YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO JEWELRY CARE & REPAIR


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

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

Wearing Your Jewelry
Everyday tips to protect your jewelry.
Jewelry care
Cleaning & At-Home Care
Safe ways to clean your jewelry at home.
Cleaning guide
Caring For Your Pieces
How to keep memorial jewelry 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 JEWELRY

Each piece of Ashes With Art memorial jewelry is crafted from solid precious metals, hallmarked by the UK 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 jewelry is designed for everyday life, but like all fine jewelry, 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 jewelry is fully waterproof and safe to wear while washing your hands or showering.
For silver jewelry, 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 jewelry before swimming, exercising, or using household cleaners.

EVERYDAY JEWELRY CARE

EVERYDAY JEWELRY CARE

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

We also recommend removing your jewelry before bed to prevent accidental bending or catching on fabrics. Small mindful habits like these will keep your jewelry 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 jewelers can service and secure it as part of our professional jewelry repair service.

FAQ - Wearing Your Jewelry

Can I wear my jewelry every day?

Yes — Ashes With Art jewelry 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 jewelry 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 jewelry, 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 jewelry to bed?

We recommend removing your jewelry 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 jewelers 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.

What is my jewelry made from?

Your Ashes With Art jewelry is handcrafted from solid precious metals — including sterling silver, 9k or 18k gold, and platinum — all hallmarked in the UK for purity. We never use resin, plastic, or glue. Each piece is designed to last a lifetime.

Is my jewelry hallmarked?

Yes. Every piece is UK hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office, guaranteeing the authenticity and purity of your chosen metal.

Do you use resin or glue in memorial jewelry?

No — we never use resin or glue. Our jewelry is 100% resin-free, using ashes fused within glass or securely sealed chambers to ensure your loved one’s ashes remain permanently protected.

Is my jewelry UV safe?

Yes. All of our fused glass gemstones are fully UV safe and won’t fade, discolor, or weaken in sunlight.

How can I wear my jewelry safely?

Treat your jewelry as you would any fine piece. Avoid pulling on chains or catching settings, apply lotions and perfumes before putting it on, and remove it for activities where knocks or snags may occur.

When should I remove my jewelry?

We recommend removing your jewelry before sleeping, exercising, or swimming, as these activities can cause strain or accidental impact. Removing it during cleaning, gardening, or gym sessions also helps prevent damage.

💎 Need Help with Your Jewelry? ✨

Our jewelers 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 jewelry with care and precision.


CLEANING & AT-HOME CARE

Over time, even the finest jewelry may collect light marks or residue. With a few simple at-home steps, you can keep your memorial jewelry 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 JEWELRY WITH SOAP AND WATER

HOW TO CLEAN JEWELRY WITH SOAP AND WATER

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

To clean:

1. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
2. Place your jewelry 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 JEWELRY

STORING YOUR JEWELRY

When not wearing your jewelry, 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's

How often should I clean my jewelry?
A gentle polish every few weeks keeps your jewelry 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.
How do I prevent tarnish on silver jewellery?
Regular wear naturally slows tarnish. When not wearing your piece, store it in an airtight pouch with a silica gel packet to reduce moisture. Avoid exposure to chemicals like cleaning agents, perfume, or chlorine.
Do you provide a polishing cloth?
Yes — a professional complimentary jewelry polishing cloth is included with every Ashes With Art order and with each Full Jewelry Service. It’s ideal for gently buffing away fingerprints or light tarnish.
How do I clean my jewellery at home?
You can safely clean your jewelry using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Mix mild dish soap with warm water, soak for a few minutes, gently brush with a baby toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth.
Do you offer a professional jewellery cleaning service?
Yes — we offer professional cleaning and repolishing services to restore your jewelry’s original shine. Our jewelers clean, inspect, and polish each piece carefully, ensuring gemstones and ashes chambers remain completely safe.
How should I store my jewellery at home?
Keep your jewelry in its original pouch or box, stored separately from other pieces to prevent scratches. Add a silica packet to absorb moisture and keep silver bright.
How do I clean diamonds at home?
For diamond jewelry, use warm soapy water and a soft brush to gently lift residue and restore sparkle. Avoid harsh chemicals.

CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY

Every piece of Ashes With Art memorial jewelry — 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 jewelry will stay bright, secure, and beautiful for many years to come.

CARING FOR YOUR DIAMOND JEWELRY

CARING FOR YOUR DIAMOND JEWELRY

Every gemstone, whether a diamond, glass gemstone, or another precious stone, is carefully hand set by our jewelers 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 jewelry, avoid direct knocks or pressure that could loosen claws or damage settings. Our jewelers check all claws and settings as part of the annual jewelery 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 jewelry 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 jewelry 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 glass gemstone ever appears less vibrant, our jewelers can gently repolish it during a Full Jewelry 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 Jewelry Service for glass gemstone jewelry and can be arranged through our studio.

