5 Simple Tips to Help Your Jewelry Last
Almost any jewelry is subject to tarnishing or dulling over time when it comes in contact with air, moisture, oil, chemicals, or even just your skin. The price of a jewelry does not measure its resistance to scratch and tarnish! If you just bought some of your favorite jewelry, then let’s focus on maintenance so you can wear it for a long time. Here are some general tips to help you get the most of our your jewelry.
Store your jewelry
Find a jewelry storage box or organizer that will protect your jewelry from sunlight, air, and moisture. Having separate slots or sections for your jewelry will also prevent your jewelry pieces from scratching from each other. You can also add anti-tarnish strips which will absorb the elements in the air that would cause tarnish.
Keep your jewelry clean
Clean your jewelry before storing it again. Sweat, lotion, perfume, or oil can be oxidizing agents. You’ll notice this when Sterling Silver starts to turn green (this is normal and harmless). Just make sure to clean and polish often.
Silver N Style’s jewelry come in their own box with a gentle cleaning cloth.
Keep your jewelry dry
Moisture or liquid is the fastest way for jewelry to rust. Dry your jewelry if you get caught in the rain, or take your jewelry off before a shower. Put on your jewelry last so you can avoid spraying on skincare, perfume, hairspray, etc. onto the jewelry.
As an extra measure, keep your individual jewelry in air-tight zip lock bags before storage. Most jewelry come in their own jewelry pouch/box.
Remove your jewelry
Try to avoid taking a shower, go swimming, or going to the beach or gym with your jewelry on. Exercise equipment can scratch your jewelry, and moisture and heat can tarnish it. Carry a pouch or box for your jewelry so you won’t lose them.
If you wear the same pair of earrings or the same gold necklace, make sure you clean them occasionally from any dirt or oil that builds up on the jewelry.
Use safe cleaning methods
A traditional cleaning method involves warm water and mild dish soap (no detergents). Make sure you clean off the soap and dry it completely before storing it. Avoid acidic or abrasive materials like lemons or toothpaste.
Take extra caution when using ultrasonic cleaners. While precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum jewelry are great for ultrasonic machines, organic gems, pearls, and certain costume jewelry cannot withstand the ultrasonic waves. Diamonds and harder, non-porous gemstones can work in ultrasonic cleaners, but they might start to get loose from their setting.