How to Clean your Jewelry
Diamonds by Wire GIA certified 2ct Pearshape 18k White Gold Engagement Ring
When you get a brand new piece of jewelry .. it’s sparkle and shine are what make it stand out ! Over time that sparkle may start to dull with everyday exposure to life. Things like moisture, lotions, chemicals, dust, dirt, oils, and friction all interact with your jewelry on a daily basis causing it to lose it’s luster….. but no worries .. properly cleaning and taking care of your pieces will ensure that they keep that gleam for generations to come ! A quality piece of jewelry taken care of routinely will last a lifetime. So how can you take care of your gold/diamond jewelry collection ? Let’s get into it
How to Store Your Jewelry
Your jewelry should all be stored in a way that they are not touching each other or on top of each other.. keep them separated whether that be in it’s own compartment in a dedicated jewelry box or in individual pouches. When jewelry is stored together it can cause friction, scratching , different metal interactions and tarnishing over time. Ideally the jewelry should be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight .. keeping them in a clean dry area is best. Another thing to consider is the material making contact with the jewelry .. choose a soft lined jewelry box so that when you put your pieces into it they drop down onto a soft surface with no friction.
How to Clean your Jewelry
Before you reach for the toothbrush …… read this. A toothbrush can be a useful tool in renewing the shine of your diamond jewelry BUT you have to be very careful to choose a SOFT bristled tooth brush , so in our opinion .. the toothbrush should be reserved for the more significant grime. If you do use a toothbrush make sure you use one that is only for your jewelry and to scrub very gently when using it. Harder bristled brushes can scratch your jewelry and using a brush also runs the risk of a bristle getting stuck under prongs and manipulating them.
The best way to do it ? It’s simple ! Here is what you need
Tools - Bowl, two soft clean cloths (like a jewelry cloth), simple dish soap
Method - Fill a bowl with warm water and dilute some simple dish soap into it (use an oil/moisturizer FREE dish soap like classic dawn). Put your jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. Take jewelry out of the bowl and rub it gently with a wet soft cloth. Rinse the soap off of the jewelry and dry it with a dry soft cloth.. Repeat if needed.. store the jewelry in a clean dry place afterward .. do this routinely!
Maintenance and Services
Even with regular at home maintenance , bringing your more valuable pieces (especially engagement rings) in for yearly service is highly recommended if you wear them often. Your ring needs to be serviced annually by a professional. A ring service will include a professional cleaning, proper inspection , repair of any common damages (like losing small stones on pave settings or scratches on the band ) , polishing, and dipping if your piece is white gold. These services are necessary to preserve the quality and value of your pieces.
Mindful Tips
-Try to take your jewelry off when you bathe and sleep
-Take your rings off when you are in the gym, washing dishes, washing hands with moisturizing soaps, putting on lotion, sweating a lot, cleaning, getting a manicure or doing anything in which your hands are getting dirty.. avoid chemicals coming in contact with your ring.
-Set an annual date for ring services.
- If you’re traveling , buy some travel soft fabric pouches or a travel jewelry box to store your pieces on the go.
-Buy a few jewelry cleaning cloths to keep in your home and purse
-Call a professional for any damages, bends, lost small stones , or other needs.
-Appraise and insure your more valuable jewelry pieces.
-Remember that jewelry is NOT indestructible … it will need to be maintained and cared for. Make it a routine to clean your jewelry , fix it when needed and service it yearly .. your collection is special and valuable .. treat it that way!
When you’re a client with us , we are always available to communicate about your jewelry needs wether it be questions about maintenance, needing an appraisal, or needing to send it in for repair .. we have your back !
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