Guides
Care
A well-made piece is built to last for decades, and a little care keeps it that way. These guides set out the habits that make the most difference, written by the specialists who examine every piece in our shop. They are practical, not precious: most of what matters comes down to storage, a few habits and knowing when to call a professional.
The guides
- How to care for a designer leather handbag: storage, stuffing, rain, handles, corners and when to call a specialist.
- Caring for a luxury watch: winding, setting the date safely, water resistance, magnetism and servicing.
- How to care for fine jewellery: cleaning gold, platinum, silver and diamonds at home, and checking claws and clasps.
- How to care for designer suede shoes: protecting, brushing, removing marks and drying suede.
Three rules for everything
- Store it properly. Most wear happens between uses, not during them.
- Keep it dry and out of the sun. Water, heat and light are the enemies of leather, seals and colour.
- Use a professional for repairs. A good specialist, or the house itself, is always better than a home fix.
Before you buy
Care begins before a piece arrives. Our condition guide explains how we describe wear, so you know exactly what you are taking on, and our guide to buying pre-owned safely covers the rest. Browse the shop.
All guides in this section
- How to wash and care for a down jacket
How to wash, dry and store a luxury down jacket such as Moncler or Canada Goose: care labels, detergent, re-lofting the down and long-term storage. - How to care for luxury knitwear
How to wash, dry, de-pill and store luxury wool, cotton and cashmere jumpers, and protect them from moths, from the Encore Luxe specialists. - How to clean and care for leather designer trainers
How to clean, protect and store luxury leather trainers such as Alexander McQueen and Valentino: everyday cleaning, soles, creasing, stains and storage. - How to care for patent leather shoes, boots and bags
How to clean patent leather shoes, boots and bags, remove scuffs, avoid colour transfer and store patent pieces so the high-gloss finish lasts. - How to clean and care for a nylon designer bag
How to clean, dry and store nylon designer bags such as Prada Re-Edition and Re-Nylon pieces, including leather trims, hardware and the triangle logo.
Questions we’re often asked
- What is the most important thing for caring for a luxury bag?
Storage. Keep it upright, lightly stuffed with acid-free tissue, in a cotton dust bag, away from sunlight and damp.
- How often should a luxury watch be serviced?
Most houses now suggest roughly every five to ten years, depending on the movement and how it is worn, with water resistance checked more often.
- How often should I have my rings checked?
For rings worn every day, ask a jeweller to check claws and settings about once a year.