When we talk about fashion and image-making, we often think about how to preserve our clothes for longer, while limiting consumption and saving more money. But do we often think about how we should properly care for our jewelry? Although jewelry is usually much more durable and lasts longer than clothes or many other elements of our style, it is not completely invulnerable and wears out just as much.
So, if you want to enjoy your jewelry for as long as possible, it's useful to familiarize yourself with a few practical tips that can help ensure that your jewelry lasts you as long as possible.
Jewelry storage
First of all, you should give your jewelry a gentle wipe before putting it away. Sweat, water, dust, and other everyday dirt can affect your jewelry, so giving it a light wipe every now and then will keep it looking like new for longer.
When storing your jewelry, try to choose a place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight and heat from radiators or other heat sources. It is recommended to store jewelry in a dry, dark and airtight place to make it more resistant to oxidation. Also, if you have the opportunity, store your jewelry in a box with compartments, where it will be separated from each other, not scratched and not tangled.
Where you store your jewelry is also important. Necklaces and long dangling earrings are usually most convenient and practical to store hanging, but if you have pearl necklaces or jewelry made from individual beads or stones, such items should be stored horizontally to prevent stretching the thread on which they are strung. Meanwhile, pendants, rings, and other earrings should be stored in separate boxes or bags.
General advice
- Gold and silver jewelry: Jewelry made of gold and silver should be stored in a dry and cool place, separate from other jewelry, or placed in fabric bags - this will reduce the risk of scratching the jewelry.
- Gold or silver plated jewelry: It is recommended to store such jewelry as far away from direct sunlight as possible and separate from each other to prevent scratches.
- Pearl jewelry: It is recommended to store them in a horizontal position and try to keep them separate from other jewelry.
- Diamond jewelry: Diamond jewelry should be kept separate from other jewelry, and it is useful to wrap it in a piece of material to protect it from scratches.
Wearing jewelry
There is a very simple but important rule – put your jewelry on last and take it off first. It is important to protect your jewelry from contact with perfumes, cosmetics, hairspray and other products that may contain strong chemicals. If you use certain skin care or makeup products, wait until they are absorbed into the skin before putting on or clipping on the desired jewelry.
It is not recommended to wear jewelry while cooking, doing various household or gardening chores. During such activities, we often use various chemicals, which can easily damage jewelry when in contact with them.
It is recommended that you remove your jewelry when swimming or engaging in other activities that may cause you to get wet, including sports that involve sweating. This is especially true when swimming in a pool that contains chlorine, as the chlorine can darken and make your jewelry more fragile. Additionally, jewelry (especially rings or bracelets) can be lost when swimming or showering with it.
Sleeping with jewelry on is also not recommended, as you can injure yourself and damage the jewelry, so it is best to put it in a safe place at night. Protect your jewelry from physical impact to avoid irreversible damage.
Jewelry cleaning
This is a very important part of jewelry care. If you want your jewelry to last you for many years and always look like new, you should devote enough time and attention to its care. However, each piece of jewelry is different and therefore requires different care solutions, which you can learn about from your chosen jewelers. In addition, to make it easier for you to properly care for your cherished and favorite jewelry, you can read our other article - " How to ensure that jewelry looks great ".