10 ways to keep the jewelry clean and tarnish-free

Jewelry is a lifelong investment for every jewelry lover. Each piece you own tells a story of heartfelt memory, a memorable stage in life, or the times that you hold closer to your heart. Just like everything else in life, jewelry pieces also need love, care, and attention to last longer. Over a few years, if you don’t keep your jewelry in the right conditions, it can tarnish, lose its luster, or simply break quickly. This can lead to a loss of sentimental value and a waste of your investment. In this article, we are going to share 10 tips that will help you keep your jewelry shiny, clean, and corrosion-free. Follow these rules and keep your pieces looking like you just bought them from a store.

Keep the jewelry away from chemicals:

Preserve the beauty of your jewelry pieces by keeping them away from harsh chemicals. Every substance, like hairspray, deodorant, perfumes, household cleaning products, or even perfumes, contains strong chemicals that can quickly react with the metal and gemstone. This can cause quick discoloration and tarnish. Other examples include chlorine in swimming pools, seawater, and even skin care ingredients can also damage metal. Always take your jewelry out before you apply beauty products, go for a swim, or even clean the house. Just following this tab can make a big impact and keep your jewelry looking perfect.

Use microfiber to clean the jewellery:

Microfiber cloth is the best when it comes to cleaning objects like jewelry pieces. It has a gentle yet effective way to maintain your jewellery’s shine and prevent damage. Unlike paper towels that can scratch delicate metal gemstones, microfiber is a soft and lint-free option that takes away dirt particles and oils without leaving any residue. Simply clean your jewelry pieces at the end of the day with a clean and dry microfiber cloth, as it can remove all surface impurities. Suppose you don’t clean your jewelry every time you wear it. In that case, it can build up dirt and oil residue over time that can ultimately take off its lustre. Invest a good 10 to 20 minutes to wipe your jewelry and ensure no small crevices are left behind. This simple habit not only keeps your jewelry looking fresh and polish, but also prolongs its life.

Take it out before sleeping or bathing:

Continuous wearing of jewelry can also damage it. Therefore, removing your jewelry before bathing or sleeping is essential when you sleep with your jewelry on, chains can tangle, glass can loosen, and delicate settings may bend or break under pressure or friction against bedding. Rings and bracelets may also get caught on fabrics, leading to damage. Similarly, keeping jewelry on while showering can expose it to water, soap, shampoos, and other bath products that can leave a residue or cause irreparable tarnishing. Moreover, steam from hot water can also weaken the adhesive used in certain jewelry pieces. Keep the structural integrity intact by taking out your jewelry in situations when it’s not necessary.

Store different metals and stones separately:

Another crucial step is to store jewelry crafted from different metals in stone separately. This will prevent scratches and other possible damage. Each metal has a different harness and reactivity level. When these metals are stored together, harder metals can scratch soft ones. Certain metals can even cause chemical reactions that ultimately speed up the transition process. Similarly, gemstones also differ in hardness. For instance, diamonds are the strongest stones that can scratch softer stones like pearls. To avoid this issue, keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry organizer. This process preserved the surface brilliance of every item and also made it easy to find the pieces.

Keep the jewelry dry:

One of the simplest ways to prevent tarnish is to keep your jewelry dry. Moisture is the enemy of every jewelry piece. Be it humidity, air, sweat, or accidental contact with water, any of these factors can cause major discoloration and loss of shine. Prolonged exposure to damp environments can also weaken jewelry claps, loose stone settings, and dull the surface of gemstones. If the piece comes in contact with moisture, take it out, wipe it with a microfiber cloth, and store it immediately. I suggest everyone keep silica packets with each jewelry piece, as they can keep the pieces moisture-free.

Use protective pouches for travelling:

Jewelry gets the most damage during travelling. Therefore, using protective purchases for travelling is an excellent way to keep your jewelry organized and free from damage. When jewelry pieces are packed loosely in a suitcase, they can easily get tangled, scratched or even bent due to friction. The tiny protective pouches, especially the ones made from soft, non-abrasive material such as velvet, offer an effective barrier. No matter how bumpy your travel experience is, your jewelry will always be safe this way. Organizing your jewelry in accordance with metals and gemstones so that hardened metal jewelry doesn’t rub against soft metal jewelry. The simple yet thoughtful step ensures uncanny longevity to your jewelry pieces.

Schedule professional cleaning once every 6 months:

Professional jewellers have the right solution, tools, and expertise to deep-clean each piece safely. Even though regular jewelry cleaning at home is very crucial, it still cannot remove tiny dirt particles from the jewelry items. Right after one visit from the jeweller, your jewelry starts looking like a new piece, and all the brilliance is effortlessly restored. This is especially important for frequently worn items like a classy name necklace, which may accumulate more residue from daily contact with skin and clothing. By making professional cleaning a regular habit, you maintain the beauty and sparkle of your jewelry while extending its lifespan. Professional cleaning also helps to identify any potential issues with your jewelry, such as loose stones or weakened settings, before they become a problem.

Protect against extreme weather conditions;

Protecting the embellishment against extreme weather conditions is a key factor when it comes to keeping it in pristine condition for years. Excessive heat can cause metals to expand and weaken settings. On the other hand, extreme cold can make the metals brittle and more susceptible to damage. High humidity speeds up tarnishing, especially in silver, and can also cause lose of the adhesive used in some jewelry designs. Temperature changes can also harm delicate stones like pearls, emeralds, and opals. Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in hot places like cars, near windows, or exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.

Clean jewellery every month:

As mentioned before, regular home cleaning of the jewelry with soy water and soft clothes is all the cleaning you need to keep the embellishment sparkly and fresh. Use a soft-bristle brush that does not scratch the metal to take out extra oils, dead skin cells, or any debris. Lukewarm water ensures minimal damage to the jewellery pieces. Make this a monthly routine and preserve your valuable pieces for years to come.

Avoid jewellery during a workout.

Avoid wearing jewellery during workouts to protect it from sweat, friction, and accidental damage. Physical activity can cause chains to tangle, clasps to break, and gemstones to loosen or fall out. Sweat and body oils may also accelerate tarnishing, especially on silver and plated pieces. By leaving your jewellery off during exercise, you ensure it stays safe, clean, and in perfect condition.

Conclusion

Rightful maintenance of jewelry pieces can long their life and keep them looking good for years ahead. This article features tips and tricks to keep precious and semi-precious jewelry items looking new effortlessly.