How To Take Care Of Your Jewellery.
Simple Cleaning.
Generally cleaning your jewellery with with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled toothbrush is best. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Gentle rubbing of the gold or silver surface of your jewellery using a soft jewellery cloth will help restore shine. It’s not recommended that you wet pearls or bead necklaces, simply wipe them over with a soft cloth after wearing and store.
Personally, I don’t like Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners as this method "literally shakes the dirt off your precious piece”, which can damage softer gemstones and pearls.
Storage
Always store your jewelry in a jewelry case or in the box it came in. It’s really important to keep each piece separated from one another. If your jewels are all jumbled together harder stones can scratch softer ones and necklace chains or bracelets can become tangled and break. Something you definitely don't want to happen.
If you have designated storage for each piece, you’ll always know where to find it.
Put It On Last Take It Off First.
A simple guideline to help you take care of your jewelry is to put it on last, to finish your overall look, and take it off first before changing your clothes or going to bed.
Your jewelry should always be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Perfume, hair sprays, and body lotions can potentially harm and tarnish your pieces, especially gold and rhodium plated jewellery, so always apply these before you put on your jewels.
Pulling a top off first can yank a chain in half or send an earring flying. If you are going shopping and know that you will be trying clothes on it's best to leave your jewelry at home. If you forget carefully take clothing on and off and check to be sure you have all your pieces, including all earring backs, before leaving a changing room.
Avoid The Sun.
It's best not to keep your jewelry in a place that the sun can’t get to it because sunlight can have a detrimental effect. The colour of some jewel pieces can be altered if it's in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Storing away from heating vents and other heating sources is also a good idea. Likewise sweat can damage jewellery so make sure you don’t forget to remove your jewellery, especially gold and rhodium plated jewelry, when you exercise or do anything that requires heavy physical work. Also remove jewellery when swimming as chemicals and salt can cause damage.
Lay Pearls Flat.
Pearls need specific care. When you finish wearing a pearl necklace lay it flat to prevent the silk thread from stretching. This also applies to or any other jewel that is composed of individual stones or beads strung together. Store them separately in a pouch or the box they arrived in.
Regular Check Up.
Take rings that have claw setting to a reputable local jeweller for a periodic check up about every 12 months. It is crucially important to have your solitaire rings regularly checked; especially the strength and condition of the claws holding the central gemstone in place. These prongs can become loose with regular wear, or by accidently being caught on, or knocked against something.
Losing something you love or that means a lot to you is not only the worst feeling ever, it can be a very expensive exercise as well. It's better to not take any chances.