Each piece is individually made, with its own character and material qualities. With a little care, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Jewellery
General care
Although made to be worn and enjoyed, jewellery benefits from thoughtful care. Remove pieces before swimming, showering, exercising or activities that might expose them to knocks or chemicals. Avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, lotions, cosmetics and household cleaning products; put your jewellery on last when dressing. Store individual pieces separately in a box or soft pouch.
Silver
Sterling and fine silver may naturally tarnish or acquire a patina over time. Gently polish plain silver surfaces using a suitable silver polishing cloth. Avoid excessive rubbing of textured or intentionally darkened details and keep silver polish away from pearls and vulnerable gemstones. Store in a dry place. Fine silver is softer than sterling and will mark more easily.
Gold-plated silver
Gold plating is a surface finish that gradually softens and wears with use, especially on rings and other frequently handled pieces. Avoiding moisture, chemicals and friction helps preserve its appearance for longer.
Remove plated pieces before washing, swimming, sleeping or exercising. Avoid perfume, lotions, chlorine and cleaning products. After wearing, gently wipe with a clean, soft, dry, non-abrasive cloth. Do not use silver dips, abrasive polishing cloths or chemical jewellery cleaners on plated surfaces. Store pieces separately.
Solid gold
Solid gold is durable and intended for years of wear, but may develop fine marks over time. Avoid chlorine, bleach and unnecessary knocks. Plain gold without sensitive stones or other delicate details may be cleaned carefully using mild soap and lukewarm water, followed by thorough drying; contact me before cleaning an intricate or stone-set piece.
Pearls
Pearls are organic gems with delicate surfaces. Avoid perfume, cosmetics, sprays, chemicals and prolonged soaking. Put pearls on last and remove them first. After wearing, wipe gently with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth. Do not use silver polish, ultrasonic cleaners, abrasives or chemical dips on pearls. Store separately from harder metals and stones.
Gemstones & sculptural jewellery
Gemstones differ in hardness, porosity and sensitivity to heat and cleaning methods. When in doubt, use a soft cloth and ask before cleaning. Pieces with projecting sculptural forms or individually set stones should be protected from pressure, snagging and knocks.
Ceramics
My functional ceramics are made to be used and enjoyed every day.
Everyday care
My functional ceramics are food safe unless a piece is described as decorative only. I recommend washing them by hand in warm water with mild washing-up liquid. Avoid sudden changes in temperature and prevent pieces from knocking against each other or hard surfaces.
Gold lustre
Some ceramics feature a gold-lustre finish. Gold-lustre pieces should always be handwashed using warm water, mild washing-up liquid and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh detergents and abrasive scourers. Do not place gold-lustre pieces in the dishwasher or microwave.
Sculpture
My sculptures are individually handbuilt, often with delicate, fronded paperclay forms. Some have very fine edges and overlapping elements that require careful handling.
Cleaning & care
For light dust, a soft artist's brush may be sufficient. For more complex works specifically confirmed as suitable for wet cleaning, a gentle shower or rinse with a very low-pressure flow of clean water can remove dust without brushing between the fronds. Do this only in a location that can safely get wet, without exposing wall mounts, fittings, repairs, other water-sensitive materials or surrounding furniture to water.
Where appropriate, leave the sculpture safely supported in situ to air-dry completely, rather than touching delicate elements while wet. Do not use high-pressure water, harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. If unsure whether a particular sculpture can be wet-cleaned, contact me first.
Handling & display
Always lift a sculpture from beneath or from its strongest structural areas, never by thin fronds, edges or projecting details. Display it securely, away from knocks and heavy traffic.
Further Advice
Different pieces may need more specific care. If you are unsure about a particular material, stone or sculpture, please get in touch before cleaning it.