Keeping your jewellery in pristine condition is essential if you want to enjoy it for years to come. But, do you know the right ways to take care of your precious jewellery? From everyday pieces to special occasion items, there are different care options available. Regular maintenance is vital to keep your jewellery sparkling, so it’s time to take note of some simple strategies to maintain the beauty of your jewellery collection.
One of the most straightforward tips to take care of your jewellery is to clean it regularly. If you wear your jewellery every day, oils and dirt may build up on it, making it prone to wear and tear. Gently rubbing a soft cloth over your jewellery will help remove these elements and keep your pieces looking their best. Special cleaning products are also available that work well on jewellery without causing damage.
Another way to take care of your precious jewellery is to store it correctly. Storing your jewellery in the proper environment can extend its life and prevent damage. It’s essential to keep jewellery away from sunlight, heat, moisture, and air. You can store it in a jewellery box, soft pouch, or a safe place to prevent dust accumulation and scratches.
Maintenance of jewellery is crucial to prevent damage, but it’s also essential to prevent wearing it in situations where it may be exposed to harmful chemicals that accelerate damage. Lotions, perfumes, hair products, and household cleaning products can all corrode the surface of jewellery. It’s always recommended to remove jewellery before engaging in activities that may harm it, such as going swimming or doing physical tasks.
Keeping precious jewellery pieces in good condition may require investing in professional cleaning services. Many jewellery stores provide this service, and it’s worth considering, especially for sentimental pieces. Professional cleaning services often use ultrasonic cleaning machines, which use high-frequency sound waves and a cleansing solution to restore the sparkle to your jewellery.
When travelling, it’s important to take care of your jewellery. Always pack it carefully to prevent damage, including scratches, dents, or tangles. Consider placing each piece in an individual pouch or jewellery box, so they don’t come into contact with one another. Avoid wearing any jewellery when flying, as the rapid changes in air pressure can cause damage.
Lastly, it’s critical to monitor the condition of your jewellery regularly. Watch out for any signs of wear, such as cloudy stones, broken prongs, or tarnished metal. If you notice anything unusual, take it to a jewellery specialist for professional assessment and repair.
Taking care of your precious jewellery takes effort, but it’s well worth it in the long run, as it will ensure it stays in excellent condition for years. Following the tips above and investing in professional cleaning and maintenance services will help protect your jewellery investment and create a lasting legacy.
Investing in jewellery can be costly, and it’s essential to keep these valuable pieces in top condition for as long as possible. Every jewellery piece has its unique characteristics that demand specific care. Here are seven ways to take care of your precious jewellery:
Store your jewellery carefully
Store your precious jewellery pieces separately from each other so that they don’t scratch or damage each other. You can keep them in compartments, boxes or soft cloth pouches. The best way is to store your jewellery in its original gift box. Store your jewellery in a dry and cool, but not freezing, place, as humidity can cause gemstones, metal surfaces, and clasps to tarnish or discolour over time.
Wear jewellery after applying cosmetics
Many cosmetics contain chemicals that can harm your jewellery pieces. Avoid wearing your jewellery while you apply creams or perfumes, as they can damage the metal or fade the colour of your gemstones. Wait for a few minutes for your perfume to dry before wearing your jewellery to avoid the odour of perfume clinging to your precious pieces.
Regular cleaning of jewellery
Jewellery collects dirt, oil, and grime, and therefore it is essential that you regularly clean and polish them. You can use a soft-bristled brush, mild detergent, and warm water to clean the jewellery piece. Pat dry the jewellery with soft cloth, and avoid using paper towels or rough cleaning tools as they can scratch the surface of your jewellery. If your jewellery piece contains pearls, turquoise or ivory, avoid soaking it in water, as it can damage these delicate stones.
Keep away from chemicals
Avoid keeping your jewellery pieces near household chemicals such as bleach or sulphuric acid as they can cause damage to your jewellery pieces’ surface. Chlorine found in swimming pools can also tarnish your jewellery. You should remove your jewellery before swimming in the pool or soaking in the hot tub.
Visit a professional jeweller
Professional jewellers have the expertise and equipment to check the wear and tear of your jewellery pieces. They can detect any damages or loose fittings that need to be repaired. They can also advise the best ways to maintain and care for your jewellery items.
Wear with care
Jewellery can be delicate and prone to damage. Avoid wearing your jewellery while doing any household chores, exercise, or any activities that may damage your jewellery. When putting on and taking off your jewellery, handle it gently and avoid pulling it too hard, as this can loosen the fittings, and if any gemstones become loose over time, they can fall out.
Insurance
Finally, consider investing in jewellery insurance to protect your valuable jewellery pieces from theft, damage, or loss. Many insurance policies can provide replacement or compensation for your precious pieces.
Summary
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping jewelry in good condition. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or specialist cleaning products will remove oils and dirt that can harm the pieces. Proper storage in a soft pouch or jewelry box will prevent dust accumulation and scratches, while avoiding wearing jewelry in situations that can damage it is advisable. Ultrasonic machines from professionals can restore pieces to a sparkling condition, and monitoring the condition regularly can address issues like cloudy stones, tarnished metal, or broken prongs. Proper care can help protect an investment in jewelry for years to come.
FAQ
What is the best way to clean my jewellery at home?
Cleaning your jewellery periodically can help maintain its shine and allure. Starting with the basics, cleaning solutions like soap and water, dishwashing liquids or baking soda can easily clean your jewellery. However, for sensitive metals or stones it is advisable to contact a professional. Silver jewellery can be cleaned with a solution made of baking soda and water, gold jewellery can be cleaned with mild soap and water by soaking it for a few minutes and wiping it clean. Additionally, pearls, opals, and turquoise should be kept away from household cleaning solutions and products including lotions, hairspray and perfume.
Can I wear my jewellery in the shower or at the gym?
It is generally advisable to avoid wearing your valuable jewellery during any activity that could cause damage. This includes swimming, showering, exercise or sleeping. Water, perspiration, and chemicals can all damage your jewellery, causing tarnishing or erosion. When it comes to exercising, sweat and dirt can get trapped in the jewellery which can lead to a build-up of bacteria and dullness. Additionally, jewellery can get tangled or snagged in equipment. To safely protect your jewellery, make sure to store it in a secure location and away from elements that could cause harm.
How can I properly store my jewellery to keep it in good condition?
When storing your jewellery, consider separating each piece from one another to avoid scratching, tangling, or damage. This can be done by wrapping each piece in an individual tissue, placing it in a separate compartment or using jewellery rolls. Another option is to use jewellery boxes or trays with compartments that can help in organising your pieces according to their size, shape and metal. Place your jewellery in a cool and dry place to avoid any potential damage from humidity, and sunlight which can cause discolouration.
How often should I have my jewellery professionally cleaned and polished?
It is advisable to have your jewellery professionally cleaned and polished at least once a year to help maintain its shine and prevent any damage. Professional cleaning can remove built-up dirt and oils from daily wear, while also identifying any issues such as loose stones or missing clasps. A professional cleaner uses specialised equipment and cleaning solutions to ensure a deep cleaning and polishing is achieved to rejuvenate your jewellery. It is also recommended to have frequent checkups to ensure it is in good condition and reduce wear and tear.
