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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out advice from experts at Glamira for how to care for jewellery properly, without having to resort to weird online hacks that can do more harm than good.
Most of my jewellery is cheap costume chains and pendants, bought in supermarkets or from high street fashion shops. However, I’ve been given some really beautiful things over the years, inherited from relatives, special birthday gifts etc, and I want to make sure I take care of my favourite jewellery properly. I’d hate for them to be damaged because I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m wary of resorting to online hacks from people who aren’t really jewellery experts!
To help me out, the experts at Glamira, a custom jewellery company, have sent me their advice for how to care for jewellery properly so I can protect my special things and make them last longer.
How To Care For Jewellery
Clean Jewellery Properly
Give your jewellery a good cleaning with warm water, a few drops of washing-up liquid, and a soft brush. The popular Mrs. Hinch advocates placing silver jewellery in a solution of hot water and baking soda. While this method seems to work in some cases, experts at Glamira have suggested that it may be too harsh for some jewellery and may cause scratches or other damage.
For most coloured gemstones, cleaning with warm water, two or three drops of washing up liquid and a delicate brush will get the job done. This will likewise work for gold and silver. However, some coloured gemstones have been treated to improve their appearance, and some cleaning products can damage them. If in doubt, take them to a professional, and keep away from online hacks found on TikTok and Instagram while attempting to revitalise your gems.
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Store Each Piece Separately
You should store each piece separately, ideally in a soft-lined box or case, to avoid tangles, scratches, or rubs between your favourite pieces. Fasten the clasps on necklaces and chains to prevent tangling. Because other hard gemstones can scratch them, pearls in particular should be kept separately.Â
Keep gems well away from synthetic compounds, particularly chlorine
In the event that your gems come into contact with synthetic substances, rinse them in water right away (if possible, include a drop or two of washing up in this clean) and gently pat dry. Leave out for about an hour prior to putting it away. Again, using online “hacks” to revitalise your jewellery, such as using toothpaste or baking soda, can cause more damage than good.
In addition, if you intend to take a vacation this summer, keep your jewellery away from sun cream. While it loosks good to wear pretty jewellery in your holiday pictures, this isn’t recommended, as the ingredients in sun cream can be damaging to jewellery.
Check your jewellery regularly
Perform a thorough inspection of each piece of jewellery before you put it on so you can then identify the parts that require maintenance or repair. When looking over them, you might consider the following:
- Does the clasp hold well?
- Are the stones securely positioned?
- Is the piece shimmering, or is it beginning to get tarnished?
- Is there any damage to the item?
Make a jewellery care kit
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A small plastic storage container is all that is needed to make a straightforward jewellery care kit. You might want to include the following items:
- A gentle silver polish for sterling silver or silver-plated items that is safe for jewellery.
- A small, soft brush for getting into crevices.
- A smooth, lint-free polishing and drying cloth
- Glue for glueing gems back on to inexpensive costume jewellery.
- Cotton buds for polishing places that are hard to reach
- Tweezers for resetting costume jewellery stones or removing lint.
Get insurance
Make sure you know what is covered by the warranty and your insurance before making an investment in a new piece of jewellery. While replacements and repairs can be costly, an extended jewellery warranty covers the cost of replacing or repairing any wear and tear-related defects or breakdowns.
Keep jewellery out of direct sunlight.
Many gemstones’ colour and durability can be affected by prolonged exposure to heat and light. When you are not wearing your jewellery, make certain to store it in a cool, dim spot out of direct sunlight.
Conclusion
I hope this has been as helpful to you as it has to me! I would hate to cause damage to my favourite jewellery by accident, so this has helped me learn how to care for them properly. Thanks to the experts at Glamira for sharing their tips!
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