How to Protect Fine Jewelry
We all have that one piece of jewelry we’ll remember forever. From the time you saw it in the store to the first time you slipped it on and made it yours, this piece of jewelry holds a special place in your heart.
But over time, all fine jewelry begins to lose its shine. Silver and other metals will eventually tarnish. Deposits of debris and daily grime will cause gemstones to look dull and dirty. Following a daily jewelry cleaning regimen and jewelry care best practices 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 fine 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. Such as the Kosiner organizer case (https://www.kosiners.com/PO201214LH-2_kosiner-pink-jewelry-organizer-case?search=box) 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. Fortunately for our customers Kosiner provides you such bag with every order.
2. Separate by type
It’s always a good idea to separate and store jewelry by type, so the different metals don’t tarnish when they interact. To avoid confusion, Fine jewelry should never be stored in the same vicinity as your costume, silver, or gold-filled jewelry, so placing these in a jewelry box with drawers or dividers is a good way to prevent this.
Gold
Gold is relatively malleable and can be scratched and damaged by harder gemstones. To avoid this from happening, keep your gold jewelry pieces stored individually in soft cloth bags or even wrapped in tissue paper in a box.
Silver
Store your silver in a jewelry box lined with cotton or felt. The fabric helps absorb any excess moisture and prevents your jewelry from discoloring. You can also store your pieces loosely wrapped in a pouch to limit air exposure for an extra layer of protection.
Regardless of how it’s stored, silver jewelry should be cleaned twice annually but be careful not to over polish, which causes damage.
Diamond
Even though diamonds are known to be the hardest substance, they can still be scratched by another diamond and can scratch softer metals. For this reason, diamond pieces should be stored away from your other jewelry in something like a dry box that protects them from humidity.
Pearl
Due to their gentle composition, pearls should be stored somewhere away from other hard jewelry items that might scratch their surface. Pearls interact with plastic and are prone to oxidation. They contain trace amounts of water, so you shouldn’t store them in an airtight environment that will make them brittle and damage their luster. Pearls should instead be stored in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewelry box.
3. Avoid damaging chemicals.
Hairspray, lotion, and perfume can be damaging to certain types of metals and colored gems. Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum 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.
4. Use mild cleaners for regular cleanings.
One of the best jewelry cleaning methods involves warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. However, ultrasonic jewelry cleaning has become popular for jewelry lovers looking for a more thorough approach to cleaning their jewelry.
If you’re considering ultrasonic cleaning, it’s best to leave your jewelry in the care of trained jewelers who understand how to use this technology safely. Ultrasonic cleaning can sometimes shake gems loose or chip gemstones if used incorrectly. Plus, 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.
5. When in doubt, 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. 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 ring from the bottom of a pool drain is a nightmare you should never have to experience.
6. Insure your jewelry.
Accidents happen. It’s impossible to predict when disaster will strike, whether a burglar cleans out your jewelry box or a fire rips through your home leaving nothing behind. That’s why it’s always a good idea to insure your jewelry. In the tragic event something happens to your precious pieces, you have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
A jewelry appraisal is typically one of the first steps to insuring your jewelry. You’ll need to visit a certified appraiser who can determine the value of your piece or collection.
If you are still confused or have any questions about fine jewelry care please contact our customer service, or write to service@kosiners.com, we are honored to help you with any question.
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