HOW TO KEEP YOUR JEWELRY CLEAN LIKE A PRO

With 2024 well underway, you might have embarked on some new year resolutions, and one of them could be taking a better care of your jewelry.  Or maybe you just want to avoid paying for expensive cleaning services and would like to know how to prevent your jewelry from tarnishing.  Whatever the case might be, we are excited to share with you some useful and practical tips to help you maintain your jewelry clean and in sparkly.

THREE USEFUL TIPS FOR PROPER JEWELRY CARE

There are different ways to take care of your jewelry depending on the materials that constitute it. However, there are some universal rules to abide by. Here, we will cover three simple yet crucial ones that will keep your jewelry shiny for a long time. 

1.       PUT ON YOUR JEWELRY LAST

One very important thing to keep in mind is to complete your outfit by putting on your jewelry last; that is after not only clothing but product application as well.  Many cosmetic products such as lotions, cremes, perfumes, and hairsprays can significantly damage jewelry depending on their ingredients.  This is even more the case during winter months when cold and windy weather can dry our skin and we tend to use more hand lotions, for example. Make sure to apply any of these products on your body first, wait for it to absorb, and then accessorize yourself.  So, to sum it up, jewelry should be your final step in completing your look. 

2.       AVOID WEARING YOUR JEWELRY WHEN EXERCISING

You might not be aware that doing harsh physical work can damage jewelry.  But sweat from your workout routine, or even doing certain housework can alter jewelry over time. Typically, any type of body fluids or moisture can undoubtedly cause damage.  Even operating certain equipment, be it the gym machines or mower, can scratch it or visibly impair it.  So, make sure to do all these exercises without your jewelry on.

3.       DON’T WEAR YOUR JEWELRY IN WATER

Swimming pools, spas, or even a regular shower can all damage your jewelry.  Steaming sauna produces a lot of moisture and therefore can be detrimental to your jewelry health.  Swimming pools are notorious for chlorine that is very harsh on jewelry.  But water in general is not a friendly habitat for jewelry, so try to avoid wearing it in showers too whenever possible.  Another activity to avoid while wearing jewelry is washing dishes, as not only water but certain detergents can have jewelry damaging ingredients.       

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR JEWELRY BY MATERIAL

Jewelry cleaning has much to do with the materials that make up the jewelry.  Cleaning silver is not at always the same as cleaning gold, just as cleaning gold is not the same as cleaning pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, and so on.  Therefore, knowing what your jewelry consist of will give you a better insight into what you’ll need to do to keep it shiny and new, just like when you first purchased it. 

v  CLEANING SILVER JEWELRY

Silver jewelry is best cleaned with a warm water and a bit of a mild dish soap or, even better, baby shampoo.  Place your jewelry in this solution and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it and letting it dry.  You can also use dry cloth to rub over it afterwards.  Try to avoid using toothpaste, as its ingredients can damage silver, contrary to what you might have heard.

v  CLEANING GOLD JEWELRY

You can use the same solution for gold jewelry as for silver and can leave it in for longer since gold is more durable.  Also, you can use a brush to remove residue from gold as it can endure being brushed over.  To finish off, you can use cloth as well to rub over it and dry it.

v  CLEANING PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES

To clean precious and semi-precious stones try to use milder solution, as with water and baby shampoo, and remember to brush over it gently as they can be dislocated and fall off.  Also, try to avoid cleaning them near or in the sink as if the stones do fall off, they can go down the sink’s drain.  

v  CLEANING PEARLS

Pearls are extremely delicate and therefore should be treater with extra care.  When cleaning them, avoid water at all cost as it can break the silk thread.  Instead, use a dry soft cloth and smoothly rub over them.  If you feel that it is not enough, you might use a dump cloth, but never fully dip them in water.  Make sure they are completely dry before storing them, as moisture is destructive to them.

IN CONCLUSION

Now that you know all the tips and tricks to keeping your jewelry ultra clean, you can have the confidence to wear them wherever whenever.  Flaunt your beautiful jewelry pieces everywhere you go because you know you can take care of them and clean them like a pro!