If you want your jewelry to look its best for years to come, proper jewelry care and maintenance are essential. Jewelry can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, silver, gemstones, and pearls and each of these materials require specialized jewelry care. Whether you have a solid gold vintage heirloom ring, or a sparkling new gold-filled necklace, taking care of your jewelry requires just a few simple steps. In this blog post, we will discuss some easy tips on properly caring for all of your jewelry.
Properly Storing Your Jewelry
For starters, it is important to store all jewelry and accessories, no matter the kind, to protect them from damage and discoloration. Make sure that your jewelry is always kept away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as both can make them more susceptible to damage. Similarly, try to keep your jewelry away from moisture (like storing it in the bathroom) which can cause jewelry to eventually tarnish. When storing multiple pieces of jewelry, make sure that they are kept separate so that they do not rub against each other, as this can cause scratches and other damage. If possible, store jewelry in air-tight (with the exception of pearls which thrive around moisture and oils!) individual compartments or bags to prevent it from jostling and becoming tangled. Also, try to limit prolonged exposure to oxygen and humidity. We include a small ziplock bag with every purchase for this reason! Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect your jewelry for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose settings, chips, or discoloring which are inevitable with any piece of jewelry if not properly cared for.
Avoid Damaging Chemicals
When it comes to jewelry care, it is important to avoid harsh cleaning solutions or other chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, and ammonia. These chemicals can cause serious damage to jewelry, such as discoloration, weakening of the metal, or even damage to any stones or other materials used. If you are not sure if a chemical is safe to use, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it. Most jewelry pieces can easily be cleaned by using a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents to clean your jewelry. While these products may seem like they will do a better job, they can actually cause more damage to delicate pieces. If absolutely necessary, use a small bowl or cup with warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap (such as Dawn). This combination is gentle and effective. Afterward, rinse your jewelry with warm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. This method is safe for most jewelry, including gold and silver, as long as it is done gently. However, it is not suitable for pearls, opals, or other porous gemstones.
Pearls and other gemstones last much longer when they are in contact with oil or other types of moisture. The best way to ensure they last longer is to wear them! Your natural body chemistry will help keep them intact and prevent them from drying out which can cause them to crack or break easily. Any jewelry with pearls or other gemstones should still avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and cleaners but you can still give them a good wipe down every once in a while if you notice they have a layer of dirt and debris build-up. You will also want to store them differently as they prefer moisture, so an air-tight container is not ideal. Wrap your gemstone or pearl jewelry in a soft cloth or velvet pouch to store them when needed.
When In Doubt, Take It Off.
Taking off your jewelry before certain activities can help preserve it and keep it from getting damaged or discolored. It's a good idea to take off your jewelry before exercising, showering, or swimming to prevent exposure to sweat and other damaging chemicals. Taking off your jewelry before getting dressed, styling your hair (avoid wearing them while using hairspray or other chemicals), or applying beauty products and cosmetics can also help keep it from becoming tarnished or getting scratched. You should also take off your jewelry before bed to keep it from getting tangled in your hair or sheets. Frequently removing your jewelry gives you time to inspect your favorite pieces to know how they are holding up or to see any damage or tarnishing that has occurred and you can easily wipe away any dirt or debris when doing so. When in doubt, take off your jewelry to help it last longer and look better. Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity, and wipe them gently after each wear to keep them looking shiny and new.
Put Your Pieces on Rotation
Proper jewelry care is essential to ensure that your pieces remain in the best condition for years to come. One way to do this is to rotate your jewelry pieces regularly. By rotating your pieces, you can help prevent long-term wear and damage from happening. This is especially important for jewelry that is worn frequently, such as wedding rings, necklaces, and watches. Rotating your jewelry pieces can also be a great way to mix and match different jewelry combinations. This is especially helpful if you are always looking for new ways to accessorize your outfits. Rotating your pieces can help you create new and unique looks, while still keeping your jewelry in the best condition possible. At the same time, you should also remember to take off certain pieces of jewelry every few days. This will help ensure that your jewelry stays in the best condition over time. When you take off the pieces, make sure to store them in a safe, dry place. This will help ensure that your jewelry remains beautiful and undamaged for years to come.
We hope you find this helpful when it comes to caring for your favorite jewelry pieces! To learn more about our jewelry, you may find this article helpful: "Gold-filled vs Gold-plated Jewelry, Which One Is Right For You?"
Here at Wander and Lust Jewelry we only use the highest quality materials for the price point of our jewelry. All chains and fixings (clasps, tags, etc.,) are 100% gold-filled or sterling silver to ensure the highest quality piece. We want you to rock your W+L pieces for as long as possible so we only use the best materials to do so! Though we hope you don't, if you ever have any questions or concerns with your purchase or the quality of your pieces purchased from us, please reach out so that we can fix it and ensure it won't happen again!
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