With the change in seasons, closet overhauls are in full effect! I’ve noticed you are thirsting for some expert advice on how to care for your precious gems. Jewelry has been hot on my mind as well with the anticipation of our new collection coming soon, so I’ve gathered my best tips on storage, cleaning and general maintenance so you can fall in love all over again with your signature jewels!
Tip # 1
Keep your jewels enclosed. And not just for safe keeping but more importantly to prevent tarnishing. Leaving your jewelry out, exposed to the natural elements like air and moisture, will lead to oxidizing which is the fancy way to explain why your precious metals suddenly look cloudy, dull and dark.
Tip #2
Invest in a clear case. Not only are these great for organization, but they help you remember to accessorize. There’s nothing worse than searching for that one dainty chain you know will pair perfectly with the new studs you just bought! This way you’ll be able to scan quickly and without having to untangle a mess. Pick your top 15 pieces for the season, whether precious or semi precious, and store them front and center. Giving them prime real estate will help save you time.
Tip #3
Anti-tarnish strips are great for a little extra preventative measure. Place them in your closed case and they will absorb harmful sulfides and other pollutants keeping your treasures super shiny!
Tip #4
Storing delicate chains can lead to chaos if you’re not careful. I suggest placing them in clear plastic bags, with the clasp hanging outside of the bag. You’ll never have to dissect a ball of necklaces again!
Tip #5
I know you said “Til death do us part…” but that didn’t apply to your ring. Taking all of your rings off at night will save you from knuckle swelling and pain down the road. Put them back on in the morning after you’ve applied your make-up. Often times hairsprays, cosmetics and perfumes can contain damaging chemicals. Oh, and they’re also not invited to deep-cleaning in the kitchen, gardening, or high-intensity contact sports…you get the idea.
Tip #6
We all treat ourselves to special pampering from time to time and the same applies to the needs of your jewels. Take them in to an expert, like Trio’s Studios, or your Fred Meyer jewelry department for a deep clean leaving them sparkling just like new! Ask them to check that your gems are secure in their settings and that all links in necklaces look secure. Having your jewelry professionally cleaned is a great opportunity to get an expert eye on any pressing needed repairs or prevention.
Tip #7
If you want to try cleaning harder stones at home like diamonds, rubies or sapphires, I suggest an ultrasonic cleaning device. Such a device uses high-frequency pressure sound waves to agitate water and remove impurities and dirt. You can add a solvent or just simply use water and leave your pieces in for at least 3-6 minutes, 10 for your gems in greater need.
Tip #8
For softer stones like pearls, onyx, jade, malachite, amber, and lapis, use a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Polish with a chamois cloth at the end and Voila!
Tip #9
When cleaning metals like silver gold and platinum, your best bet is sticking to warm water and soap, however they are also safe to use in an ultrasonic cleaning device. Polish them with an anti-tarnishing cloth.
Tip #10
If you there are fingerprints or oil stains on copper, silver or brass cuffs, the polishing cloth may not be enough. Use a very fine gauge steel wool to buff out marks with swift and gentle pressure leaving the piece shiny and fresh!
For more wardrobe and jewelry care tips and tricks visit my recommended products page. If you’re looking for a good jeweler or other wardrobe care experts, check this out!
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