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You wash and dry clean your clothes. You clean and polish your bags and shoes. So, why isn’t it a regular a habit for everyone to care for their jewelry in a similar way?
Jewelry pieces are special, no matter what the price point. Whether it’s a pair of earrings by Glizar, a personalized necklace you were gifted from JTV jewelry, an intricate ring, a one of a kind bracelet, or a dainty necklace, they all deserve sufficient care and attention.
When wearing your jewelry, remember to avoid reapplying and directly exposing them to makeup, fragrances, hairspray, oils, creams and any other beauty and skincare products that have substances which can dull, discolor, and tarnish your jewelry. Earrings and necklaces are particularly vulnerable to the spray of perfume and to contact with makeup. You rings and bracelets, on the other hand, are susceptible to lotions and creams which can affect their luster and quality. It’s also best to avoid wearing jewelry while swimming in the sea or in a pool, where salt water and chlorine can ruin the quality of your jewelry, or worse, where you can easily lose the pieces you’re wearing.
After wearing any piece of jewelry, make it a habit to at least gently wipe them down with a tissue, cotton or a microfiber cloth at the end of the day. Rings and bracelets are especially prone to the accumulation of dirt and grime as you wear them throughout the day, placing them in contact with various surfaces. Dainty necklaces can also be susceptible to discoloration, especially when worn on hot days and exposed to heat, sun, and sweat. For that matter, you should avoid exposing all types of jewelry to direct heat and light, which can cause discoloration, especially for colored gemstones.
It’s also important to make the thorough cleaning of your jewelry part of your regular habit. You can easily clean almost all types of jewelry by placing them in a bowl or in a glass with warm or hot water and three to five drops of dish soap. You can also use a soft brush to gently remove any hard to eliminate residue.
Aside from dish soap, you can likewise use two parts baking soda mixed with one part warm water to clean any of your jewelry, especially those made of sterling silver. For gold jewelry, add a dash of salt to the baking soda and warm water mixture.
A third option is to clean your jewelry with hydrogen peroxide, which is not only effective in cleaning but cost effective as well. You can either dab a piece of cotton with hydrogen peroxide and wipe your jewelry or you can soak your jewelry in a bowl with hydrogen peroxide for approximately ten minutes. For designs with crevices and hard to reach areas, use a cotton swab or a toothpick with the end covered with a small piece of cotton in order to clean the area.
You may have the urge to clean your jewelry in a stream of running water from your faucet. However, we extremely advise against this. There’s a high risk of losing your jewelry down the drain when you wash it over your sink with water, especially for dainty necklaces or small earrings and rings. Using a bowl and a towel is the best and safest option.
Before storing your jewelry, gently but thoroughly wipe them down to ensure that they are completely dry in all areas. It’s best to store your jewelry individually in a soft pouch. Of course, another option is to store them in a jewelry box with padded areas and slots that ensure your jewelry pieces do not hit and scratch each other. You may also consider placing a dehumidifier and silica gel packs with your jewelry to ensure they’re moisture-free and that they retain their luster and color.
Last but not least, give your jewelry equal love. Wear your pieces in rotation and alternate the use of your favorite styles. This will help avoid the rapid wear and tear of a few pieces from daily use. While a diamond may be a girl’s best friend, all jewelry deserves special care and attention
