Jewelry Care 101

Preserving your jewelry for generations to come requires care. Regularly cleaning your jewelry will keep it looking incredible, but over time, all jewelry begins to lose its shine.

Here are some jewelry care tips to help you keep your jewelry looking new and bonita.

Avoid chemicals.

Hairspray, lotion, and perfume can be damaging to jewelry. 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.

Storing your jewelry.

After wearing, wipe your jewelry thoroughly with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth and polish with a soft, dry cloth. You may prefer to store pendants hanging on hooks in a jewelry box or lay them flat in a drawer or jewelry roll to prevent tangling. 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.

Use mild cleaners for regular cleanings.

One of the best jewelry cleaning methods involves warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush.

If cleaning jewelry over a sink, be sure to close the drain before beginning.

Almost all colored stone jewelry can be safely cleaned using a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush.

Always thoroughly rinse and dry your jewelry, then polish with a soft cloth after cleaning and before storage.

Know when to take it off.

The swimming pool isn’t an ideal place for your fine jewelry. Neither is the gym. Even when preparing a meal or doing household chores, it’s a good idea to store your jewelry in a safe place.

Some jewelry pieces should not be worn when doing household chores or any other activity where the jewelry could be hit or damaged. Make sure to wipe your jewelry after wear to remove any chemicals, oils or perspiration.