Jewellery is one of those things that has innate sentimental value. Whether you were gifted it to commemorate a special occasion or extraordinary achievement, or if that special someone gave it to you as a token of their love, we come to treasure these pieces.
It’s no surprise that we want to preserve these pieces so they are in excellent condition for as long as possible. Consider this your definitive guide about when and where to wear your treasured jewellery and how to look after it properly.
Avoid Chemical Exposure
Chemicals such as hairspray, perfumes, and cleaning products can damage your jewellery, especially if they contain acids or alcohol. These substances can cause discolouration, tarnishing, and even etching or corrosion. To prevent this, avoid spraying hairspray or perfume directly onto your jewellery, as the chemicals can stick to the surface and cause damage. Also, remove your jewellery before cleaning it with chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, which can be especially harmful to certain metals like gold or silver.
Removal
You might want to wear your new pair of diamond earrings everywhere. Still, to ensure that you don’t damage or break them in any way, it’s best to leave them at home or remove them in certain situations. When leaving them anywhere, be sure to place them in their own pouch to avoid them getting tarnished.
This includes when you go to the gym, do a deep clean with harsh cleaning products, or do gardening. The sweat from workouts can damage your jewellery, while activities like gardening run the risk of you losing them. And then you have the whole garden to search!
Handle with Care
Precious metals and gemstones can be delicate and easily damaged, so handling them with care is essential. When putting on or taking off your jewellery, do it gently to avoid bending or breaking the metal or prongs. In addition, avoid touching the gemstones or pearls with your fingers, as the oils from your skin can cause them to become dull over time. Instead, use a soft cloth to clean them.
This is particularly important if you have recently decided to purchase tanzanite gemstones, as they can easily scratch or get damaged. Some gemstones may also affect the color of tanzanite if stored together, so it’s best to keep them separate.
Storage
Storing jewellery properly is important if you want to avoid its tarnishing. Some common methods of storage are even harmful to jewellery. So, begin by separating your jewellery into different metals. This will prevent them from interacting with each other, which can be harmful.
Next, always store your jewellery in a cool, dry place. Moisture and humidity can cause the metal to degrade quickly. Consider running an air dehumidifier in the room where you’re storing your jewellery, or choose a room with a consistent temperature. Avoid bathrooms at all costs!
Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your jewellery, the method depends entirely on the specific metal. What works for one metal or jewel doesn’t necessarily work for the other, so be sure to ask your jeweller what they recommend.
Most pieces benefit from hot, soapy water, but many require specialist products you can buy at your jeweller’s. Alternatively, if you’re worried you might inflict more damage, take your jewellery to the jeweller, who will have it looking as good as new in no time.
Invest in a Care Kit
No matter what jewellery you have, most care kits look the same. They consist of soft-bristled brushes, rubbing alcohol, q-tips, soft cloth for polishing, metal-specific polish, and tweezers for removing lint or resetting stones if knocked out of place. With your care kit, you can deal with most of the jewellery upkeep at home, but always call a professional if you’re unsure.
Remove Before Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can be harmful to jewellery, causing discolouration, tarnishing, or even pitting of the metal. In addition, water can cause gemstones and pearls to loosen or fall out of their settings. To prevent this, always remove your jewellery before swimming or taking a shower. If you forget to take it off, make sure to rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly as soon as possible.
Regularly Inspect Jewelry
Even with proper care, jewellery can still become damaged or loose over time. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect your jewellery for any signs of wear and tear. Check for loose stones, bent prongs, or any other damage that may need to be repaired. In addition, make sure to check the clasps or closures to ensure they’re secure and functioning properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your jewellery requires time and effort, but it is worth it to preserve the sentimental value and beauty of your treasured pieces. Removing jewellery during activities that may cause damage, storing it in a cool, dry place, using the proper cleaning method, investing in a care kit, avoiding chemical exposure, removing it before swimming, handling it with care, and regularly inspecting it are all essential steps to ensure that your jewellery lasts a lifetime. By following these tips, you can ensure that your jewellery remains in excellent condition and can be passed down as a cherished heirloom for generations to come.
