Whether you're wearing a sparkling diamond ring, a chic necklace, or a pair of elegant pearl earrings, nothing can boost your confidence like a piece of jewelry that's shining bright. But as with all things precious, jewelry requires proper care and maintenance to retain its charm and luster.
That's why we've put together 10 quick tips that will help you keep your jewelry sparkling all year long. From simple cleaning techniques to storage hacks, we've got you covered--and we'll also let you know when it's best to leave the heavy scrubbing up to the pros! So, if you want to make sure your jewelry always looks its best, read on and discover how to shine like a diamond!
Understanding the materials of your jewelry
Before we dive into the tips, let's first understand the materials used in making jewelry. The type of material used determines how to care for the jewelry. Gold, silver, and platinum are the most common materials used in jewelry. These materials can easily scratch, dent, or tarnish. Diamonds, on the other hand, are hard and durable, but they can still accumulate dirt and grime over time. Knowing the materials used in your jewelry will help you determine the best way to clean and maintain it.
Most jewelry comes with a care guide that details how to care for it. If you don't have a care guide, you can always ask the jeweler for one. It's important to read the care guide carefully and follow the instructions to keep your jewelry in top condition. Now that you understand the materials used in jewelry, let's dive into the tips for keeping it sparkling all year long.
Quick tip #1: Store your jewelry properly
Proper storage is essential to keep your jewelry looking new. Jewelry should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Exposure to moisture can cause the jewelry to tarnish or corrode. The best way to store jewelry is to keep it in a jewelry box or a soft pouch. Each piece of jewelry should be stored separately to avoid scratching or tangling. You can also use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in the jewelry box to absorb excess moisture and prevent tarnishing. Necklaces can be hung individually from small hooks to prevent tangling.
When traveling, it's important to store your jewelry separately in a travel jewelry case or a pouch. This will prevent the jewelry from getting tangled or scratched. Avoid storing your jewelry in a plastic bag, as it can trap moisture and cause the jewelry to tarnish.
Travel tip: Thread one side of a chain through a plastic straw and clasp the ends to prevent tangling in your carry-on!
Quick tip #2: Clean your jewelry regularly
Regular cleaning is important to keep your jewelry sparkling and free from dirt and grime. Dirt and oil from your skin, along with personal care products and hard water, can accumulate on the jewelry, making it look dull and dirty. Cleaning your jewelry will help remove dirt and restore its shine. You can clean your jewelry at home using simple household items.
To clean gold and platinum jewelry, mix a few drops of dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Soak the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Pay special attention to the underside of stones, as grime tends to become trapped in small spaces. Rinse the jewelry under running water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
To remove tarnish from silver jewelry, use a silver polishing cloth or a silver cleaning solution. A silver polishing cloth is a soft cloth that's impregnated with silver polish. Rub the jewelry with the cloth to remove tarnish and restore its shine. If using a silver cleaning solution, follow the instructions on the package carefully.
NEVER put pearls, opals, turquoise, coral, or other soft stones in silver cleaner, as the acidic cleaner can cause severe damage. If your silver jewelry features stones like these, it's best to stick to a polishing cloth, or leave it up to the pros.
Cleaning Tip: Fold a cloth and put it over your drain to prevent losing your jewelry if you drop it in the sink--it also provides a softer landing!
Quick tip #3: Use the right cleaning solutions
Using the right cleaning solutions is important to avoid damaging your jewelry. Harsh chemicals can damage the jewelry and cause it to tarnish. Always use mild cleaning solutions that are safe for the type of material used in the jewelry.
For diamond jewelry, you can use a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Soak the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the jewelry under running water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid using toothpaste, baking soda, or other abrasive cleaners to clean your jewelry. These cleaners can scratch the jewelry and damage its surface.
Quick tip #4: Avoid wearing jewelry in water
While a quick rinse probably won't hurt your jewelry, the chemicals we use around water definitely can harm jewelry over time. Avoid wearing jewelry when swimming (this is really important). Chlorine in swimming pools can damage your jewelry and cause it to discolor or corrode, and can even weaken the metal. Saltwater and sunscreen can also damage your jewelry and cause it to tarnish. Plus, you definitely don't want to lose your jewelry in the ocean or the public pool!
Showering with your jewelry on isn't quite as bad, but the personal products you use may become trapped in your jewelry and dull the shine over time, and acidic products may damage the surface of softer stones.
If you accidentally wear your jewelry in water, make sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent corrosion. Avoid using a hairdryer, as it can damage the jewelry.
Quick tip #5: Take off your jewelry before exercising
Exercising can cause sweat and moisture to accumulate on the jewelry, making it look dull and dirty. It can also cause the jewelry to get tangled or scratched. Always take off your jewelry before exercising or doing any physical activity.
Quick tip #6: Use caution when applying beauty products
Beauty products such as lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays can damage the jewelry and cause it to tarnish. Always apply beauty products before putting on your jewelry. Wait for the products to dry completely before wearing your jewelry.
Getting Ready Tip: Practice the last-on/first off method. Apply all your body and hair products in the morning, allow to dry, then put on your jewelry. At night, take your jewelry off before beginning your bedtime skincare routine!
Quick tip #7: Keep your jewelry away from chemicals
Chemicals such as household cleaners, acids, and solvents can damage the jewelry and cause it to corrode or tarnish. Always remove your jewelry before using any chemicals. If you accidentally spill chemicals on your jewelry, rinse it under running water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Quick tip #8: Get your jewelry checked by a professional
It's important to get your jewelry checked by a professional jeweler at least once a year. A professional jeweler can inspect your jewelry for any damage or wear and tear. They can also clean and polish the jewelry to restore its shine.
Maintenance Tip: Just one bent or broken prong on a four-prong setting can cause you to lose your stone. Don't let your treasure go missing, have us check your prongs for you annually!
Quick tip #9: Don't sleep in your jewelry
Yeah, we know. This is a hard habit to break, but many of the pieces we see in the shop with damage were actually broken by...bedsheets. That's right! Prongs get snagged on pillowcases and chains get broken as you toss and turn. Even if your chain doesn't break immediately, you may be causing kinks at night when you roll over that create micro bends in the links, and weaken the chain over time. It's best to remove your jewelry before bed and keep it on the nightstand if you can.
Quick tip #10: Show your jewelry some love
Jewelry is a precious possession that deserves to be treated with care and respect. Show your jewelry some love by wearing it often and taking care of it. Clean your jewelry regularly, store it properly, and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or water. By following these tips, you can keep your jewelry sparkling all year long.
Conclusion
Your jewelry is an extension of your personality. It's a statement of your style and taste. By taking proper care of your jewelry, you can ensure that it always looks its best. Follow these 10 quick tips to keep your jewelry sparkling all year long. Remember to store your jewelry properly, clean it regularly, and avoid exposing it to water or harsh chemicals. Show your jewelry some love, and it will continue to shine bright for years to come.
