The first step to caring for a piece of jewelry, whether a priceless family heirloom or a simple piece of costume jewelry, is proper storage. Even diamonds, considered the hardest natural substance on Earth, can still chip.
Store Jewelry Properly to Prevent Damage
Gold, a soft metal, can easily scratch and tangle. Pearls require special attention to keep their finish from losing its gleam. In short, virtually all jewelry pieces can be damaged, tarnished, or ruined if the owner neglects to properly house his or her items.
Generally, items should be kept separately, rather than tossed together in a drawer. There are many choices when it comes to storage solutions for a jewelry collection, as the forthcoming section elaborates.
Jewelry Cases for Home and Travel
A fabric-lined jewelry box with dividers is an ideal storage solution, especially for precious and expensive items. These cases have compartments specifically designed to hold necklaces, earrings, and rings. These divisions make it easy to individually protect each piece of jewelry.
Valuables must be carefully stored in all cases, but the issue is particularly urgent when one is travelling. Jewelry rolls or travel jewelry cases are well-equipped for these occasions; both options keep jewelry organized and in pristine condition while the owner is on the go. A jewelry case specifically designed for travel is sturdy and offers a higher level of protection than a soft jewelry roll, but the latter offers the convenience of being easy to tuck into almost any bag.
Jewelry Pouches
For those who don't have a dedicated jewelry case or who have run out of compartments in a smaller one, soft drawstring pouches made of satin or velvet offer an attractive alternative. Jewelry pouches are available in various sizes, colors, and fabrics at craft stores and discount stores, and through online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Aliexpress, etc.
When placing necklaces in cloth bags, one must take care to avoid tangling. After doing so, the jewelry owner should store the bag neatly inside a shoebox or container, where the necklace will be doubly protected. Rather than encasing pieces of jewelry in a pouch, conscientious owners can also individually wrap each item in acid-free tissue paper-an inexpensive method for keeping treasured items safe, and free from scratches and tangles.
Jewelry Trees and Organizers
A jewelry tree or rack is an excellent option for less expensive pieces of jewelry. Made from wood, metal, or plastic, jewelry trees are designed to stand on a dresser or other flat surface, and offer convenient storage for jewelry items that can hang from the branches, or arms, of the tree. Some jewelry trees accommodate earrings as well. Several variations of jewelry trees and boxes are available. These organizers and holders generally have hooks for hanging necklaces, may be of an open design or have doors, and will either hang on a wall or stand on a flat surface. Jewelry trees are more accessible than cases or pouches, meaning that household hazards, such as pets or children, might be a concern.
Keep Jewelry Clean
Dust, skin oil, and other substances can cause diamonds to lose their sparkle. Similarly, the bright, shimmery appearance of platinum, sterling silver, and gold jewelry quickly fades if these pieces aren't properly cleaned and maintained. Estate pieces and vintage items, meanwhile, require special cleaning considerations to prevent damage.
Only those who learn the recommended methods for cleaning different types of jewelry can keep their valuables glistening like new.
Clean Diamonds and Gemstones With Care
A detergent bath is the easiest way to keep diamonds and other gemstones gleaming. It is advisable to use warm water and a small amount of a mild liquid detergent. Detergents containing chlorine are to be avoided, as the chemical is harmful to jewelry. The pieces should be dipped into the solution and, to remove any dirt from the surface and crevices, lightly massaged with a soft brush. A clean toothbrush with gentle bristles works well in lieu of a jewelry brush,, as do eyebrow or lipstick brushes. After the diamonds or gemstones have been rinsed, they should be allowed to air dry, and then polished with a soft cloth. Owners should avoid washing their jewels above an open drain; all it takes is one false move for an irreplaceable item to be forever lost to the drainage system. Once the pieces are clean, owners should avoid handling them excessively; the skin's natural oils can negate a thorough cleaning effort.
Proper Cleaning of Platinum, Gold, and Sterling Silver
The same mild detergent and water solution that can be used to clean stones is also appropriate for gold, silver, and platinum maintenance. After the pieces have been rinsed, they should be further cleaned with a soft brush or cloth, and then thoroughly dried. It is recommended that users use a light, patting motion while drying, rather than an aggressive wiping technique.
