Jewelry is something that holds a special place in a lot of people’s lives. It may be seen as a sentimental gift or a precious heirloom. Whatever the situation, the beauty and value of these pieces can diminish very quickly without the right care. Because of the value it holds, you may not even think about neglecting your jewelry, but mistakes can be made all the time. From your new jewelry collections to items you’ve had for years, even the slightest errors can be fatal. Factors such as exposure to moisture and chemicals can tarnish metals. 

It’s a good idea to get to grips with how you can store, clean, and maintain your jewelry. Doing things the right way will ensure that they retain their brilliance for years to come. In this guide, we will offer practical advice on protecting your cherished items. From daily habits to long-term preservation ideas, hopefully, these tips will help you to maintain the original charm they hold: 

Store It All Properly 

Proper storage is a fundamental aspect of protecting your jewelry from damage and tarnishing. Be sure to always keep your pieces in a dry location that is clean and away from direct sunlight. It would be wise to use a fabric-lined jewelry box with separate compartments. Delicate items might need soft pouches that allow them to breathe. Avoid storing multiple items together as they can scratch softer metals. Use padded jewelry cases if you are traveling in order to keep them extra secure. An organized system will not only protect your pieces but will also make them easier to find.

Clean Your Jewelry Safely & Regularly 

Like with most things, regular cleaning will keep your jewelry sparkling and free from grime. Be gentle with it, of course. Soak your pieces in warm water and mix them with love dish soap. You could even use a soft toothbrush in order to remove dirt from intricate designs. Avoid abrasive materials as they will scratch delicate surfaces. For items that contain a lot of silver, you might want to consider using a specialized polishing cloth. This can restore its shine. Again, do not expose your jewelry to harsh chemicals such as bleach. Be sure to dry your items thoroughly after cleaning to prevent moisture from causing corrosion. Clean jewelry will obviously look beautiful but we’ll also keep everything in much better condition as the years go by.

Protect It From Moisture And Chemicals 

We’ve already touched on this, but it’s worth going into a little more detail. Water and chemicals can completely wreck your precious jewelry. Before you go out swimming or shower – or even wash dishes –  be sure to remove your rings, necklaces, and bracelets. The reason for this is that chlorine in pools and salt water can cause metals to corrode. Similarly, you will want to keep your jewelry away from the likes of perfume and hairspray. This is down to the fact that they can dull gemstones and tarnish metals. Let beauty products dry before putting on your accessories as you will not want them to come into contact with harmful substances. These are only small habits, but they are worth getting into as you will significantly prolong your jewelry. 

Handle With Care

This almost goes without saying, but it’s very easy for people to become blase with their items. Even everyday wear can take a significant toll on your jewelry. If you are taking part in any kind of heavy lifting or using abrasive metals, it’s wise to avoid wearing rings or bracelets. Many metals can crack or chip whenever they are subjected to heavy impact. Always be sure to put your jewelry on the last when you are getting ready in order to minimize accidental exposure to cosmetics. If you are mindful in this way, you can enjoy the beauty of your jewelry for longer. 

Regular Professional Inspections 

Even with your best care, that kind of thing might not be enough. Jewelry can develop issues over time and it may be something that is out of your particular control. Gemstones can loosen in their settings, for instance. It would be a good idea to schedule a professional inspection once a year to ensure that everything is secure. Jewelers will have specialized tools that can detect problems that you will most likely miss. They can tighten settings and polish metals in order to restore things to their previous best. Routine checkups like these will protect your investment and prevent minor problems from turning into serious issues. 

Special Care For Specific Materials

Different materials will require tailored care to stay in the right condition. For example, 22ct gold jewellery is more prone to scratches and dents than any lower-carat gold. Items like these need to be stored separately and you shouldn’t be wearing them during any kind of physical activity. Pearls and opals, for instance, are delicate and should never be exposed to extreme temperatures. Diamonds, on the other hand, are extremely durable but will still chip if they are struck at the wrong angle. If you understand the unique properties of each material, you can adjust your care routine accordingly.

Know When To Remove It 

You simply must know when to remove your jewelry if you want to protect it for the longest time. As we mentioned before, when engaging in physical activities or heavy lifting, it’s a good idea to remove your jewelry. It’s also a good idea to remove your pieces before cooking or engaging in any activity that exposes them to dirt. Being selective about when and where you wear your jewelry can help preserve it.

Invest In Proper Maintenance Equipment 

Just using basic tools might not be good enough. The right tools will make care more convenient. Purchase a soft bristle brush for gentle cleaning and a magnifying glass to inspect things specifically. Anti-tarnish strips can help preserve the shine of items that are prone to tarnishing. The right tools and precautions will provide an extra layer of security for your most cherished items.