Jewellery is a very valuable accessory for some so it makes perfect sense to look after your collection to help to prolong its life. Jewellery, however, is extremely delicate, and the greatest of care must be taken when cleaning these items, especially the pieces that are antique or vintage. Here are some tips to help ensure that your jewellery collection always looks its best and lasts a long time.
Cleaning Frequency – This would very much depend on the type of jewellery and how often you wear it. Some people prefer to clean their jewellery prior to wearing it, and providing you do not use any harmful substances that could harm them, you can clean them as often as you wish. A slightly damp, soft cloth can be used to gently wipe items, and if you are using a mild soap, make sure it is thoroughly rinsed and dried before wearing the piece.
Proper Storage – This is essential to prevent damage, and the most popular place to store jewellery is in a special jewellery box that has many small compartments that are covered in velvet. If you are looking to add to your collection, you can find attractive vintage jewellery for sale at various dealers online, who would also have a selection of antique jewellery boxes for sale for you to choose from.
Depends on Usage – A diamond engagement ring that is worn daily would require cleaning more often that a necklace that you only wear on special occasions. With very delicate items, use a soft toothbrush with mild, soapy water, which will get into the tiny nooks and crannies. Remember to dry the item thoroughly after rinsing it with clean water. There is also great articles on how to clean your jewellery like a pro, which is a must-read for any novice.
Consult an Expert – If you are at all unsure about how to clean an item of jewellery, you are advised to search online, where you will find free resources on how to clean any item. Asking a jeweller may not be productive, as the retailer would likely offer a jewellery cleaning service they provide rather than giving you advice that you can carry out yourself.
Avoid All Chemicals – As a general rule, you should avoid the use of chemicals on jewellery, as they can easily tarnish precious metals and stones, and if a piece becomes damaged, it might not be possible to repair it. You can never go wrong if you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, soapy water, and by gently rotating the brush, you will effectively clean even the hard to get places.
Always return your jewellery to the correct storage place when you take it off, as coming into contact with any hard surface can damage a delicate item, and with regular cleaning, your jewellery will always look its best whenever you decide to wear it. Keep jewellery is a dry place and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, as this can cause metals to fade and tarnish.
I hope you find these tips helpful, I would love to hear if you have tried these out and if they helped you!
