Learn about Jewelry Care

Are you struggling to maintain the original shine and integrity of your favorite jewelry pieces? Here are seven practical recommendations that will keep your jewelry in tip-top shape.

1. Polish it.

For gold jewelry without too many crevices, use a soft polishing cloth to buff those pieces back to new. Alternatively, you can purchase a polishing cream as well as a non-abrasive brush. For more challenging polishing jobs, consider using professionally approved chemical dipping solutions. Please be warned, however, that any sterling silver pieces that have stones (like turquoise), leather accents, and more should avoid dipping. Diamonds are fine in chemical dipping solutions.

2. Store it.

Storing your jewelry when you are not wearing it will vastly decrease visible tarnish. Purchase a jewelry box with padded edges to prevent scratches. Place silica bags or anti-tarnish strips into the box to help slow down the oxidizing process.

3. Protect it.

Investing in a proper travel case will prevent your jewelry from scratching and bumping during travel. Professional travel cases will also keep necklaces and rings from twisting and knotting while you are on the go.

4. Avoid the hot tub.

Never wear your jewelry in a hot tub. The sulfur used in the chemical cleaning substances swirling in hot tubs will tarnish your jewelry in minutes.

5. Don’t get too physical.

Gold and other precious metals are inherently soft and prone to dents and scratches. Avoid wearing your jewelry when you are working out or engaging in moderate to extreme physical activities.
 
6. Avoid secret “remedies.”

Salt, vinegar, and ammonia have been falsely thought for years to help buff jewelry back to new. However, these homemade remedies can actually damage or corrode your jewelry.

7. Inspect it.

Taking the time to regularly inspect jewelry pieces for scratches, dents, rough edges, broken prongs and more will prevent small aesthetic problems from turning into major repairs later on. For diamond engagement rings, inspections should be made either personally or a reputable jewelry every three months to examine prongs and to make sure pave or channel settings are in proper order.