rhodium plating for white gold and sterling silver
- A complimentary polishing cloth to help maintain your jewellery at home

Every service is carried out by our in-house memorial specialists, ensuring your jewellery is cared for with precision, safety, and respect.

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RING RESIZING SERVICE

RING RESIZING SERVICE

We offer a professional ring resizing service for all Ashes With Art memorial rings, including those containing ashes, hair, or glass gemstones. Each piece is carefully assessed before resizing to ensure the memorial chamber remains completely sealed and protected.

Our jewellers use precise, traditional methods to adjust your ring by adding or removing a small amount of metal. The ashes or hair are never disturbed during the process, and any polishing or engraving can be fully restored as part of your service.

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WHY JEWELLERY SERVICING MATTERS

WHY JEWELLERY SERVICING MATTERS

Regular jewellery servicing is one of the most effective ways to protect the beauty and strength of your memorial jewellery. Over time, small movements in settings, clasps, or chains can loosen gemstones or fittings.

An annual professional inspection and clean allows our jewellers to identify early signs of wear, preventing future damage or loss. Many clients choose to book their service each year to keep their jewellery secure, polished, and full of meaning.

BOOK A FULL SERVICE
✨ RESTORE YOUR JEWELLERY 💎

Bring your memorial jewellery back to its original brilliance with our professional restoration services. From polishing and rhodium plating to chain repairs and gemstone repolishing, every piece is handled with care and precision by our expert in-house jewellers.

BEFORE & AFTER A FULL SERVICE:

FAQ - Servicing and Repairs

How do I book a service or repair?
You can book a jewellery service or repair online through or by contacting our team directly. We’ll confirm the next steps, arrange secure shipping, and keep you updated throughout the process.
Can you repair jewellery not made by Ashes With Art?
Yes — our jewellers can assess and repair most fine jewellery on a case-by-case basis. Simply reach out with details or photos and we’ll let you know the best options for professional restoration.
Will my ashes jewellery be safe during repair?
Absolutely. Every piece is handled in-house by our memorial jewellery specialists, and the ashes, hair, or glass gemstones are never removed or disturbed. Your jewellery stays safe and secure within our care at all times.
How long does a full service take?
Most full jewellery services are completed within 1–2 weeks, depending on the type of work required. We’ll always provide an estimated timeframe before starting any repairs.