How to care for engraved jewellery
Personalised jewellery is usually handled the most, so a little care goes a long way. Remove pieces before swimming, showering, cleaning or applying perfume and lotion. Moisture, soap and household chemicals can dull the finish and affect engraved detail over time.
After wear, wipe each item gently with a soft dry cloth before storing it. Keep chains clasped and lay them flat in a lined pouch or jewellery box so they do not knot or scratch. In humid coastal conditions, a dry storage space helps prevent tarnishing, while in dry inland homes like Pretoria a soft cloth after wear is often enough to keep the surface clean.
- Do not use abrasive polish on engraved areas.
- Keep pieces away from direct sun on windowsills and dashboards.
- Store each item separately to avoid rubbing marks.
- Check clasps and links from time to time, especially on frequently worn items.
Looking after urns and memorial vessels
Urns are made to be kept with dignity, so gentle handling matters. Place them on a stable shelf or memorial stand where they will not be bumped by cleaning equipment, pets or small children. If an urn has engraved wording or a personalised plaque, dust it with a soft microfibre cloth and avoid harsh sprays.
For sealed urns, keep the closure area dry and undisturbed. If the urn is displayed in a room that gets strong afternoon heat, move it away from direct sunlight and appliances that generate warmth. For outdoor memorial areas, check local cemetery or municipal rules before placing any plaque or vessel outside, since many sites have specific requirements for size, fixing and maintenance.
- Use only a dry or slightly damp cloth unless the surface is specifically marked safe for gentle cleaning.
- Never soak an urn or use steel wool.
- If a piece has a fitted lid or insert, do not force it open.
- When in doubt, keep the item in a cool indoor space.
Keeping plaques clear and readable
Plaques often sit in places where dust, sun and weather build up quickly. For indoor plaques, a light dusting once a week is usually enough. For outdoor or grave-side plaques, rinse gently with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. If there is bird droppings or tree sap, soften it with water first and wipe carefully rather than scraping at the surface.
If the plaque has adhesive backing or mounting tape, make sure the wall or memorial surface is fully clean and dry before fixing it. On exterior walls, uneven plaster, damp paint and sea air can all shorten the life of adhesives. In those cases, mechanical fixing is often a better choice. Keep a close eye on any plaque installed in areas where load-shedding affects security lighting or where cleaning is irregular, because dust can build up fast.
Candle care for keepsake candles
Memorial candles and personalised gift candles need a steady, safe setting. Trim the wick to about 5 mm before lighting. This helps the flame burn evenly and reduces smoke marks on glass holders. Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface, well away from curtains, books and low shelves.
Let the wax melt across the full top layer on the first burn if possible. That helps prevent tunnelling and gives a more even finish. Never leave a lit candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. If you move a candleholder after use, wait until the wax and glass have cooled fully, because the sides can stay hot longer than expected.
- Keep candles away from fans and open windows so the flame does not flicker too much.
- Do not burn candles right down to the base.
- Store unused candles in a cool, dry place.
- If wax spills on a surface, let it harden before lifting it off.
Photo books and printed memories
Photo books are best kept flat, dry and out of direct sun. Fingerprints and moisture can mark the pages, so handle them with clean dry hands and avoid opening them on kitchen counters or near drinks. When packing a photo book away, place it upright or flat in a shelf with support on both sides so the spine does not sag.
If a book is for a family collection or a funeral keepsake, keep one master copy in a safe place and use a clean sleeve or box for regular viewing. Heat and humidity can make pages curl, especially in rooms that are closed up for long periods. A cupboard shelf away from geysers and exterior walls is usually a safer choice.
- Do not press heavy objects on top of photo books.
- Keep pages away from sticky notes and tape.
- If a page becomes dusty, brush it lightly with a clean dry cloth.
- Store books away from water lines and damp walls.
When to ask us for help
If a personalised item needs resealing, a chain repair, a plaque refresh or advice on storage, it is best to ask before trying a quick fix at home. A small scratch can sometimes be polished carefully, but the wrong product can make it worse. For bulk family orders or multiple keepsakes, it also helps to keep all items boxed and labelled separately so nothing gets mixed up during courier delivery.
Clients in Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand and nearby pickup areas can collect carefully packed items from the chosen branch point, while nationwide courier packaging is prepared to protect delicate finishes in transit. If you are unsure how to store a piece after a service or memorial, send a note through the enquiry form and we will guide you on the safest next step.
