Jewelry Storage and Cleaning
There are so many specialty items that I come across with people. One item that comes up a lot is jewelry. It’s easy to know what to do with costume jewelry but what about those precious metals and gems? Today’s guest author is Shane Thompson with Windsor Fine Jewelers . He and his family have been in the jewelry business for quite a while so take a read below to find out some of the best ways to clean and store your jewelry.
Just as no two pieces of jewelry are crafted exactly alike, no ideal cleaning and storage of each piece of jewelry is exactly alike. Gemstones and metals are unique and therefore they must be treated as such. For example, the pearl is handled differently than a tanzanite gemstone. It is because of this that I am going to break down the best way to clean and store different pieces of jewelry.
That being said, there are some standard tips for cleaning and storing jewelry. The most ideal way to store your unique pieces when they aren’t being worn is with a cloth or plush-lined jewelry box that contains individual compartments. It is important to make sure that your jewelry remains clean and dry to avoid tarnish. To achieve that, aside from storage, the most valuable tool for cleaning your jewelry is most likely already in your home. An old toothbrush is a great tool for getting your jewelry back to its original shine. If you are concerned with keeping silver from tarnishing, keep in mind that the tarnish is form of oxidation and the oxidation can come from sulfar in the air or in humidity. If you have a silver item that is difficult to keep clean, you can try an old trick by storing in a sealed bag with a small box of chalk. The chalk will draw the moisture from the bag.
If your jewelry is accented with some color the cleaning techniques may differ. For example, the May birthstone of the emerald requires gentle care. To remove dust or smudges of your emerald gemstone we recommend a cotton swab or a soft lint-free cloth. Avoid hard scrubbing or leaving the jewelry to soak. A gentle hand is key with these gemstones. An old toothbrush, some water, and a cotton swab should do the trick.
Jewelry that is gold or platinum, and/or with diamond, ruby or sapphire, it is easy to clean this with very warm water and a toothbrush. You can even soak the items for a while to loosen the dirt.
The classic style of the pearl combines the look of sophistication and boldness. This popular gem is delicate in it’s nature and therefore it cannot be maintained in the same fashion as other jewelry. Below are six tips for cleaning and storing your pearls to keep them looking their best.
Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after every wear to prevent oil build ups on the surface of your jewelry
Use a damp cloth to clean only as needed! If you want to use soap, only when the pearls are visibly stained, make sure you use mild dish soap mixed with lukewarm water. Never submerge your pearls in the water because it will weaken the thread.
After using the damp cloth make sure that you let your pearls dry completely before storing them. This will help maintain the integrity of the silk strand.
Wear your pearls! Pearls have always been associated with water and they thrive in a moist environment. Wearing your pearls frequently keeps them from drying out.
Find a separate space to store your pearls! Because pearls have a low scratch resistance we recommend that you store them in a separate fabric-lined compartment.
Contradictory to some necklaces that can be hung on a jewelry rack, pearl strands should always be stored flat to avoid stretching.
Finally, I have put together some overall useful tips for when to take off your jewelry for protection. It is recommended that you take off your jewelry when going to the gym, applying beauty products, swimming in a chlorine pool or hot tub, or when you’re cleaning with harsh chemicals or soaps.
image from www.windsorfinejewelers.com