How To Care For Your Jewelry
I totally understand how busy life can get. Who has the time to clean jewelry regularly, right? But trust me, a little effort in cleaning your jewelry can go a long way in extending its lifespan. After all, we've already invested our hard-earned money in these pieces, so why not make sure we can wear them for as long as possible? In this article, I'll share some general rules of thumb for caring for your jewelry and then dive into specific care tips based on different materials.
Day-to-day maintenance (It literally takes only 30 seconds!)
Use a soft cloth (flannel or linen cloth) to gently clean your jewelry after each wear. I want to point out that the soft cloth mentioned here is different from a polishing cloth, which can be abrasive on the jewelry if used too often. If you know you've sweated a lot or used sunscreen heavily that day, it's better to rinse your jewelry under warm and clean water to remove any residue.
Deeper cleaning (Takes less than 7 minutes)
Find a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild or gentle soap.
Let your jewelry soak in the mixture for a few minutes.
Use a super soft toothbrush to gently brush off any dirt and grime. Pay extra attention to the areas around the clasps, as they are more prone to build-ups.
Rinse the jewelry under clean water and use a soft cloth to dry it.
Before storing your jewelry away in the pouch or box, make sure it's thoroughly dried.
Now, let's talk about the care for different materials:
Solid Gold
Although solid gold doesn't tarnish, it still loves some care and the occasional polishing to maintain its beauty. You can use the deep cleaning method mentioned above to clean your solid gold jewelry once in a while. Store it away in a pouch or box to reduce air flow and avoid direct sunlight.
Gold Filled
For gold filled jewelry, daily maintenance and regular deep cleanings are highly recommended. Without proper care, gold filled pieces might not be able to last as long as we hope for them to be. You can find the common factors that cause the gold filled jewelry to tarnish here. Store your gold filled pieces in a pouch or box to reduce air flow and steer clear of direct sunlight.
Sterling Silver
925 Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver with other bondings to reinforce the durability. While it's perfectly fine for day-to-day wear, sterling silver jewelry can tarnish when exposed to oxygen and sulfur. You can easily wipe off the tarnish using a polishing cloth. A little reminder though, sterling silver is still considered quite soft and can be prone to scratches. Store it in a pouch or box to reduce air flow and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Pearl
Pearls are organic gemstones with a natural luster and hue. They are sensitive to acidity and chemicals, so it's best to avoid wearing them in the shower. The good news is, pearls love to be worn! They don't like being stored away because your body oil helps maintain their beautiful glow. To clean your pearls, use a soft cloth (not a polishing cloth!) with some warm water and a tiny bit of gentle soap.
I hope these tips help you take good care of your jewelry pieces. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me through IG DM or email. I’d be happy to help!
