Jewelry is not only pretty, but it is one of the best and most valuable purchases you can make, but it does require some care to prevent tarnishing or damage. These tasks include proper cleaning and storage so they will last and retain their shine. Read on for our simple tips on the right way to clean and store your jewelry.
How to clean your jewelry
The first step is to clean your jewelry before storing it, because jewelry that is not maintained can damage precious and semi-precious stones and cause metals to tarnish. We recommend taking your jewelry to a professional for inspection and cleaning twice a year.
fine jewelry
You can clean your fine jewelry about every month using a gentle method, but leave ultrasonic cleaning to the professionals, as they keep a close eye on loose stones and advise how to correct them. A common cleaning method you can do at home is to use warm water in a bowl, a soft toothbrush, and mild dish soap. With the toothbrush you can very gently remove dirt and debris. Finally, dry the jewelry carefully before putting it away.
silver jewelry
You can use an effective silver polish to clean your silver jewelry, or make your own homemade version with aluminum foil, baking soda, salt, and water. Line a tray with aluminum foil and place the jewelry on top. Next, sprinkle some baking soda and salt over the jewelry, about a tablespoon for every cup of water. Then pour boiling water into the tray until the jewels are saturated and let them sit in the solution for a few minutes. Remove the jewelry and dry it with a lint-free cloth. Be sure not to expose your karat gold jewelry to this solution.
How to store jewelry
Once your jewelry is clean and dry, it is ready to be stored.
Separate by type of jewelry
It's always a good idea to separate and store jewelry by type, so the different metals don't tarnish when interacting. To avoid confusion, fine jewelry should never be kept near costume, silver, or gold jewelry, so placing it in a jewelry box with drawers or dividers is a good way to avoid this.
Gold
Gold is relatively malleable and can be scratched and damaged by harder gemstones. To avoid this, store your gold pieces individually in soft cloth bags or even wrapped in tissue paper in a box.
Silver
Store your silver in a cotton or felt lined jewelry box. The fabric helps absorb excess moisture and prevents jewelry from discoloring. You can also store your parts loosely wrapped in a bag to limit exposure to air for an extra layer of protection. Regardless of how it is stored, silver jewelry should be cleaned twice a year, but care must be taken not to over polish it, as this will damage it.
Diamond
Although diamonds are known to be some of the hardest materials, they can be scratched by another diamond and can scratch softer metals. For this reason, diamond pieces should be stored away from other jewelries and in a dry box that protects them from moisture.
Pearl
Due to their soft composition, pearls should be stored away from other hard items that could scratch their surface. Pearls are prone to oxidation , as they contain traces of water, so they should not be stored in an airtight environment which will make them brittle and dull their luster. Pearls should be kept in a soft cloth bag or lined jewelry box.
Store in a cool and dry space
High humidity and fluctuating temperatures can degrade jewelry. Consider adding a dehumidifier or air conditioner to the room where your jewelry is stored or adding silica packets to your jewelry boxes to absorb extra moisture. Your jewelry should be stored in a place that is not too hot or cold, but rather at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. However, some types of jewelry, such as opals , need some moisture to prevent cracking.
At LaMinería Artesana beautiful jewels await you
Taking preventive measures and storing them correctly helps keep your jewelry in perfect condition. At LaMinería Artesana we have a wide variety of jewelery and costume jewelery for all kinds of occasions, as well as jewelers who can help you keep your jewelery in the best possible condition, so that you can use it as if it were new.