Everything that glitters surely could be gold—but even the finest jewelry in the world needs a delicate touch of care to make its sparkle last.
By knowing how to take care of your jewelry, you can save yourself a ton of work and money in the future. After all, jewelry is a great investment, and keeping them in mint condition will ensure that you get to enjoy them for many years to come!
Store your pieces separately
Even in storage, your jewelry can sustain damage. I’m personally guilty of tossing all my accessories in one container which ends up in a jumbled mess that takes so much time to untangle. Precious stones can get scratched from other materials and chains can get snagged if you’re not careful.
While some jewelry items are better off tucked away in a safe, consider having a jewelry stand for necklaces and bracelets, a tabletop for earrings you use on the daily, or even an accessory tray for your rings and other things. Not only are they great options for organizing your accessories—but they also add a touch of fancy to your vanity! Just make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and store them in a dark, cool, and dry place.
Learn about your pieces before cleaning
Oftentimes, warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush or cloth is all you need to clean your jewelry. But before you try and clean up your pieces, find out what kind of material it’s made out of and what chemicals to avoid so you don’t dull its brilliance and quality.
Certain types of jewelry should never be submerged in water, while some pieces can be exposed to stronger chemicals such as jewelry cleaners and polish. You can usually find the necessary information about the metal content stamped on the inside or back of the material. Just make sure to wait at least an hour after cleaning your jewelry before storing it away to make sure it’s completely dry and any moisture has evaporated.
First & Last Principle
Your jewelry should be the first thing you take off and the last thing you put on when getting ready. Jewelry can get caught on your sweater or your hair which could cause a chain or string to break especially if you tug on your clothes too hard.
Chemicals in your makeup, perfume, or hair products can also damage your pieces. Lotion can also create build-up which will end up with you frequently cleaning your pieces. So whether you’re wearing diamonds, silver, or gold, it’s always best to put your fine pieces last to prevent discoloration or tarnishing. Think of it as adding the final touch for your look!
When in doubt, take it off
Not sure if your jewelry can endure chlorine, saltwater, or sweat? The best trick is to take it off! Jewelry in itself is delicate and can be quite expensive, so do your best to avoid exposing it to any physical damage or exposure to cleaning chemicals and excess bodily fluids.
Even if you’re just at home, it’s always a good idea to remove any piece of jewelry to prevent any scratches to the material. On the plus side, you’ll never have to worry about losing your ring down the drain!
Insure your jewelry
No matter how careful you may be, accidents happen making it impossible to predict what could happen to your jewelry. You could lose an ear stud, you might hit your bracelet on a hard surface, or even worse—a burglary.
This is why it’s highly recommended to get your fine pieces appraised by a professional. That way, you can be at peace knowing that your investments are insured and protected in case of an emergency.
What’s your secret to keeping your jewelry looking fine and fresh? Tell us in the comments below and help out a fellow jeweler!
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