Best Practices for Jewelry Cleaning and Storage
We all love our jewelry and want to make sure we treat it right so that it lasts for generations. But what are the best practices for keeping our jewelry safe? Keep reading for some ideas to help keep your gems and jewels in top-notch shape.
Things to Avoid:
- Tarnish: Keep your metal jewelry separate to prevent tarnish. Putting items away completely dry will also help. Use a commercial silver polish when all metal jewelry becomes tarnished. Do not use silver polish on gemstones as they may become damaged.
- Light and Heat: Light and heat can affect your gemstone’s durability and color.
o Light: Long exposure can fade gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz and shell cameos. Pearls and delicate materials will bleach under extreme exposure to light while gems like amber may darken.
o Heat: Excessive heat and sudden temperature changes may fracture some gems and can remove natural moisture needed. For example, pearls can dry out and crack or discolor.
- Chemicals: Even everyday substances like lotion, hairspray or perfume can damage porous gems or delicate items like pearls. Remove your jewelry before using these products to keep your pieces safe. Also remove your jewelry before getting in a chlorinated pool or using household cleaners. Many contain ammonia which is too harsh for your gems and chlorine bleach can pit or damage gold.
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: Be wary of the at-home versions of these cleaners as they may not be the best option for your jewelry. Do not use with organic gems like pearls, coral, ivory or amber, heat-treated gems; gems that have surface reaching breaks that have been filled with oil, resin or a glass-like material; gems that are sensitive to heat or temp changes like tanzanite, sunstone/moonstone, lapis lazuli, opal, topaz, turquoise and more. The vibrations in the machine may loosen settings or chip gems.
These are just a few considerations for keeping our jewelry safe. So what can we do to care for our jewelry between visits to our favorite jewelry store?
- Cleaning Gems: Use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush. Rinse in bowl or glass of water to avoid losing any loose gems down the drain.
- Storage:
o Sterling silver: Store in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth
o Gems: Keep separated from other gems to avoid scratches
o Jewelry Box: Consider a box with individual padded slots are ideal
You should always have your jewelry checked by your favorite jewelry every six months and professionally cleaned more often. If you are unsure of how to best care for a specific piece or gemstone, stop by Bridgewaters and we can make sure they are clean and in good shape and share how you can care for them at home.