Jewellery Care

Over time, all fine jewelry begins to lose its shine. Swarovski Crystal, Pearl and some Gemstone Jewelry is delicate and special care should be taken to prolong its lustre.  Silver and other metals will eventually tarnish. Deposits of debris and daily grime will cause gemstones to look dull and dirty. Following a jewelry cleaning and care regimen can preserve the life of your jewelry and keep it looking great for many years.

Here are some jewelry care tips to help you maintain the stunning appeal of your jewelry.

1. Store your jewelry in a clean, dry space.

This seems like an obvious tip, but at the end of the day, we’ve all been guilty of tossing our jewelry in a drawer or on the nightstand. It’s best to keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case that has compartments and dividers for your jewelry. If you don’t have a jewelry case, make sure to wrap each piece of jewelry in a soft tissue or paper before placing it in a drawer. This will prevent scratching and tangling. For sterling silver jewelry, get an anti-tarnish bag or cloth to limit exposure to air and moisture or just use a small plastic zip bag like the one that came with your jewelry.

2. Avoid damaging chemicals.

Hairspray, lotion, and perfume can be damaging to certain types of metals and colored gems. Precious metals like gold and silver are especially susceptible to discoloration from these everyday care products. When getting ready in the morning or preparing for a night out, set your jewelry aside, or better yet, leave your jewelry in its case until you’re ready to wear it.

3. Use mild cleaners for regular cleanings.

Do not use any liquid cleaner as it can damage the crystal or gemstone.  One of the best jewelry cleaning methods involves warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush.  Use a lint free cloth to gently polish the sterling silver, gemstone or crystal.  If the back of your Swarovski Crystal has a foil coating, it is delicate and can be easily damaged. 

Organic gemstones like pearls, coral, ivory, and amber should not be cleaned ultrasonically. The same applies to gems impacted by heat and temperature changes like tanzanite, moonstone, opal, turquoise, and topaz.

4. When in doubt, take it off.

The swimming pool isn’t an ideal place for your jewelry. Neither is the gym. Even when preparing a meal, taking a shower or doing household chores, it’s a good idea to store your jewelry in a safe place. Not only will this protect your treasured pieces from harsh chemicals and debris buildup, but it will also help you avoid losing your jewelry. Retrieving your earring or necklace from the bottom of a pool drain is a nightmare you should never have to experience.

So remember, a great rule is to put jewellery on last and take it off first.  If you look after your jewellery you will have it for many years.  Most important, enjoy wearing it!

If you have any questions please email me through the CONTACT page.