wartamoro.com, Jewellery Can shimmer as though they're indestructible, yet even the sturdiest gemstones and metals can yield to deterioration over time if not properly maintained.
No matter if it's gemstones, metals, or an inherited treasure, a piece's luster may dull and its worth decrease with time if not maintained correctly, which becomes increasingly significant as gold prices rise and individuals consider selling their jewelry or purchasing new items as investments.
"Jewelry is akin to automobiles as they both demand regular upkeep and specific storage conditions," stated Heather White, a jewelry creator, metal artisan, and instructor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston.
Straightforward daily routines can result in harm or disappearance: stud earring carelessly placed on a nightstand might get lost, rings taken off during handwashing could slip down the drain, and dumping all accessories into one bin often causes knots and scuffs.
Know what you have
There isn’t a universal method for caring for jewelry since every piece has different materials and usage patterns. Consider where each item is positioned on your body and how often it comes into contact with surfaces. For instance, a ring endures significantly more everyday use compared to a brooch.
The level of care needed for an item relies on its material, location of use, age, and fragility, along with various other aspects.
“ One One of the key points to remember is understanding the type of jewelry you own, as not every piece requires the same level of care," explained Amanda Gizzi, a representative for Jewellers of America, a non-profit trade group located in New York City .
If you're purchasing jewelry, a trustworthy jeweler can provide maintenance guidelines customized for each item. Should you have doubts, make sure to inquire.
Even basic at-home cleaning can breathe life back into a long-loved piece. No fancy products required —just a lukewarm water bath with a drop of mild dish soap, like Dawn, which contains surfactants to break down grime. A soft, clean toothbrush can help loosen dirt. You’ll see the residue left behind in the water.
Gizzi mentions that using a bit of Windex, which includes surfactants, could also be effective. Steer clear of products containing bleach and avoid harsh cleansers. For tougher gemstones, a non-abrasive toothpaste may suffice; however, refrain from applying this method to more delicate materials such as pearls or opals.
Lapis, aurum, and additional metallic elements
Sturdy as they may be, metal accessories rely heavily on their composition and manufacturing process for longevity.
For example, sterling silver tends to discolor quickly, particularly when it isn’t frequently worn or if your residence has a gas stove.
When you light a gas stove, it emits small quantities of sulfur gas," explained White. "This isn’t harmful to humans, but it can gradually cause discoloration on silver over time.
Gold can generally be worn in the shower, as long as the piece isn't gold-plated. Plated gold involves a thin layer of gold electroplated onto another metal, and that layer can wear off with friction or exposure to soaps and chemicals.
And whatever the metal, store pieces separately. “If two pieces of metal rub against each other, it increases surface scratches,” said Emily Cobb, jewellery designer, metalsmith and instructor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Gemstones, pearls, and various rocks
The maintenance of gemstones differs significantly based on their hardness levels. Gemologists utilize the Mohs scale, which assesses a mineral's scratch resistance, ranging from talc at level 1 up to diamond at level 10.
Diamonds Rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are known for their hardness and durability. Nonetheless, jewelry featuring these gemstones ought to have their settings checked periodically over the years to prevent losing a stone because of a loosened prong.
Gentle gemstones such as pearls and opals demand careful handling. When you're adorned with these gems, refrain from using hairspray, perfume, or lotions. It’s advisable to have your pearls restrung periodically, whereas opals ought to be shielded from direct sunlight, as this may change their hue.
Body lotion and soap can accumulate within a gemstone’s setting," explained Cobb. "This buildup can cause the stone to lose its luster. Regular cleaning helps immensely—whenever you can, try removing your jewelry before taking a shower.
Keep watches ticking
High-end timepieces necessitate periodic maintenance, however, ensure you understand what your warranty encompasses. Bringing your watch to a non-certified professional might invalidate it.
Also, avoid exposing watches to magnets, which can interfere with internal components and cause them to stick or stop. To clean, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the band.
Store necklaces separately
In the meantime, necklaces require careful storage.
" Necklaces should preferably be kept apart from each other," stated Simone Paasche, the creative director at Spur Jewellery, a New York-based firm known for revamping family heirlooms.
If they are kept separately and won’t move around, you don’t need to stretch them out," she explained. "A lot of jewelry boxes come with small hooks, which work really well.
Stacked styles—nicknamed "neckmess" online—are trendy, yet when taking them off, remove each piece individually to prevent knots. Additionally, make sure to fasten the clasp before storing your necklaces, advised Jennifer Gandia, who owns Greenwich St. Jewellers in New York City.
“This reduces the chance of knots or tangling with another necklace,” she said.
Need to store one on the go? A plastic zipper bag will do in a pinch. Just don’t wrap it in a tissue.
“You might forget and throw it away,” Gandia said.
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