Jewelry is one of the most valued accessories of every woman (and man too). We all have that one piece of jewelry we’ll remember forever. From the time you saw it in the store to the first time you slipped it on and made it yours, this piece of jewelry holds a special place in your heart. Jewelry is often an investment and, for many people, has a great sentimental value attached to the pieces. Therefore, it is important to take care of your jewelry to make sure they look its best for years to come.
Over time, all fine jewelry begins to lose its shine. Silver and other metals will eventually tarnish. Deposits of debris and daily grime will cause gemstones to look dull and dirty. Hence, proper jewelry care and cleaning are of paramount importance. After all, care and cleaning help maintain each piece of jewelry’s beauty and sparkle. Following a daily jewelry cleaning regimen and jewelry care, best practices can preserve the life of your jewelry and keep it looking great for many years. Needless to say, bad DIY cleaning methods can damage the jewelry, it is very important that every jewelry owner knows the basic tips on Jewelry care and how to care for their Jewelry.
Although costume jewelry and fine jewelry are crafted from different materials and have different values, many of the same rules apply to the care of both types. Here are some jewelry care tips to help you maintain the stunning appeal of your jewelry.
1. Store your jewelry in a clean, dry space.
This seems like an obvious tip, but at the end of the day, we’ve all been guilty of tossing our jewelry in a drawer or on the nightstand. It’s best to keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case that has compartments and dividers for your jewelry. If you don’t have a jewelry case, make sure to wrap each piece of jewelry in soft tissue or paper before placing it in a drawer. This will prevent scratching and tangling. For sterling silver jewelry, get an anti-tarnish bag or cloth to limit exposure to air and moisture.
No matter how careful you are when wearing your jewelry, it can also sustain damage during storage. Often, this comes from pieces knocking together or getting tangled. Particularly vulnerable materials include pearls, wood, plastic, precious metals, and some gemstones. The best way to solve this problem is to store your items so they can’t touch one another.
Consider some of these jewelry storage ideas:
- Jewelry tree for necklaces and earrings
- Separate cloth pouches for precious or vintage items
- Jewelry armoires for all your pieces
- Individual jewelry cases for your most valuable items
- Tarnish-resistant jewelry bags for silver pieces
2. Avoid damaging chemicals.
Hairspray, lotion, and perfume can be damaging to certain types of metals and colored gems. Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are especially susceptible to discoloration from these everyday care products. When getting ready in the morning or preparing for a night out, set your jewelry aside, or better yet, leave your jewelry in its case until you’re ready to wear it.
3. Use mild cleaners for regular cleanings.
One of the best jewelry cleaning methods involves warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. However, ultrasonic jewelry cleaning has become popular for jewelry lovers looking for a more thorough approach to cleaning their jewelry.
If you’re considering ultrasonic cleaning, it’s best to leave your jewelry in the care of trained jewelers who understand how to use this technology safely. Ultrasonic cleaning can sometimes shake gems loose or chip gemstones if used incorrectly. Plus, organic gemstones like pearls, coral, ivory, and amber should not be cleaned ultrasonically. The same applies to gems impacted by heat and temperature changes like tanzanite, moonstone, opal, turquoise, and topaz.
4. When in doubt, take it off.
The swimming pool isn’t an ideal place for your fine jewelry. Neither is the gym. Even when preparing a meal or doing household chores, it’s a good idea to store your jewelry in a safe place. Not only will this protect your treasured pieces from harsh chemicals and debris buildup, but it will also help you avoid losing your jewelry. Retrieving your ring from the bottom of a pool drain is a nightmare you should never have to experience.
5. Travel With a Jewelry Case to assist with jewelry care
While regular storage is important, travel storage is even more essential. Tossing your jewelry in a toiletry bag or suitcase can cause a great deal of damage abd this habit doesnt help jewelry care. You can protect your pieces by using specially designed travel jewelry cases or jewelry rolls that will keep your special items safe and tangle-free.
