Everyone owns at least one special piece of jewelry that holds sentimental value. This piece of jewelry probably has a particular place in your heart, from the moment you saw it in the store to the first time you put it on and made it yours. So, naturally, the goal is to continue to wear this piece for a very long time. That is why it is essential to learn how to take care of your favorite jewelry piece, as well as the rest of your jewelry collection.
Regular maintenance of your jewelry collection is important because regardless of the materials of your jewelry, they all lose their luster over time. A regular cleaning routine for all jewelry types may keep them in excellent condition for many years. As a matter of fact, both costume pieces and collections of fine jewelry need excellent care, starting from correct storage to gentle cleaning.
If you're not sure where to begin, here are four ways to learn how to take great care of your jewelry fast and effortlessly.
Learn when to clean them and with what products
Jewelry is an expensive accessory that everyone enjoys wearing, but it is essential to carefully create a plan for long-term maintenance. They are made from different materials, so the main thing is to avoid using strong cleaning chemicals and find out what’s the best way to clean certain types of jewelry. This is especially important if you own pearls because they are formed of nacre, which can be easily damaged by strong chemicals. If pearls are not properly cared for, their inherent beauty and value may be ruined.
For instance, if you decide to wear a classic white pearl pendant necklace or a set of black Tahitian pearl earrings, there are a few things you need to know to protect them, so you can wear them for a long time. First, apply your makeup and perfume before putting on your pearl jewelry. When you're ready to remove them, wipe the pearls with a warm, soft cloth to remove any remaining body oil, makeup, or perfume. After you finish, place them in a clean box, and don’t put any other type of jewelry to avoid scraping the luster of the pearl.
Keep it in a tight box
Apart from careful cleaning, you should avoid keeping your jewelry in a damp environment, particularly the bathroom, since this may tarnish the material faster. The best way to preserve your jewelry is by keeping it in a fabric-lined box with sections and dividers. A quality box is an excellent investment because it will keep your valuable jewelry sets clean, protected from moisture and constant exposure to outside conditions, and preserve their natural color.
In fact, the global jewelry box market reached a value of $0.168 billion in 2022, and it is expected to reach an even higher value of $0.244 billion by 2030. This only proves that a lot of people understand the importance of owning a jewelry box, and decide to invest in it so they can keep their jewelry pieces in top shape.
Let your jewelry dry
Once you finish cleaning the jewelry, you should leave it to dry well. The reason is that there might still be some moisture left, which can easily damage the material of the jewelry. Let the jewelry dry well for at least an hour after you finish cleaning, before putting it in your jewelry box—this will allow the moisture to evaporate completely.
Prepare a jewelry cleaning kit
It is great to have a quality jewelry box and carefully chosen cleaning products at home. However, when you travel, you cannot bring everything with you, so the best way to stay ready is by taking a little plastic storage container and preparing a simple jewelry cleaning kit.
Put all sorts of cleaning equipment, such as jewelry-safe silver polish, a brush with a soft bristle for reaching into crevices, glue for reattaching broken pieces, and polishing and drying towels made of soft chamois leather. This way, you will always be prepared to preserve the value of your favorite jewelry pieces.
Final thoughts
Caring for your jewelry is essential to preserving its value and beauty. Every piece, from diamond rings to pearls, looks better and lasts longer when properly cared for. Learn the cleaning procedures in detail and take your time when implementing them, making sure to keep your jewelry collection looking as good as new. By properly caring for your jewelry, you may save money on replacing or purchasing new pieces down the line.