We all want jewelry that looks as stunning today as it did the day we bought it. Properly caring for your jewelry is key to preserving its sheen, symbolism, and sentimental value. Whether you have a single cherished piece or an entire collection of dazzling pieces, there are simple steps you can take to keep your jewelry looking like new.
In this blog post, we’ll explore different methods to care for common materials used in jewelry — from precious metals and gemstones to pearls and enamel — so let’s get started!
Why care for your jewelry?
Taking care of jewelry is one of the most important steps to preserving its sentimental value and financial worth. Jewelry tends to be quite delicate and requires special attention for it to last a long time. It can easily become discolored, scratched, or dulled due to everyday activities such as showering, exercising, using household cleaners, and more. Think of it like gentle parenting 101!
Need help with your jewelry today? Here’s a tip!
Suppose you have questions about your jewelry or are interested in having a piece appraised. In that case, it’s important to consult with a professional. Willyn Villarica is a certified appraisal expert who can help you understand more about the value and history of your pieces. Next time you’re curious about one of your favorite jewelry pieces, consider making an appointment with Willyn to uncover its story.
Tips to Care for Your Jewelry
Jewelry is something special that we often keep with us for many years. It can be a precious item passed down from generation to generation, a once-in-a-lifetime gift, or an accessory you love to wear daily. Regardless of its origin story and age, your jewelry deserves proper care. Here are some essential tips to ensure your pieces last and look their best for as long as possible!
Store your jewelry in a clean, dry space.
This may seem like a basic piece of advice, but at the end of the day, we’ve all thrown our jewelry in a drawer or on the nightstand. It is recommended to store your valuables in a fabric-lined container with separate sections and dividers. Wrap each jewelry item in soft tissue or paper before storing it in a drawer if you do not have a jewelry box. This will avoid damage and tangles. Purchase an anti-tarnish bag or cloth for your sterling silver jewelry to restrict its exposure to air and moisture.
Get a protection plan.
When purchasing a new piece of jewelry, it is important to understand what the guarantee covers. Replacements and repairs can be costly. An extended jewelry warranty, often known as a protection plan, offers coverage for replacing or repairing any wear-related flaws or malfunctions.
Avoid contact with lotion or perfume.
Precious metals, colorful gems, and pearls are extremely chemically sensitive. This includes even the skin care products you use. Instead of spritzing after putting on your jewelry, you could apply perfume before putting on your accessories. The same holds true for setting sprays, lotions, and skin-refreshing sprays.
Removing jewelry before using hand lotions and other cosmetics is essential since their contents can tarnish valuable metals and dull gemstones.
Remember to always remove your jewelry prior to engaging in housework or sports. When in doubt, do not wear them for particular activities.
Be careful with light and heat.
Just like the sun’s rays may damage human skin, light and heat can impact the durability and color of colored gemstones. They can also fade or harm jewels such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz, and shell cameos over time and in excess. Pearls and other fragile substances, such as ivory, will fade when subjected to intense light. Other jewels, particularly amber, can discolor when exposed to excessive light.
Travel with a jewelry case.
Much while regular storage is vital, travel storage is even more crucial. Tossing your valuables into a toiletry bag or baggage might result in significant harm. You may secure your jewelry by utilizing travel jewelry boxes or jewelry rollers to keep your valuables safe and untangled.
Learn about your pieces before cleaning.
Before you attempt to clean any of your jewelry, you must thoroughly understand the materials used to make your jewels. There are distinct methods for cleaning, for instance, diamond or zirconia rings and pearl jewelry. Certain forms of costume jewelry should never be immersed in water, whereas you may polish sterling silver necklaces to retain their luster.
Examine your jewelry for information on its components. Typically, a mark on the back or interior of an item will indicate its metal composition. When purchasing new items, note the gems or other resources used to create them. Thus, you will know how to clean your belongings when the time comes.
Use mild cleaners for regular cleanings.
Warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush are among the most effective ways to clean jewelry. However, ultrasonic jewelry cleaning has gained popularity among jewelry enthusiasts seeking a more comprehensive method for cleaning their valuables.
If you are contemplating ultrasonic cleaning, it is advisable to leave your jewelry under the supervision of skilled jewelers who are familiar with its safe use. Incorrect usage of ultrasonic cleaning can occasionally cause gemstones to become loose or chip. In addition, you should not ultrasonically clean organic gemstones such as pearls, coral, ivory, and amber. The same holds true for jewels susceptible to heat and temperature fluctuations, such as tanzanite, moonstone, opal, turquoise, and topaz.
Use an ultrasonic cleaner with caution.
If dirt and dust are difficult to remove from complicated objects, consider purchasing an inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner and following the directions. It will be effective at dislodging dirt and debris from normally inaccessible locations.
Note that an ultrasonic will not remove tarnish, but it will work wonders on intricate objects with numerous nooks where dirt can collect and attach.
Remember: Gemstones placed with their girdles touching might be loosened or chipped by the machine’s vibrations. This cleaning is best left to jewelry specialists who understand the various gem materials and how to operate the ultrasonic cleaner properly.
