6 Ways on How to Take Care of Your Jewelry

Many people collect and wear jewelry because it holds real meaning and value in so many ways.

Jewelry does not only symbolize love and celebration of milestones, but it has also become a representation of wealth. Buying jewelry pieces is usually considered an investment for most people as it continues to increase in value every year.

The best way to keep your jewelry beautiful and looking like new is to take care of it.

Here are some simple ways how you can give a little love and care to your jewelry pieces:

1. Take off your jewelry before you go to bed

   Surely, sleeping with your jewelry on is not the most dangerous thing in the world.
   However, keeping them on even while sleeping can cause damage to both the jewelry and you.

   If you are a restless sleeper who tosses and turns between the sheets throughout the night, sleeping with a piece of jewelry on can put you at more risk than you probably realize.

   The chains of your necklace, bracelet, or anklet can get tangled in your hair, sheets, or worse, around your neck. In the worst case scenario, your necklace can choke you or the pendant can poke your eye.

   As if sleeping with your earrings on is not already uncomfortable enough, going to bed with big and heavy earrings on can elongate your earlobes.

   Your earlobes will droop and sag if you don’t give them time to rest from wearing earrings. Dirt, bacteria, oil, and tarnish build-up on jewelry over time can also cause your piercings to smell bad.

   Wearing your jewelry to bed also puts your pieces through needless wear and tear.

   You can scratch or crack your rings when you accidentally hit your bed, nightstand, or headboard in your sleep. You can also wear out the prongs or lose stones of your jewelry when it gets tangled up with your sheets or clothes.

2. Clean with a soft, dry cloth after wearing them

   While there’s no harm in wearing your favorite pieces every day, regular exposure to skin oils, sweat, dust, makeup, perfume, hairspray and other chemicals can tarnish and dull the shine and brilliance of your jewelry.

   You should clean your jewelry regularly with a soft microfiber cloth to help prevent the formation of buildup and tarnish on your jewelry.

   Gently wipe off every piece of your jewelry after each use to remove any dirt and oils. Make sure your pieces are clean and dry before storing.

   Related: Jewelry 101: Effective Ways To Clean Your Jewelry

3. Store your jewelry in an airtight container or plastic bag when not being worn

   Even when you’re not wearing your jewelry, you still need to take care of them.

   Jewelry can also sustain damage in storage when you don’t do it properly. The way you store your jewelry can really affect the longevity and beauty of your pieces.

   In order to maintain the beauty and brilliance of your jewelry, make sure to store them in a clean, cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight when not being used. Regular exposure to light, air, and moisture can cause your pieces to dull and tarnish.

   Store your jewelry pieces separately in an airtight container or plastic zip-lock bags. This will not only help prevent your jewelry from getting tangled or scratching other pieces, but it will also protect it from tarnishing.

   You can also invest in dehumidifiers or put chalk or silica packs in your jewelry box to absorb moisture.

4. Avoid exposing any of your pieces to chemicals (e.g., perfume, hairspray) and water

   If there is one general rule to help you take care of your jewelry on a daily basis, it must be: put it on last, take it off first.

   Makeup, perfume, hair sprays, soap, lotions, and even water can potentially damage and dull your pieces over time. Regular exposure of your jewelry to these products can result in product buildup and the formation of a film on your pieces.

   Similarly, you must take off your jewelry when cleaning or swimming. Chlorine and household cleaners can weaken and damage your jewelry’s structure and finish with repeated exposure.

   Knowing when to wear and remove your jewelry will maintain the shine, shape, and integrity of your pieces.

   Related: Learn How to Protect, Clean, and Care for Your Stone Properly

5. Dry clean all of your items at least once a year for the best results

   From your everyday pieces to your special pieces that you only wear on special occasions, all your jewelry could certainly use a good polish even just once a year.

   To maintain the value of your jewelry, make sure to schedule a general cleaning for all your pieces. All fine jewelry must be cleaned individually with care. You can choose to do it yourself or schedule an annual maintenance appointment with your jeweler.

   Regular check-up is important to make sure that the prongs are tight, no diamond is loose, and there are no hairline cracks in your pieces.

6. Put away all of the accessories that are no longer in use so they don’t get lost or tangled up with other pieces

   How you store your jewelry can either help or harm them. That’s why it is always safer to store your pieces separately in a jewelry case.

   Put each piece individually in its own pouch or plastic to avoid scratching. This will also prevent chains and necklaces from getting tangled or breaking.

   Having proper jewelry storage can also make your life easier when you want to wear them again. Apart from you will easily know where to find them, you will also be assured that your pieces will maintain their value and beauty in a safe place.

A little love and care…and sometimes, professional help

Ultimately, jewelry looks better and lasts longer when you know how to take great care of it.

All the above tips are great ways for you to take care of your fine jewelry on a daily basis.

However, we recommend taking your jewelry to jewelers like Shira Diamonds for it to be professionally cleaned.

Contact us today or check out more information on how to clean your diamond with our guide.

More from Shira Diamonds

Is a Diamond Investment Worthwhile?
The Value of Blue Diamonds