6. Make a Jewelry Care Kit
It’s helpful to have all your jewelry care supplies in one place so you can clean and repair your items without having to hunt down the necessary tools and materials. You can create a simple jewelry care kit using a small plastic storage container. Place the following items inside:
- Gentle, jewelry-safe silver polish for sterling silver or silver-plated items
- Commercial jewelry cleaners for diamonds, precious metals, and some gems
- Soft-bristled brush for getting into crevices
- Soft chamois cloth for polishing and drying
- Glue for reattaching gems to inexpensive costume jewelry
- Rubbing alcohol for hard gems and metals
- Q-tips for polishing hard-to-reach spots
- Tweezers for removing lint or resetting costume jewelry stones
7. Allow Your Jewelry to Dry Thoroughly
If you clean your jewelry, it may seem sufficient to pat it dry with a chamois and then store it. However, small amounts of moisture left over from cleaning can destroy your collection. So while undertaking jewelry care, Wait at least an hour after cleaning any piece before you put it back in your jewelry box or case. This will give the moisture enough time to fully evaporate.
8. Understand When to Call a Professional
Cleaning and minor repairs are something most people can accomplish at home. However, there are some Jewelry care repairs that are best left to professional jewelers. If you encounter the following issues, take your jewelry to someone who can help:
- Loose gems in fine jewelry or vintage costume pieces
- Deep scratches
- Dust or dirt build-up you can’t reach
- Broken clasps or chain links
- Lost parts
9. Jewelry Polish to aid Jewelry care
If you’ve carved out a bit more time to give your jewelry the attention it deserves (and is sure to get you in return) then jewelry polish is one of the best ways to clean your jewelry and restore all its original sparkle and shine. Jewelry polish comes in many different forms, ranging from liquids and creams to gels and foams. All of which are ideal for similar applications, but mostly depending on the type of jewelry you want to polish.
Liquid Cleaners
When engaging in jewelry care these types of jewelry cleaners are some of the most versatile, and simple to use, and they don’t have to be expensive. It works on a variety of jewelry materials and some come with a little dip basket you can use to submerge your pieces into the solution. Most are free of phosphates, ammonia, butyls, and bleach, making them safe for porous stones, like pearls. Just be sure not to leave them in for more than 10 minutes and use them as directed.
Creams
Polishing creams like Jewel Brite come in handy for jewelry care by removing tarnishing and oxidation from your metal jewelry. Ensure anyone bought is safe to use on gold, silver, copper, brass, bronze, chrome, stainless steel, and aluminum to restore the Jewelry’s natural metallic luster. It should also be non-abrasive so it won’t scratch your softer metals. For application, simply apply a bit of the cream to a soft damp cloth or a toothbrush. If you want to go for a more detailed clean and finish with a warm water rinse and a soft cloth to dry.
Foams
For your most frequently worn pieces that are more likely to be caked in oils, lotions, sunscreen, and just general daily grime, consider reaching for a cleansing foam. This formula allows you to apply the foam directly to your jewelry and let it sit for 30-60 seconds while it lifts much of the dirt away. You can gently brush away any excess grime with a very soft toothbrush (a baby toothbrush works well) and finish with a warm water rinse and dry.
Jewelry Care- Maintaining Value and Beauty
Jewelry is one of our most intimate and cherished accessories so caring for your jewelry is an important part of maintaining its value and beauty. Maintaining your jewelry collection doesn’t have to be expensive, nor is professional cleaning always necessary. From diamond engagement rings to fashion jewelry, every item looks better and lasts longer when you know how to take great care of it.
Sleeping with jewelry may be tempting after a long day. To ensure the longevity of your investment, please consider taking your pieces off before bed. This is due to the risk of chains or bracelets getting twisted or pulled – or your rings, pendants, and watches getting scratched or dented in your sleep. Use your judgment and take your time, and you’ll keep your jewelry wardrobe looking as good as new.