Taking care of your jewelry is an important step that will help maintain its luster and keep it shining like new when you want to wear it. Although all silver and even gold-filled and bronze can tarnish if neglected for an extended period, jewelry cared for appropriately can last for generations and easily be restored to its original shine.
Here are just a few tips for you to remember as you take care of your jewelry:
Store your jewelry in a dry, clean place. I’ve talked to many a friend or customer who likes the convenience of hanging their jewelry in close proximity to their shower. Even though this looks pretty on the wall and is easy to grab as you’re getting ready, this exposure to humidity will accelerate tarnishing and wear and tear on your jewelry. If you have a soft fabric jewelry bag or anti-tarnish bag, that is the ideal way to store your jewelry as it will limit the exposure to moisture and air. Even wrapping it in a soft tissue in a drawer would be better than hanging on a wall in the open or near a shower.
Avoid chemicals that could damage stones and metal. Though it is tempting to put it on earlier, always put jewelry on last after you’ve applied perfumes, lotions, and hairspray. These chemicals can damage finishes, natural gemstones, and crystals. There are some chemicals used in beauty products that can even discolor precious metals over time which are particularly susceptible to damage. It’s best to get fully dressed with hair products and makeup already applied before taking your jewelry out of its case or storage bag and putting it on for your occasion.
Use the milder cleaners for cleaning your jewelry regularly. If you have a very soft brush, using that with warm water and a mild dish soap can be one of the best ways to clean your jewelry. Be very careful especially with rings or other settings that have long prongs so that the brush does not aggravate any of the metal working. Many people like to use the ultrasonic jewelry cleaners and while those can be very helpful, they can damage jewelry if not used correctly. Gemstones, like pearls, opals, apatite and other soft or porous organic stones, should not be put in an ultrasonic cleaner. These cleaners can also permanently change the color of certain stones like emeralds, amethysts, topaz, moonstone, and others. There are some jewelry pieces that should not be placed in water at all, like the stamped items that I frequently make for customers. Those should be lightly buffed with a soft cloth to bring back their shine, when needed.
Take off jewelry before swimming, showering or sleeping. Though I love hearing from customers that they don’t ever take their jewelry off (it's truly an honor to have made something that means so much), it’s important that jewelry is taken off when swimming underwater, showering, or sleeping. Prolonged exposure to water and possible chemicals like sunscreen can damage the jewelry. The friction involved in sleeping can stress the chain and clasps over time.
Protecting your earrings. When gardening or doing other active things like exercising, climbing mountains, or riding roller coasters, it’s important to wear rubber earring backs so ear wires won’t fall out of your ear. Though I’m usually able to create a replacement earring, there are some stones that wouldn’t be able to be matched as well as the original because they are so unique, so taking precautions will help with preventing loss.