While most people think of jewelry as something that brings a smile to your face, you should also take care of it. Properly cleaning and caring for it can help protect it from tarnishing, dirt, and other damage and give it a new look.
Here are some tips to help keep your jewelry looking its best.
Clean your jewelry before you wear it
It’s best to clean your jewelry before you wear it. Make sure to put your jewelry on once you are entirely ready to avoid damage or tarnish from contaminants such as hairspray, fake tan, lotions, etc. Click here to learn on how to clean earrings and other jewellery.
You can use a soft cloth and gentle dish soap to remove any dirt or grime from your jewelry. While you’re at it, also wipe down the clasp and any other metal surfaces with a soft cloth or toothbrush.
If you have metal pieces with plating on them, like silver rings, it’s best to avoid metal polish because it will remove the plating. Instead, try using a pre-moistened cloth for delicate polishing tasks or an ultrasonic cleaning machine for more demanding jobs.
Take care of your jewelry when you’re not wearing it
It may seem inconvenient to take care of your jewelry when you’re not wearing it, but it is the best course of action. If you don’t care for your jewelry, dirt and grime will get in between the metal and stones, causing them to tarnish more quickly. Your jewelry may even get caught in your hair or snag on clothing.
Try storing your jewelry away from these potential hazards to prevent these problems. Because your jewelry will be taking up less space, it will also look better when you put it back on later.
Store your jewelry in a safe place
Ideally, you should store your jewelry is in a safe. This keeps it free from scratches and other damages that can occur while you are wearing it. It also helps protect it from water, temperature changes, and pests, leading to stains or rusting.
It’s essential to keep your jewelry safe when you’re not wearing it. Safe places include drawers, cabinets, boxes, and bags. If your jewelry starts to feel uncomfortable, rub a little oil on the metal, so it doesn’t get rusty or stained with sweat.
Keep your jewelry clean and free from tarnish.
It’s essential to clean your jewelry regularly. If you don’t, dirt and tarnish can build up on the metal, causing discoloration or even the loss of color. Use a mild soap with water and a soft cloth to keep your jewelry clean.
If your jewelry contains gemstones such as a claddagh diamond ring, remember never to use harsh chemicals like bleach. Bleach is not only harmful to the gems themselves, but it can also cause damage to the metal surface. Try using baking soda mixed with water to clean the gems and metal.
If you have sterling silver pieces made by hand with wire, you may need an acid-based cleaning solution to remove tarnish from the wire. For example, suppose you have a sterling silver earring that has been in contact with skin oils or sweat for an extended period. In that case, you’ll want to use a toothpaste-like solution containing hydrogen peroxide to remove the tarnish without damaging the earring itself.