JEWELRY CARE GUIDE
Jewelry is more than just an accessory – it holds sentimental value for most people. To keep your jewelry shining and to ensure its longevity, it’s important to take extra care of it. Keep reading for jewelry care instructions to help you keep your rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets in perfect condition so you can wear these special accessories again and again.
How to Clean Jewelry
The easiest option is to bring your jewelry to a professional to have it cleaned. But if you're looking for a quicker, less expensive method, consider cleaning it yourself. The key to cleaning your own jewelry is to be gentle. A simple solution of warm water and detergent-free dish soap is all you need. Soak your jewelry in the solution and then wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth or gentle toothbrush. (For soft gems that scratch easily, such as pearls, use a clean makeup brush rather than a cloth or toothbrush.) Then rinse it off in a cup full of clean water. While this gentle technique works on many jewelry pieces, it's best to talk to a professional from the store where you purchased yours about how to properly clean your jewels.
How to Store Jewelry
Jewelry care isn't just about keeping your pieces clean. Proper storage can prevent tarnish, discoloration and damage. And always putting your jewelry back in the same place ensures that you don't lose important pieces. When storing your jewelry, there are several important factors to remember.
The box or pouch that comes with your new jewelry is there to protect the piece from dirt and moisture. Save it to store your jewelry in or keep your pieces in a larger jewelry box on top of your vanity or dresser.
Leaving your pieces on a wood surface—or any chemically treated surface—can speed up the staining and tarnishing process.
Exposure to moisture in the air is a surefire way to increase the chance of your pieces tarnishing. To protect your jewelry, place it in a sealed bag, squeezing out all the air before closing it.
It's tempting to keep all your jewelry in one place for convenience, but this could actually damage your gold pieces, as they scratch easily. Instead, keep them in separate containers. And while you're at it, place chalk (or a silica pack) in the one containing your silver jewelry. It prevents your silver from tarnishing by absorbing the moisture in the air.
Jewelry Care Tips
In addition to proper cleaning and storage, there are a few other things to remember when it comes to protecting your jewelry.
Both metal and gemstones can be damaged if they come into contact with harsh chemicals. And while some products to avoid are obvious (think bleach or chlorine), you should also be cautious with skin care products such as sunscreen, lotion and perfume.
Our skin isn't the only thing we want to protect from UV rays. Too much exposure to sunlight can dull the color in gemstones.
Because these two places are chock-full of many of the hazards we've mentioned—moisture, skin care products and chlorine—it's best to leave your fine jewelry at home when you're headed out for a workout or spa day.
No matter how hard you try to protect your jewelry, there's always risk of damage. Getting valuable pieces insured will provide peace of mind.
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