Every jewelry collector or enthusiast knows that preserving the shine and radiance as well as value of every piece requires a certain amount of effort. Unfortunately, wearing those rings, bracelets or necklaces daily can expose them to potential damage or accidental. To ensure they keep the sparkle and shimmer for many years, follow those simple rules that will keep your beautiful jewelry in top glimmering condition and will save you a lot of money that usually costs to repair it:
Avoid exposing your jewelry to detrimental conditions that carry the risk of potential damage, such as playing sports, is a reason for many broken necklaces or chipped stones, so keep it safely tucked away if it’s not its time to shine.Even performing simple chores or daily activities could have a negative impact so best to remove jewelry when cleaning, cooking or showering.
Similarly, when going to sleep, best to let your favorite pieces rest in their own dedicated spot.
Many chemicals that are used around the house can be very damaging to the jewelry. If they ever come in contact with a ring or bracelet, make sure to quickly rinse it to prevent “injury” from occurring.
Gemstones tend to lose their shine and metals can stan even due to seemingly “safe for humans” chemicals used in lotions and potions that keep you looking young and fabulous, so wait before putting your jewelry on when applying a serum or cream. On top of that, perfume needs to also stay away and remember to spray it before putting your pieces on. Organic stones, such as pearls, will lose their luster even quicker and can be affected by the pH of skin, which highlights the importance of removing jewelry when it won’t have a chance to be admired.
Plated jewelry definitely is particulary prone to tarnish as it the plating tends to wear off over time if not looked after properly.
Chlorine, which is often used in swimming pools, is particularly dangerous and can result in discoloration so always take time to remove all jewelry if you’re up for a swim.
Storing also plays a big part in extending the longevity of jewelry. Make sure it is kept away from direct sunlight, heat and damp, preferably in a separate pouches and in a box with a bit of padding to avoid the pieces rubbing and getting tangled up. And those pearls again will be more demanding of appropriate storage conditions as they are really vulnerable to getting scratched. It might be worth investing in a vacuum sealer if you have a big collection and you’re planning to store your jewelry away for longer periods of time, preventing exposure to air and damp.
Regular cleaning of jewelry to remove any build up of dirt and oil in order to bring its radiance back is crucial. However, different materials might require special cleaning solutions and that will be the topic of my next blog post. Using a mild detergent and warm water, (boiling temperature should be avoided), can be used with some items, but the best course of action is to check beforehand. Rinsing jewelry undering a tap may result in an accidental loss of small pieces down the drain, so use a separate container filled with warm water to rinse the soap off.
Following those simple tips will help you enjoy your beautiful pieces for a long time and maybe even turn them into a family heirloom.
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