General Information

WATCHES

Just like an automobile, a watch demands periodical inspections. And while a quartz watch has a limited duration (which might be superior to 10 years for the medium/high-end watches), a mechanical watch might last for generations if submitted to periodical inspections (approximately every 3 to 4 years) to ensure the correct lubrification of the components, the sealing capacity of joints and the elimination of dust, dirt and humidity. The specificity of the task demands a professional team to perform it; Torres Joalheiros stores offers a specialized maintenance service, adequate to each watch and each brand.

Manual winding watches

• You should wear your mechanical watch daily. If you do not, be careful to wind it three times a week to keep the wheels moving and the oil fluid.
• Wind your watch at the same time of day and all the way to the end, but without straining, as it can damage the watch. Regularity protects its movement. And the best way to remember to do this is to create a routine: for example, wind it every morning before putting it on your wrist.
• When setting the clock, always move the pointers forward.

Automatic watches

• Use the automatic watch regularly so it always has power.
• Adjust the wristband regularly as too much slack translates into a loss of autonomy.
• If the automatic watch stops due to power failure, the crown should be turned about 15 to 20 turns at a moderate speed.

Chronographs

• The chronograph should be kept I permanent operation; it should be used only when necessary so that the wear and tear diminish considerably.

Calendar

• Do not adjust the calendar between 9pm and 2am because it is the period of time that the calendar’s drag wheel is positioned to trigger the date jump and may, in an eventual correction, damage the mechanism.

General Tips:

• Before the beach season take the watch to check for tightness.
• Never pull the crown or use the chronograph function underwater, as there is a severe risk of seepage.
• Rinse any watertight watch in freshwater to eliminate salt corrosion and oxidation.
• Use a soft brush to remove, with soap and water, small particles of sand in the case and steel bracelets.
• Never leave the watch in the sun as it may burn the display.
• Never set the watch with it on your wrist. Side pressure can bend the crown and cause damage to the mechanism.
• The time setting on mechanical watches that do not stop when pulling the crown should be done with quick and short movements; For mechanical watches that stop when pulling the crown, the adjustment must be done slowly and continuously.
• Never use force when pulling the crown. If resistance is present, turn the crown while gently pulling it out.
• If there is resistance in the process of winding or setting the watch, it is time to carry out overhaul and necessary lubrication.

JEWELLERY

Being natural materials, precious stones should be handled with delicacy. Although most gems are very hard and resistant, they are not indestructible. They should, therefore, be handled with care and packed separately in their cases so that you can enjoy their beauty for a long time.

Cleaning your jewellery

• Over time, some substances, such as cosmetics, dust and others, leave a deposit in the jewellery, in particular on the inner face of precious stones. This phenomenon alters their color and their reflections and may even overshadow the pleasure we have in using them.
• You should therefore regularly clean your gold jewellery or those adorned with diamonds or colored stones with a soft toothbrush, soap, ammonia and a little of your time, rinsing them with hot water before drying them with a soft cloth. You should not forget about the back of the jewellery.

Pearls

• Due to its composition (calcium carbonate, organic matter and some water), a pearl is a very fragile material and contact with detergents, acids (vinegar, citrus), perfumes, sprays and other cosmetics, excessive heat and abrasive products should be avoided.
• To preserve your pearls better, you should only use a damp cloth and preferably in the case of necklaces, wipe the pearls with a semi-dried cloth after each use.
• The necklace string is sometimes weakening with use (when exposing it to creams and sweat). Test its firmness regularly as it is convenient to have it undone and to reinsert the pearls regularly – for example, every two years.
• Beach time: Do not take your pearls to the beach (salt corrosion) or to the pool (chlorine).

Diamonds

• Since the diamond is lithophilic, it adheres well to the fat, it should be cleaned almost in the same way as the dishes! So, proceed as follows: wash with warm water and anti-grease detergent, using a toothbrush or similar and a container to prevent the loss of any stone that may come loose from the crimping during the process. Note that the part of the stone that most accumulates dirt is the pavilion (back), so some insistence of action in this area is suggested. After cleaning, rinse with cold water and wipe with a dry cloth or suede.
• Disclaimer: For a good diamond cleaning, you can soak in vodka for a few minutes, brush with a soft brush and rinse.

Esmeralds

• Emerald is a rather fragile gemological material, though it has a relative hardness greater than some known gemstones. Their fractures will be the cause of their average degree of toughness. Thus, it is suggested to wash with warm soapy water (eg, blue and white), gently using a soft brush to remove stubborn dirt. Alcohol, excessive heat and ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided.
• The emerald should be stored in not too dry places and never in random and disorganized contact with other gemstones, particularly those of higher hardness (ruby, sapphire, diamond).
• The use of emeralds, in particular rings and bracelets, in activities of high physical agitation (various sports, housework, DIY, etc.) is not recommended.

General Tips:

• Gemstones and necklaces that come into contact with each other may scratch or even become damaged so you should store them separately in their case.
• When performing household activities, you should remove jewelry as shocks may crack or break diamonds or colored stones.
• Periodically take your jewellery to your jeweler for complete cleaning.
• Protect the pearls from strong heat and excessive light (sun exposure) as the pearls dehydrate.
• Pearls should be separated from other jewellery and packed in a velvet or silk case for better protection.
• Beware that perspiration itself can be detrimental to pearls, so be careful to wipe them with a soft damp cloth after use.
• Gold, Silver and Platinum: Wash with warm soapy water or alcohol. Use a soft brush; Avoid toothpaste (abrasives scratch the metal), ammonia and mercury chrome and iodine tincture.
• Sapphires: It can be washed with warm soapy water or anti-grease detergent.