Jewellery is an investment that deserves proper care and attention. Whether it's a family heirloom or a new piece, you want to keep your jewellery looking its best. With proper care, your jewellery can last a lifetime and retain its sparkle and shine. In this article, we will share expert tips on how to take care of your jewellery and keep it sparkling.
Store Jewelry Correctly: To keep your jewelry in top condition, ensure it’s stored in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Use a jewelry box with compartments or individual pouches for each item. Avoid storing different pieces together to prevent scratching or tangling.
Clean Your Jewelry Regularly: Maintaining the sparkle of your jewelry requires regular cleaning. Gently clean your pieces with a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth. You can also use a jewelry cleaning solution—just be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Remove Jewelry Before Swimming or Showering: Water and chemicals can damage jewelry, leading to discoloration or tarnishing. Remove your jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools, saltwater, or even while showering to keep it safe from harm.
Avoid Wearing Jewelry During Household Chores: Household activities such as cleaning and cooking can expose your jewelry to harsh chemicals and rough surfaces. Take your jewelry off before doing chores to avoid scratches or other damage.
Schedule Professional Cleanings: Once a year, have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected. A jeweler can thoroughly clean it, check for any loose stones or wear, and repair any damage, ensuring it stays in excellent condition.
Handle with Care: Be mindful when wearing jewelry, avoiding hard knocks or pulls that can damage it. It’s best to remove jewelry during physical activities like sports or exercise to prevent potential breakage.
Regularly Inspect for Damage: Frequently check your jewelry for signs of wear, such as loose stones, bent prongs, or damaged clasps. Addressing these issues early can prevent further damage or loss.
Remove Jewelry Before Applying Beauty Products: Beauty products like lotions, hairsprays, and perfumes can leave residue on your jewelry, dulling its shine. Remove your jewelry before applying these products and wait until they’re fully dry before putting your pieces back on.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to extreme heat or cold can cause metals and gems to expand or contract, leading to damage. Don’t leave your jewelry in hot cars or direct sunlight, and avoid wearing it in saunas or hot tubs.
Polish with a Soft Cloth: Keep your jewelry looking pristine by using a soft, microfiber polishing cloth. This can help remove smudges and maintain its shine.
Take Extra Care with Delicate Jewelry: Fragile pieces like fine chains or gemstones need special care. Store delicate items in soft pouches and avoid wearing them during activities that could cause breakage or snagging.
Remove Jewelry Before Sleeping: Sleeping in your jewelry can lead to damage, especially if you move around a lot. Take off your jewelry before bed to avoid accidental wear and tear.
Avoid Contact with Harsh Cleaners: Household cleaning products like bleach and ammonia can damage jewelry. Keep your pieces away from these chemicals and always remove jewelry before cleaning your home.
Store Jewelry Separately: Prevent tangling and scratching by storing different types of jewelry separately. Keep necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings in individual compartments or pouches.
Get Your Jewelry Appraised: Periodically appraising your jewelry helps determine its value and ensures it’s properly insured. It also provides an opportunity to catch potential issues before they worsen.
Wear Your Jewelry Regularly: Wearing your jewelry often can actually help prevent tarnishing. Regular use helps maintain its luster and beauty.
Check Clasps Frequently: Necklace and bracelet clasps can wear down over time. Regularly inspect them to ensure they remain secure, and replace or repair worn clasps as needed.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush for Cleaning: For intricate designs and hard-to-reach areas, a soft-bristled toothbrush is a great cleaning tool. Pair it with a mild solution to gently remove dirt and debris.
Handle Jewelry with Clean Hands: Oils and dirt from your hands can accumulate on your jewelry, causing it to lose its shine. Always handle your jewelry with clean, dry hands.
Remove Jewelry Before Playing Sports: To protect your jewelry from impact or damage during physical activities, remove it before engaging in sports or other strenuous movements.
Avoid Wearing Jewelry in the Shower: Soap and cleaning products can cause buildup on your jewelry, leading to dullness. Always remove your pieces before showering to preserve their shine.
Keep Jewelry Away from Pets: Pets can be playful and curious, which may result in them chewing or playing with your jewelry. Store it securely out of their reach to avoid accidental damage.