White gold requires a particularly gently touch to avoid damaging the thin layer of rhodium that gives the material its distinctive color. Cloths made specifically for cleaning precious metals work well, but soft felt, flannel, or microfiber are good substitutes. Responsible jewelry owners should avoid using tissue paper or paper towels, as these options are abrasive and can scratch the piece's surface. Tarnished silver can be cleaned with a commercial polish, paste, or tarnish-removing wipe, if needed.
Protecting Pearls
Pearls are not as hard as mineral gemstones and require special handling. The best method for keeping pearls clean and lustrous is to prevent exposure to any cosmetics and toiletries; contact with such items is particularly damaging to a pearl's soft nacre coating. After the owner is done wearing the pearls, they should be gently wiped with a soft, chemical-free cloth before being placed in a soft bag or fabric-lined case.
Though exposure to too much water can weaken the string which holds the pearls, the owner can still dampen the cloth with distilled water before wiping the pieces-but only if the jewelry is allowed to dry before being put away. Chemical cleaners or abrasives should never be used on pearls. This advice applies to opal and turquoise pieces as well. Like pearls, these items are porous and delicate, making a careful and regular cleaning routine necessary.
Care for Other Types of Jewelry
Estate jewelry, vintage pieces, and other types of costume jewelry have different recommendations depending on the metals and stones used in each piece. Owners should always bear in mind that moisture is potentially damaging to all types of jewelry-so the less exposure to water and chemicals, the better.
Cameos
Cameos, especially shell cameos, can discolor and crack from drying and aging, and require special care. Once or twice a year, cameos should be gently cleaned with a soft-bristle toothbrush in a mild soap-and-water solution. Owners should rinse the cameo thoroughly with warm water immediately after cleaning. Shell cameos should never be soaked in any cleaning solution for more than 30 seconds. To prevent drying, the cameo should be moisturized with mineral oil or baby oil. Oil can be applied directly with one's finger, a cotton swab, or a soft cloth.
Vintage Jewelry
When one purchases a vintage jewelry piece, he or she generally wants to preserve its beauty and value, as these features are what make the piece desirable despite its old age or antiquated features. To maintain vintage jewelry, a special jewelry polishing cloth or piece of soft fabric should be used to keep the pieces dust-free.
In the event that vintage items are heavily soiled, owners are advised to try lightly dampening the cloth with water or ammonia-free window cleaner. Abrasive and acidic cleaners, as well as ones that contain ammonia, are to be avoided. Vintage jewelry should never be soaked or placed directly under running water.
Costume Jewelry, Plated Metals, and Semi-Precious Stones
For costume jewelry and jewelry made with plated metals and semi-precious stones, maintenance routines are similar to those used to care for vintage jewelry. For example, plated metals are made by covering a less expensive base metal with a thin layer of gold or silver, and are thus prone to scratches and wear.
The foil backing on rhinestones, meanwhile, is easily damaged by even a small amount of water. Due to these frailties, such pieces of jewelry require care. If these items are wiped with a polishing cloth or piece of flannel that has been slightly dampened with water, they - just like the fanciest jewelry pieces - will continue to shine.
Commercial Jewelry Cleaners
Those who prefer to use commercial jewelry cleaning solutions are advised to select one that is specifically recommended for the type of stones and metals in their respective jewelry collections.
When using these products, it is important to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully; failure to do so can result in damage to the valuables. If it is necessary to soak a heavily soiled item, the process should span the shortest duration possible, and the item should be dried thoroughly.
Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Many experts recommend taking fine jewelry, as well as items the owner is unsure how to maintain, to a professional jeweler for an annual cleaning. U ltrasonic cleaners are available for home use as well, but these machines should be used with caution because their high frequency vibrations can loosen stones from their settings or aggravate internal flaws. Some jewelers use a steam cleaning method for thorough, yet gentle, maintenance.
