Whether it’s a simple pair of earrings that you received last Christmas or a diamond-encrusted bangle that you saved up for months to buy, all pieces of jewelry deserve the utmost care, especially if you want them to stay beautiful for a lifetime. Not sure how to take care of your jewelry the right way? Here are some important maintenance tips to keep in mind:
1. Visit the jeweler regularly
When you bring home a new piece, it shouldn’t be their last time to the jeweler. Don’t forget to bring back your pieces to the jeweler for regular check-ups and professional-level cleaning, especially the ones that you wear most frequently. In this way, your jeweler can spot any signs of damage that would otherwise be invisible to an untrained eye.
2. Clean your jewelry at home
Aside from the occasional professional cleaning, it’s important to clean your jewelry at home to prevent dirt from building up. However, make sure to research the proper way of cleaning that particular type of material before you do it. Some metals or stones are prone to damage when cleaned with inappropriate cleaning agents or tools.
3. Avoid showering with your jewelry
If you don’t take off your jewelry when you take a shower or soak in a bath, soap scum and hard water deposits can make your pieces look grimy and cloudy. The same goes for washing the dishes with your rings and bracelets on but without gloves. In short, avoid letting your jewelry come in contact with hard water and soap to prevent them from becoming difficult to clean.
4. Remove jewelry before strenuous activity
When lifting heavy objects, going hiking, or doing any other strenuous activity, don’t put your jewelry at risk. Heavy pressure or sudden impact can damage your jewelry, so leave them at home instead.
5. Don’t swim with your jewelry
There are a lot of bad things that can happen to your jewelry if you take them to the beach or pool. For one, chlorine and salt water can tarnish the metal. Secondly, sand and other tiny debris can end up in the nooks and crannies of your precious pieces. And lastly, water makes it easier for jewelry to slip from your skin, which poses a huge risk of losing them in the sea or pool.
6. Store your jewelry properly
Proper storage is also crucial to maintain the quality and appearance of your jewelry. Store your pieces in a fabric-lined box with enough space between each other. Don’t overcrowd jewelry to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Moreover, store the box away from humidity and free-flowing air to prevent dust buildup and tarnishing. And if possible, store your more expensive pieces in a safe to prevent theft.
Pieces of jewelry are tangible investments that we can enjoy for a very long time; that is if we know how to take good care of them. If you are a beginner at taking care of jewelry, remember these maintenance tips to ensure that your pieces stay beautiful for a very long time.
