A Guide To Keeping Your Jewellery In Perfect Shape
by Northern Life
Jewellery is often seen as an investment, especially when purchasing higher-end pieces. Due to the amount of money spent, it is key to keep your jewellery in pristine condition. It can be hard to know how best to clean and store your precious accessories. Here is a guide to help you do just that.
Understanding the basics of jewellery care
The first factor that should inform the type of care you can take is the metal type of your jewellery. Gold, silver, and platinum are the most common metals used, and all have different care requirements.
Gold is a softer material than silver, so you should use soft clothes and brushes. Silver is more durable and can handle a slightly harder touch. Avoid any abrasive materials that could scratch the silver bands and settings, though, as this can ruin the look.
Many jewellery pieces have precious gemstones set in them. Diamond necklaces, which are a staple for many jewellery-wearers, are fairly hardy, as diamond is one of the hardest natural materials. Usually, a wipe with a damp cloth will be enough to remove any grease or dust.
Daily wear and care
Although it seems counterintuitive, wearing your silver jewellery daily can actually help to keep it in good condition. Tarnishing occurs when the silver reacts to sulphur in the atmosphere, and whilst it doesn’t damage the metal, it does cause it to lose its shine.
It may seem obvious, but make sure you remove any rings or bracelets when doing manual work, even less physical jobs such as cleaning and washing up. This can lead to scratches and dents, which are more challenging to repair.
As mentioned, a damp cloth is enough to clean precious jewels when they get a bit discoloured. For metal chains or bracelets, colourless and fragrance-free dish soap with warm water can be used—just make sure your items are dried thoroughly before use.
Storage and safekeeping
The jewellery market is full of different storage options. From simple travel pouches to jewellery boxes, there are many options that focus solely on storage and display. While these options are great for keeping small collections at home, they aren’t the most secure.
If you have an extensive collection or one that you have put a lot of money and time into, you’ll want it to be as secure as possible. You could invest in a safe to have at home specifically for your jewels. This will keep it safe in the event of a burglary.
Insurance is always a good idea for expensive items, and jewellery is no exception. Check your policy for any caveats about storage and care; some policies require a regular valuation to keep the policy valid.
