Taking Care Of The Ones You Love - Part 2
Last time we talked about 5 ways to keep your jewelry looking pristine in daily use. But what if you are the type of person who just bought an elegant piece that is perfect for that event in a few months? How do you keep it looking its best so that you can look your very best? Today I will share a few ways of how to store the most common jewelry and how different metals require special attention.
General Storing
The most important thing to remember is that not all jewelry is created equal. There are many different metals and gemstones that require different care. First let’s talk about proper care for metals and second gemstones. In general, all jewelry should be stored in a dry and clean place such as a fabric lined jewelry box or display. If you do not have a jewelry box it is acceptable to use a reusable container that can be lined with a soft cloth. Resist the urge to throw all jewelry together in the same space. This can cause tougher pieces to scratch more delicate pieces. Necklaces and bracelets should be clasped to prevent tangling and rings should store individually from each other. Although you can get most pieces of jewelry cleaned via industrial or store-bought cleaners, I will be talking about more natural ways to clean our jewelry.
Gold
There are an array of gold standards ranging anywhere from white gold to yellow gold and the percentage they each carry. You can treat most gold pieces the same, but I advise speaking with the place where you originally bought your jewelry and ask for specific cleaning instructions if you are unsure.
● Preventions is always the first step. As discussed in the last post, keeping this metal dry and clean is a safe way to avoid cleaning often.
● Do not use Chlorine on gold. Chlorine can permanently damage and discolor gold pieces. This includes bleach in pools or laundry detergents.
● Use warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush for regular cleaning. You can use mild hand soap and a toothbrush to remove build up. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. This is usually safe for most gemstones as no harsh chemicals are involved.
● If you have tougher build up, you can add a few drops of ammonia to a soapy water mixture. Rinse in water and repeat the process until desired results are reached. Don’t forget to pat dry.
● If you get grease you may use plain rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. You can either dip the jewelry in the alcohol or use the soft cloth dipped in alcohol to clean the piece if it is too big to submerge. This should be used with caution around gemstones and verified with the original jeweler of seller.
Platinum
With its rise in popularity and demand, platinum is one of the most rare and durable metals in the market. It resists tarnish and discoloration more than gold and is not affected by chlorine and other chemicals as easily. However even if it is a more durable metal it still requires proper care and cleaning to ensure it lasts a lifetime.
● As stated above platinum is one of the tougher metals available and therefore should be stored separately from other jewelry and each other to prevent scratching
● If scratches do appear visible it is possible for a jeweler to refinish your piece as many are shallow and easily buffed out.
● You should follow the regular cleaning instruction as stated above for gold for any buildup or grease that you might encounter.
Sterling Silver
Silver tends to be more temperamental and should be stored in dry places. With time it tends to oxidize and lose its luster. But with these helpful hints we can have your silver back to its original shine. Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine and household chemicals when wearing silver.
● For regular cleaning use a mild soap and water solution to massage your silver until sudsy. Rinse in water and pat dry.
● Here is another recipe: Bring one liter of water, one tablespoon of baking soda and one piece of aluminum foil to a boil. Drop silver in the pot for 10 seconds or longer if more tarnished, then remove using kitchen tongs. If built-up tarnish persists, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup baking soda and two tablespoons of water. Apply with a damp sponge, then rinse and dry.
These have been my tips and tricks on how to properly care and store your special pieces of jewelry. Next time will be our last and final part of how to take care of the ones you love. Leave a comment below on how well these tips worked for you and if you have any other revolutionary ways to clean jewelry without all the harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners. I would love to hear your feedback.
Sources
http://www.4facets.com/jacare_cleaning.html
http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-silver/
https://www.jenreviews.com/best-cleaning-products/