How to care for your jewelry
Jewelry is a wardrobe must-have. Jewelry has a lot of value, from meaningful anniversary gifts to dazzling statement pieces and everything in between.
Keep your earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and watches in good condition to preserve both the value and sentimentality of your pieces. There are numerous ways that every day wear can damage your jewelry. These delicate wardrobe pieces can have a short lifespan due to tarnishing, scratches, loose prongs, dullness, and damage. A jewelry extended warranty can save you heartache and money in the long run. Install the Mulberry extension to see how affordable our unlimited claims and coverage plan can make an extended warranty for your jewelry.
Whether you have insurance for your jewelry or not, it is still critical to properly care for your valuable pieces to ensure they sparkle and shine for years to come. Here are some pointers to help you take care of your jewelry.
Maintain the cleanliness and dryness of your jewelry.
Cleaning jewelry is necessary to restore shine and remove any oils or dirt buildup. However, if you're cleaning a gold necklace or pearl earrings, you may need to use different tools for each. Look for cleaning instructions for your specific jewelry.
Remember the following to keep your pieces in good condition:
Many types of jewelry can be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap. When cleaning, use a gentle cloth or brush, especially with soft gems like pearls that are easily scratched.
Any cleaning products that are not specifically designed for jewelry should be avoided. Many cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm gemstones and metals.
Keep a small cloth jewelry bag in your gym or swim bag to keep your jewelry safe before workouts.
Keep a ring bowl near the bathroom sink to remind you to take your jewelry off before showering or washing your hands.
Wear your pieces only during dry activities and in dry places, which means no gardening, cooking, sports, or cleaning.
Avoid coming into contact with lotion or perfume.
Chemicals are extremely damaging to precious metals, colored gems, and pearls. This includes the products you use on your skin. If you're going to wear perfume, apply it before you put on your jewelry rather than after. The same is true for makeup setting sprays, lotions, and skin refreshing sprays. Here are some things to remember:
Be cautious, especially with pearls and porous gems, as some cosmetic chemicals can cause permanent surface damage.
Before putting on jewelry, make sure your skin is completely dry after using any sprays.
If your precious metals come into contact with any chemicals, immediately rinse and wash away any residue with a soft cloth.
Purchase a Protection Plan
When purchasing new jewelry, make sure you understand what the jewelry warranty covers. Replacements and repairs can be costly. An extended jewelry warranty, also known as a protection plan, covers the replacement or repair of any defects or breakdown caused by normal wear and tear.
What should your extended warranty cover? Keep an eye out for the following:
Rings: coverage for broken, bent, or worn prongs, as well as coverage for gemstone resetting. If a setting defect causes a cracked stone or a lost gemstone, see if you are eligible for a stone replacement. This can save you a lot of money.
Coverage for restringing stretched pearls, repairing or replacing chains with knots or broken links, and repairing or replacing broken clasps. Coverage for broken or lost earring posts, as well as earring repair.
Watches: coverage for all components, including the crown, stem, and band. Mechanical failures and battery replacements should be covered.
Keep Your Jewelry Safely Stored
When you're not wearing it, keep your jewelry in a safe place to avoid damage and discoloration. Storing jewelry together can cause it to become entangled, resulting in scratches on soft gems or broken links on necklaces. Here are some storage suggestions:
Keep padded boxes or cloth bag pouches in which new jewelry is delivered. Look for jewelry storage that allows you to keep pieces apart to avoid tangling or damage, such as padded ring boxes with individual slots. When traveling, use a padded box or cloth bag to keep pieces separate from other items. Seal pieces in vacuum storage pouches to keep moisture and air out of long-term storage.
Care for Your Jewelry to Save Money High-quality jewelry that is meant to last can be expensive. By properly caring for your jewelry and protecting it with an extended warranty, you can save money on your initial purchase and avoid the cost of replacing or purchasing new pieces down the road.
General Treatment
A professional should inspect jewelry on a regular basis for damage or wear. If you have any concerns about the condition of your jewelry, contact your local NAJ member. They will take great pride in assisting you in keeping yours looking as good as the day you purchased it. Here are a few pointers on how to maintain it in good condition:
- Remove your jewelry before engaging in any activity that could scratch, knock, or damage it. If in doubt, remove it and store it safely.
- Take it off before going to bed.
- Keep it away from chemicals, particularly chlorine. If it comes into contact with chemicals, immediately rinse it with water.
- To prevent them from tangling, keep chains and necklaces secured when storing.
- Remove your jewelry while cooking or cleaning.
- When storing jewelry, keep it away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and damp conditions.
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