How to Take Care of Jewelry: 9 Tips

How to take care of jewelry is a question that often comes up, as it is important to protect our investments. Here are ten tips to help you take care of your jewelry and keep it looking its best.
1. Buy the Right Jewelry
Avoid cheap jewelry. Worthwhile pieces are made to last for years or even decades. They need less maintenance due to their quality materials and construction. Don't buy sterling silver plated with real silver, as it will wear off quickly.

2. Take Off Your Jewelry Before Going to Sleep
Jewelry can leave indentations in your skin while you sleep that can stay there for days afterward, so always take it off before going to sleep at night. If taking off every piece is impractical, only remove the items that are causing an issue, such as a bracelet or tight ring that leaves indentations on your hand or finger.
3. Clean Your Jewelry Regularly
Clean your jewelry regularly to remove dirt or oil that can accumulate over time and damage the piece's finish. A soft toothbrush with gentle soap works well for cleaning any crevices of more intricate pieces, while a simple cloth dipped in warm water can be used to more easily clean flat surfaces. Always pat the jewelry dry with a clean paper towel or cloth afterward to avoid spotting on the surface. You may also consider investing in polishing cloth which is cheap and easy to use but also does not cause damage if they are not fully impregnated with polishing material.
4. Avoid Heat and Water
Heat and water will damage fine jewelry, so avoid exposing your pieces to these elements when possible. Not only will heat cause the metal to change color or lose its polish, but it can also warp a piece of jewelry if exposed for too long. Keep this in mind, especially when it comes to leaving a ring outside on a hot day, as doing this can severely warp the shape of your finger! When cleaning your jewelry with warm water, make sure that you do not leave it immersed for too long as well.
5. Store Different Metals Separately
Different metals react to one another, so it is best to store them separately. For example, gold jewelry should not be stored with silver as the two may cause corrosion spots on the other metal. You can prevent this by storing each piece in a cotton cloth or pillowcase before placing them into your storage container.
6. Inspect Your Jewelry Regularly
Inspect your jewelry regularly for any stones that may have come loose, sharp edges that might need smoothing down, or other signs of wear and tear. This will help you catch problems early on and avoid unnecessary damage to your pieces.
7. Have It Professionally Cleaned and Serviced Regularly
Jewelry retouching is a great way to refresh the overall look of your pieces by removing any tarnish or scratches that may have occurred over time. It is one of the best ways to keep your jewelry in good condition. Make sure that you clean it first, then get in touch with a trusted jeweler that will be able to give your piece the attention it needs. It's important that you get in touch with someone highly recommended, as cheaper alternatives often do more damage than good by applying too much pressure or using abrasive materials which can scratch or damage the item. Ask around for recommendations before committing, if possible, so you are certain you get quality service at a fair price.
8. Don't Let Others Touch Your Jewelry
Never let anyone else wear your jewelry, even if it's a spouse or child. This can lead to damage from scratches or breaks if one of them accidentally loses its grip. In addition, jewelry pieces containing gemstones may not be suitable for others due to the fragile nature of most stones and associated settings.
9. Remove Jewelry When Doing Dirty Work
Jewelry can easily become damaged when exposed to chemicals due to the material. Some substances like chlorine and bleach can discolor or weaken the metal, which may cause it to break or corrode over time. Avoid wearing jewelry while doing cleaning work, especially with harsh chemicals.
Jewelry is a precious and valuable possession that can be damaged easily. For these reasons, it's important that you take good care of your jewelry. Apply the tips from this guide regularly, and you'll soon be able to enjoy your jewelry for years to come while keeping it in pristine condition!