We often keep our jewellery for years, especially pieces that have been gifted to us. With that in mind, it’s important that you know how to take care of your jewellery so that it remains as beautiful as the day you received it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an expensive piece of jewellery or it’s just your favourite ring or necklace that you’ve had for years, taking care of your jewellery can help it last a lifetime.
Looking after your jewellery includes cleaning, repairing and storing it properly to maintain its original condition. Daniella Draper offer some top tips in taking care of your jewellery.
Where to store your jewellery
It doesn’t matter if you only own a couple of necklaces or you’ve got a whole treasure trove of jewels; you should store them properly and safely to ensure they remain in great condition. Ideally, keep your individual pieces in their own boxes or pouches; if you have a jewellery box, give each piece its own compartment.
You should be especially careful with gemstones and pearls as they can scratch or tarnish very easily. Remember to keep the bags your jewellery arrived in; this can sometimes be the easiest way to store your most treasured pieces.
Reducing damage
If you wear the same jewellery everyday, it’s at more risk of getting damaged while you go about your daily business. When you’re wearing your jewellery, keep away from extreme temperatures or humidity; you should also keep it away from any bleach products.
We often have necklaces or bracelets that we rarely take off, but you should avoid spraying perfume or applying creams where it might catch your jewellery. You should remember to remove any jewellery when you’re bathing, and if you go in chlorinated or salty water.
Cleaning your jewellery
You should take great care when it comes to cleaning your jewellery as you don’t want to cause any damage; it’s easier than you think to scratch the surfaces of your necklaces, bracelets or rings.
Rubbing alcohol can help clean off extreme grime on metal, but if you’re unsure then simply use soap and water with a soft brush. Make sure you dry the metal with a soft, lint-free cloth; don’t use tissue or paper towels as they could potentially leave scratches.
Cleaning gemstones should just require a wipe with a soft cloth; be aware that some stones should be kept away from harsh chemicals as they can dull the colour of the stone and even cause erosion. Porous stones, like emerald or turquoise, and delicate gems like pearls should be treated with a dry, soft cloth only.
Top tips to remember
Sterling silver can tarnish quickly over time because it is an alloy of silver and other metals, like copper. Your silver necklace or earrings will tarnish less if you wear them regularly, as it will stop the metals from oxidising with the air as quickly.
Pure gold is the only precious metal that won’t tarnish, but it can be quite a soft metal and extra care should be taken. The higher the carat weight, the softer the metal; it is recommended that you wear rings of a similar carat together. For example, 14ct gold will be more resistant to scratches than 18ct gold.