FAQ - Specific Jewelry 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 Jewelry 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 jewelry in the shower?
Yes — your jewelry is fully waterproof.
Are fused glass gemstones waterproof and UV safe?
Yes — our ashes-fused glass gemstones are both waterproof and UV safe, meaning they can be worn daily without fading or damage.
Is my ashes gemstone made from resin?
No — our Ashes With Art gemstones are made from hand-fused glass, not resin. Resin can yellow or crack over time, whereas our glass gemstones are designed for lasting clarity and strength.
How do I care for diamond jewelry?
Keep your diamond jewelry clean with a soft cloth or mild soapy water. Annual professional servicing ensures the settings remain tight and the stone retains its brilliance. Be aware of knocking or catching settings and remove your jewelry before exercising, lifting heavy objects, or activities where it may be more a risk for impact.
Is my gemstone secure? How do you set the jewelry?
Yes — all gemstones are professionally set by our jewelers using secure claw, flush, or bezel settings. Each piece is checked during production and again during your annual service to ensure stones remain tight and safe.
Do you offer servicing for diamond and gemstone jewelry?
Yes — we provide professional servicing for all diamond and gemstone jewelry, including tightening settings and cleaning.
Do you offer servicing for glass gemstone jewelry?
Yes — our jewelers can professionally repolish glass gemstones to restore their smooth, glossy finish. This service is included in our Full Jewelry Service.
Do you service jewelry in-house?
Yes — all servicing, repairs, and resizing are completed in-house by our specialist memorial jewelers. Your jewelry never leaves our care.

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 jewelry 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 aluminum foil (shiny side up).
- Add hot water and a tablespoon of baking soda per 500 ml.
- Place jewelry 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 jewelry’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 jewelry cleaning and servicing options.

WHITE GOLD & RHODIUM PLATING

WHITE GOLD & RHODIUM PLATING

White gold jewelry 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 jewelry’s original brilliant white color and shine.

FAQ - Tarnish, Scratches, and Replating

Why has my silver jewelry 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 jewelry gets scratched?
Light scratches are normal and part of everyday wear. Surface marks can be removed during your annual jewelry service, while deeper ones can be restored by our professional jewelers.
Why is my white gold jewelry 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.
Can tarnish be removed?
Yes — tarnish can be removed using a jewelry polishing cloth or a gentle bicarbonate of soda bath. For a professional finish, book a Full Jewelry Service with our team.
Does tarnish affect the ashes chamber or gemstone?
No — tarnish only affects the metal surface. Your ashes or gemstone are fully sealed and protected, so they’re never affected.
Can I remove tarnish at home?
Yes — line a bowl with tin foil, add hot water and a spoon of bicarbonate of soda, and place your silver jewelry inside for a few minutes. Rinse and polish gently.
What causes scratches on rings?
Rings naturally contact hard surfaces like keys, desks, or handles, causing fine scratches. These form a soft patina over time and are normal with daily wear.
Does white gold tarnish?
White gold doesn’t tarnish, but its rhodium plating can fade with wear, revealing a warm champagne tone beneath. Replating restores its cool-white appearance.
Can rhodium plating last forever?
Rhodium plating naturally wears over time, especially on rings. Regular replating every 1–2 years restores its brilliant white finish.

SERVICING & REPAIRS

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

EXPERT MEMORIAL JEWELRY CARE

EXPERT MEMORIAL JEWELRY CARE

As leading memorial jewelry specialists, all servicing and repairs are carried out in-house by our trained jewelers 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 jewelry’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 Jewelry Service is a complete professional restoration designed to bring your piece back to its original beauty. Each item is carefully inspected by our jewelers 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 jewelry at home

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

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 jewelers 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.

WHY JEWELRY SERVICING MATTERS

WHY JEWELRY SERVICING MATTERS

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

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

✨ RESTORE YOUR JEWELRY 💎

Bring your memorial jewelry 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 jewelers.

BEFORE & AFTER A FULL SERVICE:

FAQ - Servicing and Repairs

How do I book a service or repair?
You can book a jewelry service or repair online 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 jewelry not made by Ashes With Art?
Yes — our jewelers 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 jewelry be safe during repair?
Absolutely. Every piece is handled in-house by our memorial jewelry specialists, and the ashes, hair, or glass gemstones are never removed or disturbed. Your jewelry stays safe and secure within our care at all times.
How long does a full service take?
Most full jewelry 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.
How often should I service my jewelry?
We recommend a Full Jewelry Service once a year to clean, polish, and check all settings and clasps. This helps maintain shine and prevent future issues.
How can I prevent damage or loss?
Remove your jewelry during high-impact activities and store it safely in a pouch when not wearing it. Regular servicing prevents weakened clasps or loose settings.
What’s included in a Full Jewelry Service?
Our Full Service includes deep cleaning, polishing, checking settings, tightening stones, rhodium plating (if applicable), and gemstone repolishing.
Do you offer ring resizing?
Yes — we offer professional ring resizing for all our designs, including ashes, hair, and glass gemstone rings.
Can you resize every design and style?
All our designs can be resized, though certain bespoke or detailed diamond bands may require assessment first so we can best advise on the work and cost involved.
My ring doesn’t fit — what should I do?
Contact us to confirm your correct size and we’ll arrange a professional resize.
Why should I get my jewelry serviced regularly?
Regular servicing preserves beauty, prevents wear, and ensures settings and clasps stay strong — keeping your jewelry secure and shining for a lifetime.