Maintaining your jewelry is crucial for keeping it top shape and ensuring it lasts for years to come. Many people think they can simply put on their rings and never take them off, but just like your cars need maintenance if you want to drive them every day, so does your jewelry need maintenance if you’d like to wear it everyday. Here are some basic tips for how to best care for your precious pieces:
You should remove your jewelry when:
- Lifting heaving objects: like weights. Take your rings off when engaging in activities that involve heavy lifting, rock climbing, using a pick ax, aggressive gardening, or anything that puts a lot of stress on your hands. These activities can damage or displace metals and stones.
- On vacation: While swimming in saltwater generally won’t harm your jewelry, there’s a significant risk of losing it. That’s why people bring metal detectors to the beach – to find your lost jewelry! Many people also worry about the risk of having their jewelry stolen on vacation. Enjoy your getaway worry free and put your jewelry somewhere safe.
- Swimming in pool water: Exposure to chlorine and bromine from pool water can damage gold over time. If you’re a swim coach or frequently in the pool, consider removing your jewelry to avoid excessive exposure to harmful chemicals.
Everyday Care
- Water, shampoo, and cooking: routine activities like washing your hands, shampooing, or cooking won’t usually damage your jewelry, but it can cause dirt and grime build up. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your jewelry looking its best. There are exceptions, like delicate opals; most opals shouldn’t be exposed to…well, everything, opals are divas and require special care. But generally, most metals and faceted gems can handle daily activities and love to be cleaned.
- Chemicals: avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals, especially if you’re cleaning with or handling chemicals. These can tarnish or damage your pieces.
Environmental Factors: Sulfur, iron, and mineral contents in well water can tarnish silver jewelry or cause some buildup on your stones. While gold is less affected than silver for tarnishing, it’s still important to polish and maintain your jewelry to prevent any adverse effects. If you notice a normal activity is causing a reaction or build up and you can reduce exposure during that activity, it will serve you well in the long run.
Regular Maintenance
- Cleaning: Clean jewelry regularly to keep it looking shiny and beautiful. A clean piece not only looks better but also lasts longer.
- Inspection: Regularly check your jewelry for any signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to changes like flattening on the bottom of rings or prongs that are suddenly catching on your hair.
- New Activities: Have you started a new workout routine or taken up gardening? Such activities can affect your jewelry, so it’s crucial to monitor any changes and have your pieces inspected if needed.
- Professional Check Up: We recommend having your jewelry professionally inspected under a microscope at least once a year to ensure it remains in excellent condition.
- Bring it to Hunt Country! We are happy to clean your jewelry and inspect it for you anytime. We know what we’re looking for!
Just as you take your car in for regular check-ups, your jewelry needs periodic care, too. Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals and extreme force; metals and gems are mostly pretty tough but they aren’t infallible. Regular maintenance and professional inspections help keep your jewelry looking its best and ensure that any issues are addressed before they become serious.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your jewelry stays in excellent condition, maintaining its beauty and value for years to come. Feel free to reach out to us anytime for an inspection or with any questions about your jewelry care routine.
Want to know the best practices for cleaning your jewelry at home? Check out our detailed blog on the dos and don’ts of cleaning, including a recipe for making your own cleaning solution!
