Jewelry is one of our most precious possessions.  Understanding how to care for your jewelry helps to ensure that you maintain the beauty of each piece and that heirlooms can be cherished for generations to come. 

Know When to Remove Your Jewelry 

Chances are you or someone you know has a story of losing a special piece of jewelry.  Whether it be losing a ring down the sink drain, or having a precious piece carried away in the ocean, it’s important to know when to remove your jewelry so you can prevent it from getting lost or damaged.

Take Off Your Jewelry While Swimming

Always remove your jewelry before swimming. When we are in cold water, our extremities shrink, making it easier for rings to fall off. Salt water and chlorine are also damaging to jewelry.  Chlorine is known to discolor and damage metals like gold and platinum, and also erodes the finish and polish of gemstones.  

Take Off Your Jewelry During Times of Vigorous Activity

Jewelry should be removed prior to any vigorous activity.  Did you know that sweat can damage jewelry?  This is particularly true when it comes to sterling silver.  It’s also important to remove jewelry prior to gardening or before exposure to sand on the beach.  This is because soil and sand can be abrasive, which can cause permanent scratches. 

Take Off Your Jewelry Before Showering and Bedtime

Taking off your jewelry before showering is a good practice.  Submersion in water is harmful to certain pieces, and soap can contain harsh chemicals and cause residue buildup.  Removing your jewelry prior to bed can help to prevent breakage.  

Be Mindful of Light and Heat

Just as we need to be mindful of the sun’s rays when it comes to our skin health, excess sun exposure can damage jewelry.  The UV rays of the sun can actually bleach certain materials, in particular natural stones.  In some cases, excess heat and sudden changes in temperature can fracture gems. This is because heat removes the natural moisture that gems need to keep their beauty. For instance, opals can turn white or brown and develop tiny cracks, and pearls can crack and discolor in the presence of heat.  

Also, keep in mind that lotions and sprays dull jewelry and often accelerate tarnishing. 

A good rule of thumb is to remove your jewelry and keep it at home if you are not sure whether a certain activity or exposure will pose a threat of damage or increased risk of being lost. 

Maintaining and Storing Your Jewelry

Make it a habit to keep your jewelry in a safe, dry place.  It is a good idea to have a designated space for your jewelry, so it won’t be easily misplaced.  A special jewelry box, which is lined with fabric and has multiple compartments, is ideal; this way, you can separate pieces which helps to prevent scratching. It is also a great idea to have a to-go storage option for your jewelry; this will help prevent damage when traveling with your treasured pieces. 

In terms of cleaning your jewelry, do so gently with a soft cloth.  Never submerse gem studded pieces in water.  If there is any buildup of debris, use a solution of water with gentle soap and a soft cloth.  Never use abrasive materials such as a toothbrush to clean your jewelry.  In general, it is recommended to clean your jewelry once a month and to bluff it with a soft cloth when needed. 

Examine Your Jewelry Regularly

Keeping an eye on your jewelry will help to ensure you catch any vulnerabilities in your jewelry, such as loose gems or brackets, before it’s too late.  If you are unsure of what to look for, bring your jewelry into Guida Jewelers to be examined by one of our experts.  

Insure Your Jewelry

Jewelry is precious.  Each piece is beautiful in its own right and made even more special by the memories it evokes.  Taking all of the above steps will go a long way in preserving your jewelry, yet accidents do sometimes happen.  It is important to have your jewelry insured in the case that it is lost or stolen.  

At Guida Jewelers we can help you get your precious pieces insured and discuss individualized care of your jewelry.  Our personalized expert service makes all the difference.  Schedule a consultation today!