Taking good care of your jewelry is super important if you want it to keep looking nice for a long time. Whether it's a precious family heirloom or a special gift, all jewelry needs a little TLC to stay shiny and beautiful.
It doesn't matter if you own just one special ring or a whole bunch of necklaces and bracelets; our guide is helpful for everyone who wants their jewelry to look its best day after day.
Jewelry Care Guide To Keep Them in Perfect Condition
To ensure your jewelry remains as captivating as the day you first wore it, it's really important to look after it the right way. We often forget, but things like a simple check-up by a jewelry professional can make a huge difference. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to help keep your precious pieces in top shape:
- Watch Out When You're Active: Some activities can be tough on your jewelry. Whether you're working out, playing sports, or even doing heavy lifting, it’s best to take off those valuable items first. Better safe than sorry!
- Bedtime Means Jewelry Off Time: Remember to remove your jewelry before hitting the hay to avoid any unwanted damage while you sleep.
- Stay Away From Chemicals: Chemicals are not friends with your jewelry, especially chlorine. Always take off your jewelry before swimming in pools or using cleaning products. If they do get exposed, wash them off with water right away.
- Get Ready, Then Accessorize: Lotions, perfumes, and hairspray can be harsh on jewelry. Make sure to apply these first before putting your jewelry on, particularly if you’re wearing delicate pieces like pearls or opals, which are more sensitive.
- Storage Is Key: Keeping your jewelry well stored can prevent a lot of issues. Use a soft-lined jewelry box or cases for each piece to avoid scratches or tangles. And for necklaces, keeping them closed can save you from a tangled mess.
- Kitchen & Cleaning No-No’s: It’s easy to forget, but wearing jewelry while cooking, cleaning, or washing dishes is a real hazard. And don’t forget, keeping your jewelry away from heat, light, and humidity will help maintain its shine and condition.
Storing your jewelry correctly may be just as important as cleaning it. You want to make sure you keep it in a clean and dry place—think about using the original box or pouch it came in. Avoid places like wood surfaces that might make tarnishing happen faster.
A cool trick for keeping your silver looking fresh is to store it with chalk or silica packs to fight off moisture. Remember, storing your gold and silver pieces separately can help avoid scratches and keep everything looking good as new.
How to Clean Jewelry
Cleaning Jewelry with Pearls
Pearls need gentle care to keep them looking their best. Here’s how to clean them properly:
- Gather What You'll Need:
- Small makeup brush
- Mild shampoo
- Clean microfiber cloth
- Cleaning Steps:
- Prepare a gentle towel and place the pearl strand on top.
- Add a little weak shampoo to a cup of warm water.
- Dip the clean makeup brush into the mixture, shake off the excess.
- Gently brush each pearl, applying minimal pressure.
- Rinse with a damp, well-wrung cloth and allow to air dry flat.
Important: Never soak pearls. This no-soak rule also applies to turquoise and opals.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry sparkles again with everyday items:
- What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- Small strainer
- Soft microfiber cloths
- Soft toothbrush
- Cleaning Process:
- Prepare a warm water and dish soap solution.
- For small pieces, use a strainer to soak in the solution for up to five minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse under running water, then buff dry.
Pro Tip: Use seltzer water as the solution for caring for precious stones.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
To tackle tarnished silver jewelry:
- Use a Quality Silver Polish: Like the Good Housekeeping Seal-holder Weiman Silver Polish for a clean, tarnish-free shine.
- For a Quick Clean: Disposable silver wipes or specially treated cloths are convenient and effective.
Remember: A protective coating from the polish can help prevent future tarnish.
How to Clean Diamond Jewelry
Despite being the hardest substance on Earth, diamonds need your care to keep shining bright. Here's the right way to clean them:
- What You'll Need:
- Warm water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Soft toothbrush
- Lint-free cloth
- Cleaning Process:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to create a degreasing solution.
- Place your diamond jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. This will help loosen the grime and oil.
- Take a soft toothbrush and gently scrub your diamond. Be careful around the setting to avoid damaging it.
- Rinse the jewelry under warm running water to wash away the loosened dirt.
- Dry your diamond jewelry with a lint-free cloth to bring back its sparkle.
Reminder: Diamonds may be tough, but they can still get scratched by other diamonds. Always store your diamond jewelry separately from other pieces to avoid scratches. For best storage, use small plastic bags with a zip lock or a fabric-lined jewelry case.
Caution: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, as these can damage both the diamond and the metal setting.
How Can I Make My Jewelry Last Longer?
|
Tip |
Why It's Important |
How to Do It |
|
Clean Before Storing |
Prevents color change and wear from residues. |
Gently wipe with a soft cloth; store in a cool, dark place. |
|
Use Ziplock or Airtight Box |
Maintains polish and luster. |
Store in an airtight box or zip-lock bag, especially for delicate items like pearls. |
|
Use Tarnish-resistant Paper |
Protects against tarnish from airborne pollutants. |
Wrap each piece in anti-tarnish paper or a soft towel. |
|
Separate Jewelry |
Avoids damage from scratches or entanglement. |
Use a jewelry box with dividers or individual pouches. |
|
Remove Before Swimming or Active Work |
Protects from damage and discoloration. |
Take off jewelry before swimming, strenuous activities, or exposure to harsh chemicals. |
|
Cosmetics and Jewelry Separation |
Prevents damage from beauty product chemicals. |
Put on jewelry after applying lotions, perfumes, and hairspray. |
|
Proper Cleaning |
Maintains sparkle and prevents tarnish. |
Clean with a gentle solution of warm water and liquid soap, then dry thoroughly. |
|
Velvet Boxes and Tissue Wrap |
Adds protection for delicate items. |
Store especially delicate items like diamond jewelry in velvet-lined boxes wrapped in soft tissue. |
|
Activated Charcoal or Silica Gel |
Absorbs moisture to prevent tarnishing. |
Place silica gel or charcoal sachets in your jewelry box. |
|
Regular Inspections |
Identifies issues before they worsen. |
Regularly check for loose stones, worn strings, or damaged clasps. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to take care of my jewelry?
To keep your jewelry sparkling, soaking it in your cleaning solution for about 15 to 20 minutes does wonders. Then, wash it well under running water and dry it gently after scrubbing with a clean cosmetics brush, a soft-bristled toothbrush, or a gentle towel.
What makes jewelry shiny again?
To make your jewelry shine like it's brand new again, there's a simple kitchen chemistry trick you can try at home. All you need is one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of baking soda. Mix these with one cup of warm water until they're fully dissolved. Then, pour this mixture into a dish lined with aluminum foil. Place your tarnished jewelry in the dish. You'll notice the mixture starts to bubble—that’s the chemical reaction happening!
How do you clean jewelry naturally?
To clean your jewelry naturally, line a bowl with aluminum foil and add a mixture of salt, baking soda, and a drop of dish detergent. Pour hot water over the mixture and place your jewelry in it to soak for about 10 minutes. Afterward, gently brush your jewelry with an old toothbrush, rinse under warm water, and dry with a paper towel.
The Takeaway
Taking good care of your jewelry isn't just about keeping it sparkly—it's also about protecting the investments you've made into your beautiful pieces. Whether it's a cherished heirloom or something new you decided to buy jewelry as a treat for yourself, each piece deserves proper maintenance to ensure its shine and longevity.
From understanding when to take off your jewelry to learning how to store it properly, the jewelry maintenance tips provided in this comprehensive guide aim to help you enjoy your precious pieces for as long as possible.