Safeguarding Jewelry
Proper storage and cleaning will keep go a long way toward preserving the beauty of jewelry-but well-maintained necklaces, rings, and watches that are regularly exposed to rough activities and harsh treatment can still be damaged beyond repair. If you are looking to protect jewelry of this sort, be sure to not only care for your valuables in the manner describe above but also observe the following guidelines.
Inspect Jewelry Regularly
Gentle handling and regular inspections of diamonds, gemstones, and other fine jewelry will prevent damage and loss. Check the settings on your diamonds and precious gems periodically to ensure the stones aren't loose and the prongs aren't bent or damaged. Inspect clasps and findings on gold, silver, and platinum chains, bracelets, and earrings to ensure they are in good working order. Examine chains for knots, kinks, or breaks. Take your valuable items to a trusted jeweler once a year for a thorough inspection. The trained eye of a professional is better able to determine whether a clasp needs to be replaced or if worn mountings and loose prongs could lead to the loss of a stone. When detected early, many problems can be resolved-but if subtle damage is left unaddressed, it can lead to the loss of a highly valued stone, or worse.
Beware of Harsh Chemicals
Household cleaning products can weaken and discolor the gems and metals used in jewelry. Remove your jewelry (even wedding rings) before using products that contain acids, bases, or abrasives, or wear long rubber gloves while cleaning. Never wear jewelry in pools or hot tubs, as chlorine is known to cause both gold and silver to deteriorate. It can also damage plated metal jewelry and gemstones. Plus, keeping your jewelry out of the water ensures you never find yourself searching the bottom of a pool for a lost diamond earring.
Apply Cosmetics First
Pearls should be vigorously protected from lotions, hairspray, and perfume. Though somewhat less sensitive to these products, the appearance and integrity of diamonds, gold, and costume jewelry can also be altered by even gentle cosmetics. Always wait until you finish applying all cosmetic items before putting on your jewelry, and remember to carefully wipe each piece with a soft cloth once you take it off.
These inconveniences might add a few minutes to one's daily routine-but they're the difference between dull, weathered jewelry and eye-catching brilliance.
Avoid Rough Activities
To wear a ring, necklace, or other piece of jewelry daily is to expose the piece to constant sources of potential damage. Cleaning, exercise, gardening, and manual labor are everyday activities that can cause breakage or loss. It is thus advisable to remove your jewelry before you engage in rough activities; doing so will safeguard it from scratches, chips, or other damage. Use extra caution when wearing vintage jewelry, as it is often difficult to repair.
Use Caution Around Sinks
This may sound obvious, but a shocking number of diamond rings, gold earrings, and other expensive pieces of jewelry are lost in drains on a daily basis. When cleaning your jewelry, either use a small dish situated away from sinks, or be vigilant with the plug while your expensive items are in the vicinity of an open drain.
Other Tips for Special Items
Some types of jewelry require more specialized care. The quick tips detailed below will help you maintain such items, like watches and pearls, in perfect working order.
Restring Pearls
Pearls, as was detailed above, require particular cleaning techniques-but there's more than cleanliness to consider when maintaining these oceanic jewels. Pearls should be worn regularly, as the natural oils in the wearer's skin help to keep the jewelry moist.
With regular wear, however, the silk or nylon string that unites the pearls can weaken and break. It is advisable to take them to a professional to have them restrung every few years, or as necessary. When they are restrung, make sure that a knot is placed between each pearl to prevent loss in the event the new string breaks.
Re-plating, Re-tipping, Polishing
Prongs on gold and sterling silver jewelry wear down with time and use, and can be re-tipped by most professional jewelers. White gold may need to be re-plated every couple of years to keep it's finish in top condition. If your platinum jewelry loses its shine, take it in for a professional polishing.
Some jewelry items, like watches and wedding rings, are worn on a daily basis. Other items, like antique pearls and rhinestone chokers, only see use on special occasions. No matter how often you wear a piece of jewelry or how much it is worth, with proper care and cleaning, you will be sure to enjoy its undiminished beauty and shine for years to come.
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