How To Care For Your Jewelry

Caring for your jewelry is a vital part of keeping it looking its best. From diamond engagement rings to fashion pieces, every item looks better and lasts longer when it’s cared for properly. Taking care of your jewelry will also help to sustain its original price, which is a huge benefit for you and your wallet. To keep your jewelry sparkling and in tip-top shape, here are 5 tips to take into consideration. 

1. Keep It Clean

When jewelry is properly cared for, it can become a cherished heirloom. But many people forget that their precious pieces can also fade or tarnish if they are not kept clean. Jewelers recommend cleaning jewelry as often as needed to keep it in its best condition. But be sure to avoid harsh soaps or chemicals that can damage metals and erode settings, says Rachel Fix, vice president of design services at Mountz Jewelers. Similarly, jewelry should be removed before gardening, swimming, and general housework. Grains or small rocks in the dirt can easily scratch your baubles, she warns. 

2. Store It Properly

Whether you have a large collection or just one or two pieces, taking care of your jewelry can help sustain its original price. You can do this by storing it properly and avoiding exposure to the elements. By taking advanced care measures with your jewelry, you can prevent tarnishing and ensure that your items are in their best condition for years to come. A good way to start is by sorting your jewelry by type. For instance, if you own fine and costume jewelry, group them together in separate piles. This can help you determine which ones are most important to you and keep them safe from tarnishing. 

3. Protect It From The Sun

Summer is a time of fun and excitement, but it’s also a time where your jewelry can be exposed to harsh elements and unsafe environments. Sand, pool water, and even the chemicals in sunscreen can damage your jewelry’s strength and cleanliness. Chlorine is especially bad for gold pieces, causing microscopic air bubbles that can corrode and discolor them over time. Sunscreen isn’t quite as harmful, but it can coat the stones in your jewelry, reducing their refractive and reflective properties. To avoid this, be sure to apply your bug sprays and sunscreens a few minutes before putting on your jewelry. That way, the lotion will have a chance to fully absorb into your skin before it gets on your jewelry. And remember to rinse off your jewelry afterward, so the excess residue doesn’t build up. 

4. Keep It Dry

Keeping your jewelry dry is an essential part of its long-term health and longevity. This is especially true for pearls, which are more prone to cracking when wet. Putting your favorite jewelry pieces in a dedicated area that is dark and dry when not being worn is an excellent way to keep your jewelry safe from tarnishing. This can be done by creating a dedicated space in your closet or in a drawer. You can also try placing silica gel packets in your jewelry box to help with this task. A silica gel packet can absorb moisture, which can make a big difference in the longevity of your jewelry. 

5. Keep It Safe

Jewelry is an investment, so it’s important to take care of it so you can sustain its original price. Whether it’s an heirloom piece that’s been passed down through generations or a new jeweler-crafted piece, it needs to be stored properly to avoid damage or theft. Jewelry should be stored in a dry, cool place with little exposure to the sun’s damaging rays. That means neither a hot and stuffy attic nor a damp basement is an ideal spot to keep your treasured pieces. 

Categorised in: Jewelry Store, Precious Metals

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