Jewelry is one of the most cherished and intimate accessories. Even the best quality jewelry requires special care for it to look great. Normally we forget about how our jewelry can gradually wear and get damaged as time goes by.
Soaps, lotion, and everyday dirt and dust are the few things that can clog jewelry and make chains, stones, and pearls appear lifeless and dull. To help your jewelry last longer and always ready to shine, this article will help you prevent your jewelry from becoming dull and tarnishing.
The Importance of Caring for Jewelry
While jewelry was made to last a lifetime, some factors can result in everyday wear tear of your fine jewelry. Caring for jewelry is important because:
- The jewelry piece will last for a lifetime.
- The metals making the jewelry will maintain their sparkle.
- The jewelry will have a high resale value.
- Caring for jewelry prevents wear and tear.
How to Care for Different Materials of Jewelry?
Silver
Since it is softer than other gemstones, silver needs special precautionary methods to prevent damage to its composition and texture. Caring for these types of jewelry does not need to be time-consuming or difficult.
As long as it is stored well and keep up with regular maintenance to prevent the dreaded tarnish, silver cleanings can be easy and quick.
Tips for Storing Silver Jewelry
- To prevent scratches stores each piece separately.
- Be sure to save the silver in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid keeping jewelry boxes in bathrooms as the moist warm air can compromise the brilliance of sterling.
- If you’re planning on storing a sterling silver piece for an extended period, try sealing it in an airtight bag ( plastic works fine ) to protect it from oxidation and humidity.
The best way to clean tarnished silver pieces and keep them from re-tarnishing as quickly is with good silver polish. To reduce tarnishing on silver pieces, go the homemade route by mixing three parts baking soda with one-part water.
This paste mixture will eliminate tarnish, so only use when necessary. Rinse with cool water, then rub or pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Gold
If it is well taken care of, Gold jewelry will keep its timeless luster and last for a lifetime. Although it is durable, gold can get dented or scratched; it is harshly treated.
It is always wise to take them off before activities are potentially high impact. Implement regular cleaning methods to ensure your piece shines and sparkles.
Make sure you use only soft materials or soft-bristled brush when cleaning any gold jewelry. Avoid hash chemicals at all costs. For instance, when gold gets in contact with chlorine, it weakens over time.
Clean with vinegar: place your jewelry in vinegar and leave it to soak for 10-15 minutes. Remove and gently scrub your jewelry with soft brush and cloth.
Polish with baking soda: to polish at home, use baking soda Simply douse a light coat of baking soda over your jewelry, pour a dash of vinegar on top of rinse with clean water.
Tips for Caring for Gold jewelry
- Remove gold jewelry before showering.
- Store gold jewelry in an organized jewelry box with a compartment for each item.
- Get ready (apply lotions, perfumes, makeup) then put on jewelry.
- Keep gold jewelry away from hard surfaces.
Pearls
Your pearls are precious in more ways than one, and you may be wondering how to care for them properly. Pearls consist of 90% Calcite and 4% water. The water inside the pearl keeps the luster intact, so it is essential to retain the water, but too much can damage the pearl.
Tips for Caring for Your Pearls
- After every wear, wipe your pearls with a soft cloth to prevent any buildup of oils or other substances that may come in contact with your jewelry piece.
- Clean with a damp cloth only as needed. If your pearls are visibly stained, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap dip a soft cleaning cloth in it and wipe the pearls.
- Let them dry before storing it. This is important in preserving the elasticity of the silk strand.
- Take them to your jeweler once a year.
When dressing and undressing, put on your pearl jewelry last and take them off first.
Costume Jewelry
Dab a cloth into dish soap and water and gently wipe any smudges or grime. Then rinse with a cloth dampened in plain water. Pat dry and lay the jewelry upside down so moisture won’t soak into the setting.
Because stones are often glued on rather than set, don’t soak costume pieces in water or the glue could loosen, and the “gems” could pop off.
Brass Jewelry
Brass may darken with wear, depending on body chemistry. If you don’t like the dark patina, try to avoid getting your brass jewelry wet. A commercial brass cleaner, like ” JAX “, will restore your piece to its original shine.
If this is unavailable, use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to polish, or soak the piece in coca-cola for a few minutes.
How to Care for Jewelry for Retailers Who Have a Huge Inventory for Minimizing Losses?
Jewelry should be stored separately, especially those that are in bulk. Storing them separately prevents them from scratch and regular wear and tear.
Give treated gems extra care. Many colored gemstones are routinely treated to improve the appearance of color and clarity.
Jewelry should be kept away from chemicals.
The jewelry should be insured.
The best way to store jewelry.
- Because gemstones, diamonds, and metals can damage jewelry, always keep each jewelry item in its container or compartment.
- Fasten clasps when storing to help prevent tangling.
- If you prefer a jewelry box, place each piece in its pouch or plastic bag.
- Make sure jewelry is completely dry before storing it.
Conclusion
With the help of these tips, you can keep your precious jewelry shining, strong, and special for many years to come. And now that you know how to take care of your jewelry, perhaps you’d like to add some extra sparkle to your collection? So come to Nihaojewelry now!