Here at Monson Jewelers, we are Jewelry fanatics, so much that we wear jewelry every single day. Throughout our careers, we have learned the science behind taking good care of our jewelry. It’s not hard or time-consuming, and doing so helps to extend the life and ensure that your jewelry will look good every time you put it on. Here are the secrets.
Wearing Jewelry
Caring for your jewelry starts with knowing when to put your jewelry on, and when to take it off. We recommend that you always remove your jewelry before any of the following activities:
- Cleaning the house, doing laundry or working in the yard. Exposure to chemicals or cleaning fluids can damage jewelry, so take off those rings and bracelets!
- Manual labor, including housework. A ring or bracelet can be easily broken or bent if it catches on a hook. Gems, even diamonds, can chip or crack if they’re knocked against a hard surface.
- Swimming or the spa. Chlorinated water can react with the metals found in jewelry causing color changes and even structural damage.
- Contact sports. Hard blows during sports can damage jewelry (not to mention the people involved). Heavy perspiration can dull the shine, if not cleaned properly afterward.
- Applying makeup. Cosmetics, perfumes, hairspray, and lotion often contain chemicals that can damage jewelry.
- Bathing. Soap can cause a film to form, making jewelry appear dull and dingy.
Cleaning Jewelry
Keeping jewelry clean and looking good requires regular effort. Clean your jewelry regularly, by bringing it into our experts at Monson Jewelers. Use jewelry polishing cloths between professional cleanings. A soft cotton cloth or microfiber towel will also work, but avoid using tissue or paper towels, as they can cause scratches.
If you choose to clean your jewelry at home, use warm water to clean your jewelry, as hot water can react with cleaning fluids and cause discoloration. Don’t clean jewelry that is cracked or broken, since the additional handling is likely to make the problem worse. Set it aside for repair as soon as possible Inspect your jewelry regularly, and address signs of loose or damaged gemstones as soon as possible.
Storing Your Jewelry
Store jewelry pieces individually, in separate boxes or fabric bags. Gently wipe off excess make-up and skin oils after each wearing, using a soft 100% cotton cloth. Hang pendants and finished necklaces on jewelry displays to prevent the pieces from rubbing against each other and causing scratches