Jewellery holds a special place in our hearts, serving as not just accessories but also as cherished keepsakes. To ensure your favourite pieces retain their sparkle and luster for years to come, proper care is essential. In this guide, we'll explore practical tips on how to care for your jewellery at home, preserving its beauty and significance.
Understanding Your Jewellery:
Do you know the materials and gemstones in your jewellery?
Begin by identifying the components of your jewellery. Different materials require different care methods. For example, pearls and opals are more delicate compared to diamonds or sapphires. Organic stones must be dealt with care. No harsh solvents!
Cleaning Techniques:
What cleaning solutions are safe for your jewellery?
Regular cleaning is crucial, but not all pieces can withstand the same cleaning agents. We'll discuss safe methods for cleaning various types of jewellery, from gentle soaks to specialized cleaning solutions.
At home methods include soaking in warm water diluted with a mild dishwashing detergent. Clean gently with a soft toothbrush to remove excess dirt and grime build up. Only a professional jeweller can completely polish your jewellery to its original condition and remove obvious wear and tear.
Storage Tips:
How do you currently store your jewellery?
Proper storage is often overlooked. Discover the importance of keeping your jewellery in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and air exposure.
Silver tarnishes naturally to the atmosphere. To keep your silver looking like new, wipe any dirt and fingerprints off the piece with a soft cloth and then seal in an airtight plastic bag to prevent oxidation.
Gold tarnishes over time due to the oils in your skin. Wipe with a soft cloth to remove excess oil and fingerprints.
Platinum does not tarnish or oxidise. It will remain looking good!
When storing jewellery containing gemstones in the same place, be careful that the gemstones do not rub together as they can wear away at each other, or potentially scratch one another.
Some jewellery boxes cause a different kind of tarnish to occur on the surface of gold and silver jewellery. This is due to the glues that have been used to finish the box during manufacturing. At Lily Grace Jewelllery, every box is handmade from sustainable timber in New Zealand. These do not cause any issues with solvents etc.
Daily Wear Guidelines:
Do you wear your jewellery during certain activities?
While we love flaunting our favourite pieces, certain activities can be detrimental to jewellery. Learn when to remove your jewellery to avoid unnecessary wear and tear, such as during exercise, cleaning, or applying beauty products.
Weights during a gym workout are a major cause of dinting jewellery and creating large scuff marks, so take care and remove your jewellery before heading off for your workout.
Organic jewellery, such as coral and pearls, should not be worn in pools etc where chemicals abound.
Professional Maintenance:
When was the last time you had your jewellery professionally inspected?
Schedule periodic check-ups with a professional jeweller to ensure settings are secure and stones are intact. The importance of routine maintenance to catch any issues before they become significant problems cannot be understated! Get your jewellery checked every 12 months to 2 years. Claws wear and catch, leading to stones falling out. Rings worn together, rub and wear the sides of settings leading to eventual breakage of the whole side of the ring.
DIY Repairs - Yes or No?
Have you ever attempted to repair your jewellery at home?
While some minor adjustments can be made at home, it's essential to understand the limits of DIY repairs. Discover when to seek professional help and when it's safe to make small fixes on your own. Quite often, well meaning relatives attempt to "fix" your jewellery. This can lead to a small repair becoming a major overhaul if not a complete remake. Especially if the well meaning relative has lead soldered the repair. This can be quite catastrophic to a piece of jewellery.
Preserving the beauty and integrity of your jewellery is a rewarding practice that ensures your cherished pieces remain as stunning as the day you acquired them. By following these tips and understanding the unique needs of your jewellery, you can confidently care for
your collection at home, creating a legacy of enduring elegance.
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