Make Your Jewelry Last With These Tips

The secrets to keeping your precious jewels last for a long time.

There’s a reason why jewelry is reserved as a special gift meant only for the people we love. The work that goes into turning stones and metals into beautiful, intricate designs requires a lot of painstaking work from sourcing to designing until the actual molding and assembly of each precious piece. No wonder they are often part of our personal milestones and celebrations as gifts for the value they hold. They’re the kind of presents meant to be kept forever so it’s important to learn the steps to keep them in their best condition for a long time.

From tips on how to match jewelry to the right jewelry display to learning the best ways to keep accessories scratch-free, this article will cover them all and more.

Clean your jewelry regularly

After a day of use, make sure to use a soft cloth to gently wipe your jewelry. This will remove sweat, oil, or dust on the jewelry’s surface. Left untouched, the same substances help speed up tarnishing making your pieces lose their luster fast. Likewise, you must perform a more thorough cleaning of your accessories once in a while. All it takes are warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush to remove impurities that the cloth couldn’t take out.

Conduct routine inspections for signs of wear and tear

While we’re on the subject of cleaning, you should also take the time to regularly check your jewelry pieces for issues, such as missing clasps, chain kinks, or stones that are about to fall off. Failing to do so leaves your jewelry vulnerable from falling apart or suddenly slipping off of you while in use. Prevent these accidents from happening by taking note of these problems so you can take them to your trusted jeweler for fixing.

Store them in airtight containers

As previously stated, moisture is the enemy of jewelry but so is air so it’s best not to expose your jewelry collection too long out in the open. If you have some of your jewelry collection showcased for display, it is recommended that you rotate their use and periodically replace what you choose to put out on your shelves. Slow down the tarnishing process by storing them in airtight storage containers. An alternative to this would be to store some of your jewelry pieces, especially the smallest ones such as studs and crystals, in resealable plastic bags. Don’t forget to remove all the air inside the bag before sealing it shut.

Prevent scratches by choosing containers that are lined with fabric

While jewelry boxes especially those that come with lock and key, just like the #BXJ85 High Gloss View Top Wooden Jewelry Chest here, can be relied upon for jewelry protection, make sure they are also lined with fabric inside. 

Jewelry boxes often come with compartments so that collectors can sort their pieces in the right spaces. That is important as pieces that rub against each other lead to scratches and dullness on their surfaces. Compartments help in that aspect but you need to also make sure there is fabric lining which also helps prevent those jewelry problems from happening.

Keep those silica packs that came with your jewelry purchase

Ever wonder what those sealed white bags with small pellets inside are for? They are called silica packs and inside are silicon dioxide pellets whose purpose is to absorb moisture. They are considered drying agents and are placed inside most food packs and some jewelry packaging to avoid spoilage. Keep one inside a jewelry case or box to help with moisture reduction. Just remember to keep it away from children as it is considered a choking hazard.

Use jewelry display stands to prevent tangles 

Jewelry pieces such as necklaces and bracelets are prone to tangling when stored or displayed improperly. This happens when they are all just piled up on top of another such as in a drawer or tray. To avoid such issues, make sure to use the appropriate jewelry display tool for your jewelry pieces that are supposed to be hung. Use T-bar display stands for necklaces or devices that are specifically made to be used for displaying bracelets, such as bracelet trays and ramps. 

But what if you already found yourself dealing with a knotted bracelet or tangled necklaces? Simply use a toothpick or cotton bud plus baby oil to loosen kinks and knots. Oil is actually a safe and effective substance that will make the affected parts slippery thereby loosening them up and getting them ready for detangling.

Avoid displaying your jewelry under sunlight or anywhere hot

For those jewelry pieces that you choose to display out in the open, make sure it is not located in areas where the sun may shine a light. Sunlight and heat, in general, have a bleaching effect which can cause some gemstones to go dull if exposed to them too long. Your best bet is to showcase your jewelry display setups in the areas that are cool, dry, and away from sunlight around your room. 

Speaking of sunlight…

Don’t wear jewelry while doing physical activities

These are any activities that may lead to your jewelry slipping off such as doing sports or manual labor such as gardening, household chores, and the like. While operating machinery, it’s best to remove any of your jewelry to prevent them from falling off or getting caught up in parts which could lead to major trouble.

Traveling with jewelry is also discouraged as it makes them prone to getting lost. If you really must wear them, then keep them to a minimum and especially avoid using those that are expensive to avoid attracting thieves. Wearing jewelry to beach trips is especially discouraged as exposure to heat and sand can lead to dullness and scratches when exposed to those elements long enough. Likewise, sunscreen lotions may also leave a hazy film when it comes in contact with your jewelry causing it to look dull.