Photo by Saeed Anahid on Unsplash
Most of us have a few pieces of jewelry that we cherish. Whether it’s a ring passed down from a relative, a necklace you wear every day, or earrings you only break out for special occasions, jewelry is often more than just an accessory—it can be a sentimental part of your personal story. That’s why it’s important to know how to take care of your jewelry so that it lasts for years (or even generations) to come. In this blog post, we’re going to run through our top tips on how to care for your jewelry.
How To Store Jewelry
One of the most important things you can do to keep your jewelry in good condition is to store it properly. When you’re not wearing it, store jewelry in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Alined boxes or pouches are ideal for storing individual pieces, and you can find these at most craft stores. If you have multiple pieces of jewelry, consider investing in a jewelry armoire or cabinet to keep everything organized and dust-free.
Fixing Your Jewelry
Next up, you’re going to want to ensure that you take great care of your pieces if something happens to them. To do this, you’ll want to find a great jeweler or repair shop, such as Fast-Fix, to help you get the job done. But if you want to have a go yourself, the first step is to gather the tools you'll need, including a set of small pliers, tweezers, and a magnifying glass. You'll also need replacement beads or stones, which can be purchased at most craft stores. Once you have your supplies, take a close look at the damaged piece of jewelry to assess the extent of the damage and get to work. When you're finished, your jewelry should look good as new!
Cleaning Jewelry
The best way to clean most types of jewelry is simply with soap and water. Mix a mild dish soap with warm water and soak your piece for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft bristled brush. You can also use this method to clean gold and platinum jewelry. For silver jewelry, mix ¼ cup baking soda with 2 cups water and soak your silver in the solution for two hours before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
Polishing Jewelry
After you’ve cleaned your jewelry, you may want to polish it to restore its shine. You can buy commercial polishing cloths specifically designed for this purpose, or make your own by dipping a soft cloth in equal parts vinegar or lemon juice and water. Gently rub the solution into the metal until the tarnish disappears, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Taking Pride In Your Pieces
By following these simple tips, you can keep your favorite pieces of jewelry looking like new for years (or even generations) to come. It’s all about making sure you know how to keep them looking the part and what to do if you need to get some repair work done. Good luck!