When it comes to jewellery, we’ve all been guilty of neglecting proper care of our gold and silver accessories. While it’s easy to forget about looking after our precious jewellery, if it isn’t stored properly and regularly cleaned, it can become irreversibly damaged. Costume jewellery that’s made from a mixture of cheap metals will usually discolour quickly but demi-fine jewellery or fine jewellery made from precious metals like sterling silver and gold can be kept looking good as new by following a few simple steps. We’ve had a word with the experts to give you some top tips on how you can upkeep your jewellery to enjoy it for years to come.
Check your jewellery often
If you’re wearing the same gold necklace, your favourite rings and your staple earrings every day or have some sentimental pieces stored for special occasions, it’s important to take a look at your jewellery regularly to ensure there’s not a build-up of dirt or any discolouration. The experts recommend checking up on your jewellery and cleaning it at least every 6 months.
Things to look out for when checking your jewellery are moisture levels and a build-up of dirt which could possibly contain chemicals that are harmful to your jewellery.
Jewellery storage
While it may be tempting to have your jewellery out on display, storing your jewellery correctly will ensure its longevity. Ideally, your jewellery will be stored in a cool, dark place that’s free from moisture. A jewellery storage box is perfect for this. If you have any small ziplock pouches, these are great for individually storing jewellery in for a longer period of time as long as you always remember to polish before storing. It’s also important to fasten any necklaces and bracelets to minimise chains tangling.
Avoid lotions and chemicals
It’s important to keep your jewellery away from chemicals found in lotions, cleaning products, perfumes and chlorine. This can affect the look of the jewellery greatly and lead to the plating wearing off or the metal changing colour. If your jewellery does come in to contact with chemicals, simply run it under clean water and gently polish it with a gold or silver polishing cloth until it’s dry.
Invest in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner
It can be very difficult to clean all parts of your jewellery with a cloth, here’s where the ultrasonic jewellery cleaner comes in. This is a small but powerful machine that can clean in between chain links and in all the hard-to-reach parts of intricate jewellery with minimal effort. It’s a great machine to invest in if you want your jewellery to sparkle.
Jewellery cleaning myths:
There are many old myths on easy ways to clean your jewellery, for example, using toothpaste or baking soda and scrubbing with a toothbrush. These methods can be very abrasive and you may end up scratching and damaging your jewellery. Another common belief is that bleach or chlorine will brighten your jewellery but this can severely discolour the metal and we don’t recommend it. Your jewellery requires gentle and regular care, these methods are much too harsh.
And lastly…
If you have tried all of the above methods and your favourite gold anklet, your charm bracelet or your dainty choker is still looking a little dull, take it to your local jeweller to clean, they are equipped with the best knowledge and tools to restore your jewellery back to its original state.
