Jewelry, while made of fine metals like gold, platinum and sterling silver, is a little more delicate than you might think. If you choose to invest in pieces that you love, you should know how to care for them. We do a lot of appraisals and
Of course, you should have your jewelry professionally cleaned and checked for loose stones at least every six months - more frequently if you wear pieces every day. You can wash it at home with warm water, gentle soap, and a soft toothbrush.
Here are the 7 times you need to remember to take your jewelry off:
1. Always take your jewelry off before swimming and participating in active, strenuous activities.
This rule applies to your costume jewelry, as well. You might even say it's especially crucial for costume jewelry.
2. Salt water and chlorine can damage all jewelry.
When it comes to sterling silver, the residue from sweat can dull your sparkle.
3. Be sure to remove your favorite jewels when you apply bug spray or sunscreen.
These sprays and lotions or oils can get into the crevices of rings, chains, and prongs. They also add a layer of film over your jewelry that can make it dull and dingy looking.
4. Take your jewelry off when you are going to be in direct sunlight for a few hours or more.
You might not know it, but extended exposure to sunlight can bleach certain metals and materials - especially natural elements and stones, as well as some plastics.
5. Leave your rings at home in cold weather or when you're planning to spend time in cool water.
Cold temperatures cause your fingers to shrink, which means rings can fall off without you even knowing.
6. Removing your jewelry also goes for chlorine pools and hot tubs!
They can damage and discolor many gold and platinum pieces, and eventually erode the finely polished surface of various gems.
7. Take your jewelry off when gardening.
Gardening is unusually abrasive and can cause extreme wear on delicate jewelry. You can permanently damage rings on dirt and rocks even when you're wearing gardening gloves. We frequently see family heirlooms come in with cracked stones and worn-down metals for exactly this reason.
As a precaution, when it comes to being active - jewelry can stay at home or should not be worn. You'll still feel amazing, and your beautiful gemstones and fine metals will last significantly longer!
Ready to see what your jewelry is worth? Schedule an appraisal today.
