Jewels are one of the most treasured and beloved accessories, not only for women, but also for men. They are also one of the most expensive and difficult to get. You know how expensive gold and diamonds are. The manner in which you care for your jewels can make a major difference on if they last or not.
In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 simple tips to help you care for your jewelry. Check them out below;
1. Avoid exposure to heat and light
Light and heat can impact the longevity and color of your jewelry. This is just as the sun’s rays can harm your skin. Some gemstones can fade or be damaged over time if used in excess. Under prolonged exposure to light, pearls and other fragile materials, such as ivory, will fade. When exposed to too much light, other jewels, particularly amber, can discolor over time.
Too much heat and rapid temperature changes can also cause gems to fracture. Heat can quickly deplete the natural moisture that these jewels require to maintain their luster. For example, pearls can dry up, break, and discolor with time. Opals can turn white or brown with time, develop microscopic cracks, and lose their color play.
2. Don’t Use Chemicals On Your Jewelry
Chemical exposure can degrade or discolor precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, as well as some colored gems. Even commonplace items like hairspray, lotion, perfume, and other cosmetics can contain chemicals that irreversibly harm your jewelry.
Before you start using any of these products on yourself or in your house, ensure that you remove any jewelry around. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can damage delicate jewels and old jewelry.
3. Know Jewelry That Needs Regular Treatment
Many colored gemstones are treated on a regular basis to improve their color and clarity. Heat, chemicals, steam, and ultrasonic cleaners can all have a deleterious impact on these treatments. The first step in knowing how to care for your diamond is to determine whether it has been treated or needs treatment. For this, you should request a GIA report. Such a report includes vital information about your gem as well as any detectable treatments it may have received.
4. Be Careful With Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners are great for cleaning jewelry. However, you should be aware that not all gems and jewelry can be cleaned properly in it. Most especially, organic gem materials like pearls, coral, ivory, and amber are examples.
Gems that have been coated in a non-permanent material such as plastic or wax should not be used with ultrasonic cleaners. Furthermore, the machine’s vibrations can sometimes shake loose diamonds or chip gems that are set with their girdles contacting.
This form of cleaning is best left to jewelry specialists who are familiar with various gem materials and know when and how to appropriately use an ultrasonic cleaner.
5. Clean With Soap And Water
Sometimes, it’s best to go the simple way. Warm water, light dish soap, and a soft brush may clean most colored stones. A dental cleaning appliance with pulsed water and a soft cloth can also be used. If you clean your jewelry, it may appear that patting it dry is sufficient.
Small amounts of moisture left over following cleaning, on the other hand, can ruin your collection. After cleaning any piece, wait at least an hour before putting it back in your jewelry box or container. This will allow the moisture to completely evaporate.
6. Store Your Jewelry Properly
Jewelry safekeeping is frequently forgotten. Jewelry should never be thrown into a drawer or placed on top of a dresser, since this will result in scratches and gem damage. The majority of jewelry comes in a box or pouch from the retailer, which is a great way to store it.
For example, sterling silver should be stored in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth. Jewelry boxes with individually padded rings slots and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets are also great. Earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches can all be stored in one container. Keeping related stuff together allows you to have all of your options when deciding what to wear.
Because opals and pearls absorb moisture from the air, storing them in a dry environment, such as a safe deposit box, can sometimes cause more harm than benefit. Protect your jewelry from scratches and other impact damage by padding it in a separate box or case when traveling.
7. Remove Your Jewelry For Chores
You take great pleasure in wearing your jewelry, but there are times when it is preferable to remove it in order to keep it looking its best. Doing house chores in one of such cases. Metals and gemstones can be damaged or destroyed by the chemicals included in many cleaning detergents, particularly bleach.
This is as explained earlier. Remove your jewelry before performing any household tasks. Alternatively, rubber gloves can be worn if you don’t want to take your jewelry off.
8. Go For Professional Check
At regular intervals, several jewelry stores offer a complimentary check-up or expert cleaning. You can take advantage of this because every six months, jewelry should be inspected and cleaned. You should check your area for a jeweler with professional training and a strong reputation.
Bottom Line
Taking good care of your jewelry in good condition is critical to preserving its value and beauty. Every piece of jewelry, from diamond engagement rings to fashion jewelry, will look better and last longer if you know how to care for it properly. You can do that by following the tips in this article.