Use an existing ring that fits on the ring finger
Care Guide
To ensure your jewellery remains as beautiful as the day you received it, proper care and regular maintenance are essential. This guide offers tailored advice for each material
METALS
Yellow and rose gold are durable but can scratch over time. Keep them away from chemicals, lotions, cleaning products, and chlorine, which can cause oxidation and brittleness. Always remove gold jewellery before swimming, exercising, or doing manual tasks, including household chores.
Store pieces in a soft-lined box, separated from other jewellery, especially diamonds. Avoid mixing gold karats when wearing multiple pieces. Clean with a soft cloth to maintain shine. Regularly check for damage and have your jewellery serviced.
White GoldWhite gold is durable but can scratch over time. Keep it away from chemicals, lotions, cleaning products, and chlorine, which can cause oxidation and brittleness. Always remove jewellery before swimming, exercising, or manual tasks, including household chores.
Store pieces in a soft-lined box, separated from other jewellery, especially diamonds. The rhodium plating on white gold wears away over time; minimise polishing to slow this process. Check regularly for damage and service annually, including rhodium plating when the warmer metal begins to show.
9K vs 18K Gold: Understanding Your Fine Jewellery What Does Karat Mean?At LOUISE JEAN, our fine jewellery collection is available in both 9K and 18K gold. Neither is a right or wrong choice — both are genuine, high-quality options, simply suited to different preferences, lifestyles and budgets.
Karat (K) refers to the proportion of pure gold within a piece of jewellery. Pure gold, 24K, is very soft and too delicate for everyday wear, so it is blended with other metals, known as alloys, to increase its strength and durability.
- 9K Gold: Composed of 37.5% pure gold, blended with 62.5% alloy metals such as silver, copper and zinc.
- 18K Gold: Composed of 75% pure gold, blended with 25% alloy metals.
| 9K Gold | 18K Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold content | 37.5% pure gold | 75% pure gold |
| Durability | Harder and more resistant to scratching and bending, though can be more brittle when under stress | Softer and slightly more prone to marking, though more likely to bend or flex rather than crack or snap under stress |
| Colour | Slightly paler, with subtle variation depending on alloy mix | Deeper, richer gold tone, closer to gold in its purest form |
| Weight & feel | Lighter, given the higher proportion of alloy metals | Noticeably heavier and more substantial to the touch |
| Hypoallergenic | Higher proportion of alloy, so may suit sensitive skin less well | Less alloy content, generally better suited to sensitive skin |
| Price | More accessible, given its lower pure gold content | Higher value, reflecting its greater gold content |
| Best suited to | Everyday pieces worn often, or those newer to fine jewellery | Investment pieces, or those seeking a richer, more traditional gold tone |
- Durability: With a higher proportion of alloy metals, 9K gold is harder and more resistant to everyday scratches and knocks, making it a wonderful option for pieces worn daily.
- Accessibility: 9K gold offers a more accessible entry point into fine jewellery, without compromising on quality or craftsmanship.
- Versatility: Its slightly paler tone pairs beautifully with a wide range of gemstones and can be a lovely everyday alternative to silver-toned metals.
- Richness of colour: With a higher gold content, 18K gold has a deeper, more traditional gold tone that many find more luxurious.
- Skin-friendly: Containing less alloy, 18K gold is generally better suited to those with sensitive skin.
- Investment value: The higher pure gold content means 18K pieces generally carry greater intrinsic value over time.
- Weight and presence: 18K gold has a noticeably heavier, more substantial feel, which many associate with fine, high-end jewellery.
Choosing between 9K and 18K gold ultimately comes down to personal preference — there is no right or wrong answer. If you're drawn to a piece you'll wear daily and want the reassurance of extra durability, 9K gold is a wonderful choice. If you're seeking a richer gold tone, a more substantial feel, or a piece with greater investment value, 18K gold may be the better fit.
Our team is always on hand to talk through your options and help you choose the karat and design best suited to your lifestyle. Please get in touch to arrange a consultation.
Platinum is a dense, durable metal but can develop a natural patina over time. Keep platinum away from chemicals, lotions, cleaning products, and chlorine, which can cause oxidation and scratching. Always remove platinum jewellery before exercising, or doing manual tasks, including household chores.
While resilient, platinum can scratch more easily than gold, so store it separately to avoid abrasion, including from diamonds. Regularly check for damage and have your platinum pieces serviced to restore polish and lustre.
