How to Clean and Maintain Precious Jewelry – A Complete Guide

There is no such thing as too much jewelry! However, as much we love the bling that they add to our looks, the fret over those exquisite pieces losing their luster over time is just undeniable! Whether it is a century-old family heirloom or a recent purchase, jewelry is an extension of one's personality. Due to regular use, inappropriate handling, or exposure to certain undesirable elements, your favorite pieces may lose their luster and polish or look grimy after a while. Whether you're cleaning a diamond engagement ring, a valuable gold necklace, or a platinum bracelet, here are all the potential issues and expert solutions to keep your jewelry brand new and sparkling:

 

Storing Your Jewelry, The Right Way

Your jewelry either spends most time in storage or out in the sun, soaking up the city in case of a daily wear piece. Regardless of which one of these situations applies, the jewelry does collect moisture and grime with time. The worst thing you can do for your pieces is toss them into a drawer recklessly or keep them exposed on your dresser. Answering below a few of the commonly asked concerns on storing the luxury jewelry right:  

 

#1: How Should I Store My Jewelry?

Solution: Begin by designating areas for staples and occasional wear. Then compartmentalize by metal type, stone type, and finally, getting rid of those that may tarnish others. If left on for an extended period of time, dirt can hasten the degradation process. Hence, keeping it organized will aid in keeping your pieces clean.

 

#2: How Can I Keep My Jewelry Moisture-Free?

Solution: Silver jewelry stays in its best form when stored in a jewelry box lined with felt, or preferably in a soft-lined box or case, where it won't entangle, scrape, or damage other items. The fabric absorbs away moisture and prevents tarnishing. While traveling, one can also keep chalk or silica packets in their jewelry container carryingsilver jewelry.

 

#3: In Which Part of My House Should I Store My Jewelry?

Solution: Because extended UV exposure can harm specific stones, keeping jewelry out of direct sunlight is critical. Find a room in the house that has a regular temperature. Place your jewelry, for example, away from a heat source or in areas such as the kitchen. Consider keeping them comfortable in inner closets that are dark and cool.

 

Caring For Each Type of Jewelry:

Since jewelry can be quite intricate, understanding what goes into each design is crucial. Since not all metals can be identified by color, it is critical to know what component your jewelry is made of, especially while cleaning it.

 

#4: How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home?

Solution: It is not uncommon for goldjewelry to lose its luster quickly. Fingerprints and frequent dust buildup may rapidly degrade even the most gleaming gold. Add a few drops of washing powder (or a mild detergent solution) to a lukewarm water bowl. Extreme temperature changes might harm the jewelry, so avoid dipping it in hot or ice-cold water. For a few minutes, gently immerse the jewelry in this solution. Brush the crevices with a soft toothbrush and delicately massage the jewelry with a lint-free cloth. Then, carefully rinse with clean water to remove any soap residue before letting it dry. 

 

For valuable pieces like rings, especially ones like this artfully-entwined split shank ring Lusso piece made with14K white gold, brushing the right way will keep its shine and luster intact in the long run.

 

#5: How to Keep Silver Jewelry Clean?

Solution: When it comes to silver, polishing is preferable to cleaning. One can polish their silver jewelry on their own with either liquid polish or wipes. Purchasing a specialized cleaning solution or cloth is the simplest method to clean silver. In a small bowl, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Soak a clean toothbrush in the solution and carefully brush the damaged silver parts before rinsing and allowing to air dry.

 

#6: Is It Easy to Maintain Platinum Jewelry?

Solution: Platinum is one of the easiest precious metals to maintain. Besides its unmistakable elegance, the metal's strong molecular structure makes it highly resistant to corrosion and discoloration. It is, however, susceptible to scratches. As a result, seeking expert assistance at least once or twice a year is recommended. While many people regard the bright, highly-polished sheen of platinum jewelry as one of its many highlight features, there are solutions if you prefer a more brilliant matte finish, such as buffing and rhodium plating.

 

Tackling the Precious Colored Stones:

Cleaning can be a messy business, especially when the prongs of a jewelry setting make the jewels difficult to reach, making them prime dirt traps. Mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush are excellent places to start for many stones. And contrary to popular belief, a high hardness on Moh’s scale does not imply that a gem is resistant to all types of exposure.

 

#7: Pre-Cleaning Ritual for Gemstone Jewelry?

Solution: Cleaning your gemstones once they have become grimy is simply one aspect of appropriate upkeep. Pre-use care is just as important. For starters, always apply fragrances, colognes, and hairsprays before putting on gemstonejewelry. These chemicals can be exceedingly corrosive and also reduce the jewelry's brightness and reflectivity. Another concern is sweat, which is extremely hazardous to permeable gemstones. Immediately after wearing them, wipe them down with a moist cloth.

 

#8: How to Clean Gemstone-Studded Gold Jewelry?

Solution: Although using a soap water solution is permissible, gemstone-studded jewelry should never be immersed in water. Soaking it might cause water to build in the setting, corroding or discoloring it over time. Instead, use a baby soft toothbrush to rinse and clean it. Make sure your piece is free of loose stones before wiping.

 

 

#9: How to Keep My Diamond Sparkling Forever?

Solution: Diamonds are grease magnets by nature, making them difficult to keep clean. Rinse your diamond jewelry once or twice a week in a gentle degreasing solution, such as water, with a few drops of mild dish detergent. After withdrawing the diamond from the cleaning solution, use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any remaining debris. Fragile settings, such as early prongs in antique jewelry or tension settings in which the diamond is held in place by shank pressure, should not be cleaned aggressively.

  

#10: Should I go for Professional Jewelry Cleaners?

Solution: It's a good idea to get your jewelry cleaned by a professional at times. Ultrasonic cleaning is used to remove embedded debris from diamonds. They can, however, remove stray stones from their mountings or damage the girdles of surrounding diamonds. If the diamond has feathers or is integrated, proceed with caution and avoid using ultrasonics if the diamond has had fractures fixed before.

 

These wonderful, handcrafted marvels deserve our attention and care. A little vigilance – and these few simple steps – will go a long way towards prolonging the life of your valuable jewelry and ensuring that it always sparkles brilliantly!