Jewelry Care
Category: Tips | Date: 08/28/2020
Jewelry is a symbol of feminism with various social values attached. Whether it's a fashion, costume, or fine jewelry, all of them need some care and attention to keep its sparkling. With a good cleaning and some easy handling tips, all your jewels will shine with durability and longevity. Here are some quick and easy tips to take care of your jewelry to prevent tarnishing, scratches, and dullness.
Know your Jewelry
The world of jewelry is beautiful and fascinating. Whether it is the metal or gemstone, every jewelry needs to treasure in its distinct way.
Metal Jewelry
Whether it is platinum, gold or silver, soak the jewel in a mild solution of warm soapy water and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Alternatively, you can place it into the jewelry cleanser for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with water.
To avoid scratches, you should keep your metal jewelry in soft cloth bags or the original box. Do not keep two types of jewelry in the same box. Remove the jewels before using harsh chemicals such as bleach or abrasives, which may cause scratching or damage.
Sterling silver jewelry can tarnish if it comes in contact with moisture and humidity. Store your silver jewelry separately with chalk or some activated charcoal. It absorbs moisture. If you find it dusty, you can get dehumidifiers or silica packs. Keep your silver jewelry safe in tarnish-proof fabric.
Gemstone Jewelry
If you love to wear gemstone jewelry, it is essential to take proper care to extend its life and diversified beauty. Gemstone jewelry has cared with more caution when compared to metal. There are chances of stones getting abrade and discolor. The first step is to know whether your gem is organic or inorganic. After identifying, choose the best cleaning method.
Inorganic Gemstones:
With the unparallel beauty, inorganic gemstone jewelry have a sentimental meaning attached. Different gemstones have different physical properties. It can consist of natural, lab-created or synthetic, simulant or imitation jewelry.
How to clean:
All precious and semi-precious gemstone jewelry needs frequent cleaning. There are some safe commercially prepared jewelry cleaners with no ammonia or harsh chemicals available in the market.
Soak your jewelry piece in a solution of warm water and mild detergent or cleaning solution for a few moments. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub your jewelry gently. Take a toothpick or a shaved matchstick to remove accumulations and then rinse with the water. Dry with a soft cloth.
Jeweler's trick: Wrap the jewel in a cloth and immerse it in the chips of dry maple wood. Once dry, blow away the chips. The piece will be free from liquid stains, with no harm to the precious metal setting.
Tip: Also, you can use the ultrasonic cleaner with intricate pieces that have lots of crevices. Not all gems and jewelry require to clean in it. Keep away the gemstones that are heat-treated, coated or susceptible to heat and temperature changes. It can permanently damage the surface of jewelry with pearls, coral, ivory, or amber.
How to store:
Always store your gemstones jewelry separately to avoid scratches. Keep each piece in a separate box or wrap them in the jeweler's tissue. Lined Jewelry boxes with individually padded slots for rings and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets are ideal. Also, you can use small jewelry bags or gemstone jars with foam inserts for extra protection.
Organic Gemstones:
Formed by biological processes, organic gemstones are the most intimate and cherished accessories of every woman. Strong enough to be set in jewelry, they are definitely worth the special care and cleaning.
How to Clean:
Never soak pearls, coral, turquoise, howlite, or amber jewelry in water. Improper cleaning can easily damage these porous gemstones. Avoid harsh soap or chemical jewelry cleaner. Don't use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner. It can lessen the lustrous look of organic gems.
Just use a small make-up brush dipped in shampoo and water to clean. Or else, you can wipe the jewels with a clean and moist cloth.
How to Store:
Organic gems are worth the extra care. While storing, it is best to keep organic gems in a protected soft pouch. You can also wrap them in tissue paper to protect from being scratched. However, do not store them in a plastic bag. The plastic can react chemically, causing the surface to deteriorate. Storing jewelry in a safety deposit box or safe can dry out organic gemstones. Place a small container of water in the box and open it regularly for the circulation of air.
Special care: If your gems are very dried out, wrap them in a dampened cloth with mineral oil, and let it stay overnight. Wipe off any extra oil in the morning. Never soak it.
It is suggested not to wear organic gems jewelry if it is hot. Sweat has a chemical component that can stain some organic gems. Take your jewelry off; if you are cooking, cleaning, or doing any activity that involves vinegar, bleach, or detergents.
General Caring Tips:
- Avoid rough handling.
- Never toss jewelry into a drawer or leave on top of a dresser. It invites damages and scratches.
- Make sure the jewelry is completely dry before you put it away.
- Do not use toothpaste or baking soda, as it is too abrasive and will damage your jewelry in the long run.
- Every jewelry should be kept separately in the designated box, anti-tarnish bag or cloth.
- Avoid keeping jewelry in the hot and humid place. Should be stored away from free-flowing air. It can cause crazing or discoloration.
- Keep your jewelry away from chemically treated surfaces or on wood. It can stain or speed up the tarnishing process.
- Wipe off excess make-up and skin oils over your jewelry with the anti-tarnish or 100% cotton cloth.
To enhance the shelf life of any jewelry, ensure to give it a break. Pieces of jewelry are not meant to be worn 24/7. Understand the caring and storing of treasured jewelry and keep your heirlooms sparkling for generations to come.