5 tips for taking care of your jewelry
Jewelry care and recommendations for cleaning and storing your jewelry. This list is not all inclusive and only provides warnings for some of the most common improper practices used to clean jewelry.
Tip #1: The suns harmful rays can bleach gemstones over time.
Over time, and in excess, they can also fade or damage some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz and shell cameos. Pearls and other delicate materials will bleach under extreme exposure to light. Gems like amber, can darken over time when exposed to too much light.
Tip #2: Keep your jewelry away from chemicals
Everyday substances like hairspray, lotion, perfume or other cosmetics can contain chemicals that will permanently damage the surface of your pearls and other delicate or porous gems (like turquoise). Jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated swimming pool or before using household cleaners. Many of these cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for delicate gems or vintage jewelry. Chlorine bleach, another common household solvent, can pit or damage gold alloys.
Most colored gems can be cleaned with warm water, mild dish soap (no detergents) and a soft brush. A pulsed-water dental cleaning appliance and a soft, lint-free cloth can also be used. Be sure to rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove cleaning solutions since you risk losing loose stones – or even an entire piece of jewelry - if you rinse directly in the sink. Soft gems, such as pearls, on the other hand, can easily scratch. Use a new, clean makeup brush and warm, soapy water to softly clean them. Lay a strand of pearls on a towel to dry. The wet silk thread can stretch − and attract dirt − so don’t touch your strand until it is completely dry. Pearls worn often should be restrung once a year.
Tip #4: Use ultrasonic cleaners with caution.
Be aware that not all gems and jewelry can be safely cleaned in it. Ultrasonic cleaners should not be used to clean: Gemstones with surface-reaching breaks that have been filled with a substance such as oil, resin or a glass-like material. Organic gem materials such as pearls, coral, ivory, or amber Gems that have been coated with a non-permanent substance like plastic or wax. Some heat-treated gemstones are susceptible to heat and temperature changes whether they are treated or not. Some of these gems include tanzanite, feldspar (sunstone and moonstone), fluorite, iolite, kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, opal, topaz, turquoise, zircon and others. The vibration generated by an ultrasonic cleaner can sometimes shake gems loose or chip gems that are set closely together. For a deep cleaning of your fine jewelry it is best left to jewelry professionals.
Tip #5: Store your jewelry safely.
Proper jewelry storage is often overlooked. Jewelry should never be tossed into a drawer or on top of a dresser − that’s asking for scratches and damaged gems. Most jewelry pieces come in a box or pouch from the store, which is a perfect place to keep them. Sterling silver, for example, should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth. Jewelry boxes that feature individually padded slots for rings and posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets are also ideal.
If you have any questions on how to care for your Eclectically Simple Jewelry we are always here to help. The quickest way to reach us is to send a message via chat feature or an email.