DIAMONDS, PEARLS & GEMSTONES
Diamonds are the hardest natural material, but are not indestructible. They can still chip or break if struck with force, particularly on edges or points. Protect your diamonds from knocks by being mindful of how you wear your rings or other pieces.
Store jewellery individually in its original packaging to avoid contact and scratching with other diamonds. Regularly inspect the claws for damage or lifting to prevent losing a stone. Note that our warranty doesn't cover lost, chipped, or cracked stones. For added protection, we recommend purchasing independent insurance.
There is a common misconception that pearls, like other precious gems, are as hardy as diamonds or gold. In truth, pearls are organic gemstones, formed by living oysters and mussels, and they are among the softest and most delicate of all fine jewellery materials. With the right care, however, your pearls can be enjoyed for a lifetime and passed down for generations.
Unlike diamonds or coloured gemstones, pearls are not mineral — they are formed in layers of nacre by molluscs, which makes them significantly softer and more porous, and more vulnerable to scratches, chemicals and changes in humidity than most other jewellery materials.
Everyday Wear- Last on, first off: Apply perfume, hairspray, makeup and lotion before putting on your pearls, and remove your pearls before applying any products. These substances can dull nacre and erode its lustre over time.
- Avoid chlorine and salt water: Remove pearls before swimming, showering or bathing, as prolonged exposure to water and chemicals can weaken and damage the nacre.
- Be mindful during activity: Pearls are soft and can scratch or chip if knocked against hard surfaces. Remove pearl jewellery before exercising, cleaning or doing manual work.
- Let them breathe: Pearls benefit from contact with the natural oils in your skin, so wearing them often is genuinely good for them — just be sure it's after your beauty routine, not before.
To keep your pearls looking beautiful between professional cleans, we've put together a simple how-to using a few gentle household items.
- After each wear, gently wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any residue from skin, perfume or makeup.
- If a deeper clean is needed, use a soft, damp cloth with a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap. Never soak pearls or submerge them in water.
- Lay pearls flat on a clean towel to air dry completely before storing.
Avoid at all costs: ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, chemical jewellery cleaners, and abrasive cloths or brushes. These can strip nacre and loosen settings.
Storing Your Pearls- Store separately: Pearls are softer than most other gemstones and metals, so store them away from other jewellery to avoid scratching.
- Keep them wrapped: A soft pouch or fabric-lined jewellery box is ideal. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
- Mind the climate: Pearls prefer a bit of humidity and can dry out, crack or discolour in very dry conditions. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, near heating vents, or in a safe or safety deposit box for extended periods.
We recommend having your pearl pieces professionally inspected periodically, particularly if you wear them often, to identify any signs of damage. As with all our fine jewellery, our in-house jewellers are on hand to service and care for your pearl pieces — please get in touch to arrange an assessment.
A Final NotePearls have graced jewellery boxes for centuries, and with a little thoughtfulness, yours will too. Treat them gently, store them with care, and they will reward you with a soft, timeless lustre for years to come.
Gemstones, including sapphires, are durable but still require care. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, lotions, and cleaning products, which can dull their surface. Clean only with a soft cloth, or gentle soap and water. Most gemstones are unsuitable for an ultrasonic cleaner.
Store gemstones separately to avoid scratches, especially softer stones like emeralds and opals. Avoid contact with diamonds. Regularly check settings for damage to ensure the stones remain secure.
PRODUCTS
Avoid exposing fine jewellery to chemicals, lotions, cleaning products, and chlorine. Always remove jewellery before swimming, and remove fine chains when sleeping. Avoid wearing necklaces or bracelets during workouts, manual tasks, or household chores to prevent bending, catching, or stretching.
As gold is soft, handle with care. Be gentle with earrings, hinges, and clasps. Rotate your jewellery to ensure longevity. Store pieces in soft-lined boxes, separate from other items to prevent scratching or tangling. Regularly check your jewellery for damage.
Despite being crafted from durable materials, rings require proper care for longevity. Always remove rings before tasks like cleaning, gardening, exercising and while sleeping to avoid pressure or damage. Do not wear rings at the gym or during manual handling.
Keep rings away from chemicals such as lotions, skincare and chlorine. Remove them when washing hands or dishes. Avoid wearing rings in the shower, bath, pool, or ocean to reduce the risk of lost stones and corrosion of metals. Store rings safely and check for damage regularly. Ensure your rings are serviced annually.
