I try to be meticulous about caring for my jewelry, especially my pieces from Tiffany & Co. I take my most often worn pieces to the Tiffany story in Nashville at least one a year, but in the interim, I use my silver polishing cloth to keep my silver pieces shining.
It is recommended that you have your jewelry cleaned professionally once a year, but there are also a few simple things you can do at home to help your jewelry stay looking its best and sparkle for even longer.
Store Your Jewelry Separately
Gemstones have different hardness and they can easily scratch or knock each other if they are stored in the same place. That’s one reason why you need to have jewelry boxes or storage cases. If you want some jewelry storage inspo, then check out Adrianne Bailon’s elaborate jewelry dresser.
You should keep jewelry in soft-lined compartments and take care to close any fastenings, so items don’t catch or tangle. Keep the boxes and packaging that your jewelry came in, as it is the easiest and often the best way to protect it from dust and damage. I like to keep my Tiffany pieces in their blue jewelry bags.
You should also put anti-tarnish strips into the box as well. Jewelry should also be kept away from direct sunlight, damp, and extreme heat or cold.
Wear With Care
When getting dressed, always put your jewelry on last so that your clothes don’t catch on it, and apply makeup and hairspray first, so they don’t contaminate your jewelry.
Also steer clear of pearl earrings or necklaces if you’re having hair colored, as the chemicals can cause discoloration and remove rings and bangles at the manicurist. I always remove all of my earrings when I get my hair colored.
Be especially careful to remove jewelry before doing any manual work – including housework – as knocks and household cleaners can damage it. And if you can’t remove your jewelry, then wear some good, rubber gloves.
Beware Of Contamination
Keep your accessories away from water to make sure it avoids discoloration and tarnishing. Cosmetics, cooking grease, soap and natural skin oils should be avoided as they can dull any jewelry.
Household cleaners or chemicals from your makeup, hair products, and perfumes can all tarnish or damage jewelry. If your jewelry does happen to come into contact with water, or any chemicals, use a dry soft tissue or towel to pat them dry gently.
Gentle Cleaning
Gently clean your jewelry occasionally to remove any oils, dust or contamination. Silver-dip type cleaners should only be used to clean silver jewelry, which must be rinsed and dried thoroughly afterward. Gold, platinum, and gems can be polished using specialty jewelry cleaners.
See The Experts
If you’re not sure, then seek professional advice rather than experimenting with DIY cleaners. Most jewelers offer an expert jewellery cleaning service, and it’s a good idea to get all your jewelry cleaned and inspected professionally at least once a year.
Dirt, marks, blemishes or scratches acquired through age or everyday wear can easily be removed to return a treasured piece to its former glory. It also gives the professionals a chance to check for any damage that you might not have noticed.
I was given my mother-in-law’s first engagement ring to wear. One day at work, I discovered the diamond fell out of the ring. Luckily, Dr. Kelly found it on the floor in the nurse’s station. I found a local jeweler who affixed the diamond back in the white gold band. When I returned to pick up the ring, they brought me a ring that I was almost convinced wasn’t the one I took it. They reinforced the prongs and polished the ring to its former glory.
Jewelry is a beautiful thing and a joy to wear {especially when it hold sentimental value}, so make sure yours is always looking its best so that you do too.
Remember that scene in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days where Andie {played by Kate Hudson} had just introduced Krull {the dog} to Benjamin {played by Matthew McConaughy} and his friends? One of Benjamin’s co-workers pointed out that Krull was wearing a necklace.
Andie: Oh, it’s just a little frosting.
So let this be a lesson to all you ladies, and gentlemen… take care of your frosting!
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
