The Best Way To Clean and Condition Your Jewelry
Jewelry is often the most meaningful and personal expression of style. It's also one of the most fragile and needs to be cared for with tender loving care to maintain its beauty. Follow these tips for a lifetime of good looks!
1) Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals such as chlorine from pools or hair spray.
2) Be sure to store all metal pieces together, so they don't touch other pieces made out of different materials like leather or plastic.
3) Try not to wear your jewelry when you sleep, bathe, or work out because those activities can lead to the discoloration of stainless steel jewelry over time.
4) Bring along a small soft-bristled toothbrush on trips - it will help keep dirt from collecting under the prongs of your jewelry.
5) Avoid storing your jewelry in airtight containers where it could corrode or tarnish easily.
6) For earrings, when you take them off, keep them straight through gentle pressure on the back to prevent earring holes from stretching out.
Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals
One of the top causes of jewelry tarnishing is exposure to chemicals, like chlorine from pools or hair spray. The best way to avoid this is to keep your jewelry in a bag when you're not wearing it and store it away from your clothing, which can have dryer sheets or chemical-based fabric softeners.
In addition to pool chemicals, be wary of other household chemicals like paint thinners or nail polish remover. These substances contain harsh elements that can eat away at your jewelry and cause it to tarnish faster.
Storing all metal pieces together
Store all your metal jewelry together in a small container. This is important because if two pieces are made from different materials touch, they may transfer color or deteriorate. Be sure that your container is closed and airtight, especially if it contains strands of beads.
Where to store jewelry
Try to store your jewelry in a location that is free from dust, humidity, extreme cold, or extreme heat. Also, avoid storing it near direct sunlight since this will cause tarnishing and fading of gemstones. When not worn, always keep your jewelry in its original container or another box made specifically for the safekeeping of silver and gold pieces.
Preventing tarnishing
Avoid allowing your jewelry to come into contact with hairsprays, perfumes, or body lotions since these contain chemicals that can tarnish silver and gold over time. Also, avoid storing pieces in places where they will touch by accident, like a makeup compact or small bag. If you use a cleaning solution on your jewelry, be sure to rinse it off thoroughly before wearing items like silver rings.
How to clean jewelry
Cleaning your jewelry regularly will help prevent and remove dirt, oils, and grime that could cause problems over time. Scrub the piece gently with a solution of warm water and mild soap. Rinse it off thoroughly with clear water and pat it dry. If you like, you can also clean your jewelry using hydrogen peroxide and a soft cloth. This will kill germs without the need to rinse afterward.
How often should I clean it?
You want to clean your jewelry after every couple of wearings or at least once a week so that they remain shiny and new-looking. Also, be sure you use the proper cleaning materials and methods to avoid damage to your expensive pieces.
Your jewelry is a substantial investment that will last for years if you take a few minutes each day to care for it properly. Follow these tips and enjoy wearing your favorite pieces for many more years!
Try not to wear jewelry when you sleep
Don't wear your jewelry when you sleep, bathe, or work out. Activities like these can cause discoloration of stainless steel over time.
Clean your jewelry in a solution of water and mild soap
If you wear jewelry often, it is important to clean it regularly. You can use water and a mild dishwashing liquid or soapy water to clean your silver and gold. Make sure that you rinse the solution off thoroughly after cleaning your jewelry to avoid damaging its finish. Using a soft toothbrush will help get into hard-to-reach places too! If you have gems set on your ring or bracelet, make sure not to use any chemicals when cleaning them, as they could be very sensitive to chemicals like this. Just brush with soapy water instead! When you finish cleaning your jewelry, remove residual particles by rinsing with distilled water before drying with a lint-free cloth.
Don't use harsh chemicals or jewelry-cleaning machines to clean your jewelry
Jewelry that is not made with precious metals can usually be cleaned with any commercial cleaning agent. Oils, soap scum, and cosmetics can compromise the finish of these pieces. Airing out your jewelry is one of the best ways to remove this residue. Never use harsh acids like bleach or peroxide to clean, as it could damage your handcrafted piece! It will also diminish certain gemstones' colors and/or clarity. If you are unsure about a specific chemical's effect on your piece, don't even try! This will ensure that you keep your stunning gems looking their very best for many years to come! Use only mild liquids and soaps on your precious metals. It's a good idea to rinse your jewelry under running water after removing it. Sometimes small particles, such as skin flakes and dirt, can get trapped in the jewelry setting and will only show up when you clean off the soap residue. If you notice any build-up of grime or discoloration on your gemstones, use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive jewelry cleaner to gently scrub away these impurities.
If you have rings with stones set into prongs (like diamonds), try not to put them through excessive wear by stacking other rings above them or wearing them for long periods without removing them from your finger.
Avoid storing your jewelry in airtight containers
Jewelry is a precious and beloved possession for many people. Even so, it is essential to avoid storing your jewelry in airtight containers such as plastic bags. When you store your jewelry in these types of containers, it can make the metal sweat and loosen its setting over time. This leads to tarnish that you cannot see with the naked eye. This is bad because it reduces the value of your jewelry. Always store your pieces in sealed boxes or pouches, separated by sheets of tissue paper to prevent friction from scratching each other. You can also store your handcrafted jewelry on chains or in velvet bags for added protection.
Conclusion
Jewelry is often the most meaningful and personal expression of style. It's also one of the most fragile and needs to be cared for with tender loving care to maintain its beauty. Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals such as chlorine from pools or hair spray. Be sure to store all metal pieces together to not touch other pieces made of different materials like leather or plastic. Clean your jewelry regularly to prevent and remove dirt, oils, and grime that could cause problems over time.
Don't wear your jewelry when you sleep, bathe, or work out, as these can decolorate stainless steel. Clean your jewelry in a solution of warm water with mild soap and clear water and pat it dry. If you like, you can also clean your jewelry using hydrogen peroxide and a soft cloth. Avoid storing your jewelry in airtight containers such as plastic bags. If you have rings with stones set into prongs (like diamonds), try not to put them through excessive wear by stacking other rings above them or wearing them for long periods without removing them from your finger. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive jewelry cleaner to gently scrub away these impurities.