LOUISE JEAN chains are durable solid gold, but need care. Avoid exposing them to chemicals including lotions or chlorine, which can cause discolouration and brittleness. Remove chains before swimming, sleeping, or performing manual tasks to prevent pulling links, especially near clasps or pendants.
Store in a soft-lined box, separated from other jewellery to minimise tangling and avoid bends, dents, or kinks. Clean with a soft cloth and regularly check for damage. Note that white gold chains may require regular rhodium plating.
A tennis bracelet is a timeless piece designed to be worn and loved for years to come. By their very design, tennis bracelets are delicate items of jewellery and require proper care and regular maintenance to maintain their beauty and integrity for a lifetime.
Daily Care & Handling- Always handle your tennis bracelet with care, opening and closing the clasp gently.
- When not in use, store your bracelet flat in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent tangling, scratching, or unnecessary stress on the links.
- Avoid stacking your tennis bracelet with other jewellery that may cause abrasion or wear.
To protect both the setting and stones, we recommend removing your tennis bracelet during the following activities:
- Exercise, sports, or heavy physical activity
- Housework, gardening, or lifting heavy objects
- Showering, bathing, or swimming (especially in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean)
- Applying lotions, perfumes, hairspray, or cleaning products
Chemicals, impact, and repeated stress can weaken prongs and clasps over time, increasing the risk of stone loss.
Cleaning Your Tennis Bracelet- For at-home care, gently clean your bracelet with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid at-home ultrasonic cleaners as they may loosen stones over time.
We strongly recommend having your tennis bracelet professionally serviced and cleaned once a year. During an annual service, a jeweller will:
- Inspect prongs, links, and clasps for wear or damage
- Ensure all stones are secure
- Perform a deep professional clean to restore its sparkle
Regular inspections are essential, as tennis bracelets experience natural flexing with wear.
A Final NoteA tennis bracelet is delicate but with thoughtful wear and care, can last a lifetime. By following these guidelines and maintaining regular professional servicing, you'll help ensure your piece remains secure, sparkling, and beautiful for years to come.
Whilst diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth and can resist scratching (except to other diamonds), they are not indestructible. Always be mindful of how you wear your rings, to protect your diamonds from knocks.
When your jewellery isn’t being worn, we recommend storing your pieces individually in their original packaging in a cool, dry place to avoid contact with other diamond pieces.
Regularly inspect the claws of your jewellery to check for any damage or lifting. This will help you to identify any concerns, and reduce the risk of losing a stone.
It's important to note that our warranty does not cover lost, chipped or cracked stones, including diamonds. Always protect yourself and your precious gemstones by purchasing independent insurance for your LOUISE JEAN pieces.
WARRANTY
Jewellery is both a financial and emotional investment, so protecting it is crucial. While emotional loss cannot be replaced, financial protection is possible. We recommend independent insurance for your LOUISE JEAN pieces, covering situations outside our warranty, such as theft, and damaged or lost stones.
We recommend considering jewellery specific insurance, such as Q Report. Please conduct your own research to ensure the insurance meets your specific needs and financial situation.
All LOUISE JEAN pieces are covered by guarantees under Australian Consumer Law, with an additional voluntary limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing faults. This warranty covers production defects, but does not cover damages, wear and tear, oxidation, broken chains, or lost, damaged, or chipped diamonds, stones and pearls.
The warranty is void if third-party alterations are made. It is a condition of your warranty that rings must be serviced and cleaned annually. Terms and conditions apply.
White gold is naturally a warm yellow alloy and requires rhodium plating to achieve its bright, white appearance. Rhodium, a durable, silvery-white metal is applied in a thin layer to improve resistance to oxidation and scratching.
The plating process involves electroplating a thin layer of rhodium onto white gold or platinum jewellery, creating a bright, lustrous finish. Rhodium plating will need to be reapplied over time, and is a part of a service & clean for all LOUISE JEAN pieces.
A professional service and clean begins with a thorough check of the item's shape and condition, looking for any damage. After using an ultrasonic cleaner to remove debris, we inspect the stones and settings under stereo microscopes to ensure they're secure and identify any wear, scratches, or dents.
Necessary adjustments are made, such as straightening, polishing, or re-tightening settings. For white gold and platinum, rhodium plating is applied to restore brightness. Annual servicing, especially for rings and tennis bracelets, helps maintain your jewellery's beauty and longevity.