Nothing breaks the heart more than the damage to a valuable or special possession. It’s not only a loss of property, but also a loss of money. 

Jewelry is one of these special possessions that its owner would always want to be in its best condition for years. As you take care of your body while you age to look ever young, so also you must care for your jewelry to make it look its best for a long time. 

Fortunately, it is an easy-peasy process, however, only when you know the right things to do. Here’s a guide on how you can care for your jewelry.

Care Tips for Jewelry

Regular Cleaning

This is an essential practice if you want to prolong the life of your jewelry. Most stores that sell women’s and mens wedding bands collection and other jewelry advise that you clean your jewelry at home from time to time. This helps to avoid dirt buildup on the jewelry. 

You do not need to visit a jeweler every time. However, you need to do this with utmost care, you wouldn’t want to cause further damage to your jewelry while cleaning. Below are the cleaning tips you can use for your jewelry based on the metals they’re made of.

Silver Jewelry

One of the best methods of cleaning silver jewelry that has tarnished or that you want to prevent from tarnishing quickly is to get a good silver polish. A Silver Polish is a cleaning agent that helps to dissolve and remove the tarnish from silver jewelry or any silver product and leaves behind a protective coating to prevent new tarnish from forming. 

Also, you can use a silver wipe to gently wipe your jewelry in a circular motion to clean and remove the tarnish. After that, rinse the jewelry under warm water and discard the wipe. Then, dry the jewelry with a clean, and dry soft cloth. 

However, if you do not have access to any of these cleaning agents, create yours at home by mixing lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and ammonia. Then, soak your silver jewelry in the solution for about 60 to 120 seconds. Afterward, dry the jewelry by using a clean soft cloth. 

Gold Jewelry

You can use a clean cloth infused with chemical Polish specifically made for gold to rub your gold jewelry. You can also use a homemade solution of warm water, mild dish soap, and ammonia to soak the gold jewelry for a few minutes. 

Then, use a soft brush to gently scrub off the dirt that is stuck in your jewelry. Rinse the jewelry and dry it with a clean soft cloth. You can also use this method to clean platinum jewelry. 

Diamond Jewelry

Diamond jewelry loses its shiny property if not properly cared for. The easiest method of cleaning diamond jewelry is to soak it in a cleaning solution of water and mild antibacterial dish soap. After that, remove the jewelry and use a soft brush to remove any remaining dirt. Rinse the jewelry and dry it with a clean soft cloth. 

Store Properly

When you’re not wearing your jewelry, keep them safely in a jewelry box, an airtight plastic bag, or a box with compartments. It is better to store silver and gold jewelry in an airtight plastic bag to prevent them from tarnishing. 

Do not store your jewelry in the kitchen or bathroom, it is not safe to do so. If you are storing multiple jewelry types, keep them in a box with compartments to prevent them from getting scratched or tangled. 

Avoid Heat 

Extreme heat or sunlight can cause damage to your jewelry. Too much exposure to sunlight can cause colored gemstones to fade. Avoid wearing your jewelry in hot tubs or near open flames. If you must wear your jewelry in the sun, after wearing it in the sun, remove any dirt on the jewelry, dry it with a soft cloth, and store it in an airtight container afterward. 

Keep Your Jewelry from Chemicals

Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals. Chemicals, such as chlorine, cause damage to the jewelry. If you will use any form of chemical product like body lotions, sunscreen, and others, take off your jewelry first before you apply them. 

However, if you forget to take off your ring, necklace, or any of your jewelry before applying these products, use a soft toothbrush and a drop of dishwashing liquid to clean them without delay, then rinse them in water, and dry it with a clean and soft cloth. 

Insure Your Jewelry

Your jewelry is a treasured property that should be rightly insured. Make sure that you get the right insurance coverage for your jewelry. One of the benefits of jewelry insurance is to cover your loss if you experience damage or loss of your precious asset: jewelry. A good insurance policy must cover all contingencies on your jewelry.

Visit a Jeweler for Professional Cleaning

As easy as it is to clean your jewelry by yourself, it is not a substitute for visiting your jeweler to have a professional cleaning once in a while. A jeweler will know professional and appropriate procedures depending on the specific type of gemstone and metal and they will check for any damage. It is recommended that you visit a jeweler twice a year for professional checks and cleaning. 

Why is it Important to Care for Jewelry?

Here are several reasons you must care for your jewelry:

To Elongate its Lifespan 

Jewelry lasts for several years when you care for them appropriately. But, if you fail to care for your jewelry, it gets damaged very fast. This could incur unnecessary expenses, as you will need to replace your jewelry sooner than expected. 

To Keep it in its Best Condition

Nothing looks more perfect than when beautiful and sparkling jewelry complements a gorgeous outfit. This, you can achieve when your jewelry is in its best condition. Your jewelry can only look its best when it is properly cared for. If you do not care for your jewelry, it tarnishes or even gets damaged. This makes it look unattractive. 

To Protect it From Damage

Jewelry can be damaged when not properly cared for. If you do not care for your jewelry, it gets damaged and could be expensive to repair or replace. 

To Preserve its Value

Jewelry is an important asset that shouldn’t diminish in value. It is essential to take care of it to preserve its value. If you do not care for your jewelry, it can lose its shine, tarnish, and get damaged. This can significantly reduce its value. 

FAQS

How Often Should I Clean My Jewelry?

You should clean your jewelry at least once a month. But, jewelry that you use more often should be cleaned at least once a month. For more professional cleaning, take your jewelry to a jeweler at least twice a year. 

How Can I Clean Jewelry With a Gemstone?

Gemstones are delicate, so clean them gently with mild soap and water. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and ammonia, to avoid damage. 

In Conclusion

Jewelry is a special and valuable asset that can last for several years and even be passed from generation to generation. However, only if you care for it properly. By following the tips in this article, you will be able to keep your jewelry in its best condition through the years.