Jewellery is an investment and often has great sentimental value. For this reason, you should know how to take care of it. Whether you want to store or clean earrings, necklaces or a favourite diamond ring or gold bracelet, here’s how to do so.
Safe storage
Storage is crucial when caring for jewellery. Each piece should be stored separately to lessen the chances of scratching and tangles. So, buy soft-lined jewellery boxes or individual pouches to store your jewellery. Ring holders and trinket dishes can be used for rings and earrings.
Glass-based jewellery trays can be used to store a variety of pieces. Fabric-lined boxes and trinket pots are useful ways to safely store jewellery. For both practical and display purposes, a jewellery stand lets you hang pendants and necklaces.
And don’t forget when you’re on the move to have a jewellery box with a zip fastening. Lined with soft fabric, a box with foam-filled compartments and elasticated pockets will keep your precious items from harm.
Regular cleaning
Cleaning is important to remove oils or dirt build-up and restore shine. Whether you’re cleaning a silver necklace or diamond earrings, most jewellery can be cleaned using warm water mixed with gentle washing-up liquid.
Apply the liquid using a lint-free cloth or a soft brush, especially on softer gems such as pearls. A soft or extra-soft toothbrush will do the trick. And don’t clean jewellery over a sink as you can lose smaller pieces down the plughole. Use a microfibre cloth to buff it dry.
Avoid chemicals
Do not use household cleaners on jewellery as these can contain bleach and abrasives. Precious metals, coloured gems and pearls are sensitive to chemicals. So be careful, even with the products you put on your skin. Apply perfume, make-up setting spray, lotions or skin refreshing spray before you put jewellery onto dry skin.
Some jewellery is more vulnerable than others. Peals and porous gems can be affected by chemicals or harsh cleaning. If any of your jewellery is exposed to chemicals, then wash it immediately using a gentle cloth.
Take off at the gym or spa
As a general rule, if you’re going to swim, sweat, or steam, don’t bring your jewellery with you. Many people leave on rings, in particular, at the gym but don’t. Using heavy-duty gym equipment exposes jewellery to scratching. You could also catch a ring in equipment leading to damage and possible danger to yourself. If you’re swimming, the skin on your fingers will shrivel in the water and rings can easily fly off. Good luck finding them!
Also, remove rings when washing your hands or applying hand cream as oil and residue can mar the ring’s lustre. Sleeping, cleaning, gardening and cooking are other activities where you should remove jewellery for safety and security.
