So, your jewellery has been catalogued, appraised, insured, and now it is ready to take you out on the town! However, while your insurance may cover the loss or damage to your jewellery, you want to do everything you can to keep your beautiful pieces sparkling and secure. Not only are regular maintenance and cleaning often required for insurance and warranty policies, but they are also important if your jewellery is going to stand up to the normal wear and tear of everyday life.
While your fine jewellery is often something you want to wear every day, precious gemstones and metals are not indestructible. Your jewellery is exposed to a lot throughout the day, and you don’t always realize what activities can cause wear and damage. Using lotions and hair sprays, kneading dough, lifting weights at the gym, or just bumping our hands all contribute to normal “wear and tear”, but there are ways to ensure the longevity and beauty of your precious pieces.
Some tips for taking care of your jewellery:
Tip 1: Take off your jewellery before using chemical cleaners, swimming or soaking in the hot tub.
Why? Chemicals, such as chlorine, and even heat can cause damage to many precious gemstones. Chemicals can also wear through any plating more quickly.
Tip 2: Clean your jewellery regularly, but do not use abrasive cleaners such as toothpaste or baking soda. See a jewellery store to purchase your jewellery cleaning products instead.
Why? When dirt, lotions, hair spray, and yes, even dry skin build up in and on your jewellery, it becomes abrasive and can put pressure on your stone settings, causing additional unnecessary wear. Keep in mind that not all jewellery is alike, and different precious metals and gemstones require different care. Feel free to ask us for more info!
Tip 3: Store your jewellery in a safe, dry, and dark environment.
Why? This one is pretty simple; storing your jewellery where it is safe from exposure to the elements such as moisture and sun will keep it from becoming damaged or discoloured over time.
Tip 4: Have your jewellery checked and professionally cleaned a minimum of every six months to 1 year. If you notice something of concern (discolouration, catching claws, loose stones, etc.) have it professionally checked right away.
Why? While Tips 1, 2, & 3 go a long way towards preserving the state of your jewellery, getting a professional opinion is always best! Many stores, like our own, offer this service free of charge! Not only will we clean your jewellery, so it sparkles like new, we will also carefully check your pieces for any red flags such as a lifted claw or worn out tips and can advise you of any maintenance work that may be needed. While $100 to re-tip the four claws on your diamond ring may seem like a lot, it is far better than replacing the entire diamond!
Stop by our Kelowna store anytime for a FREE professional clean and check of your jewellery!
Want more? Check out the rest of our Protecting Your Jewellery series!
Protecting your jewellery: Creating a personal inventory catalogue
Protecting your jewellery: The 4 Ws of jewellery appraisals
Protecting your jewellery: Buying jewellery insurance and filing a claim
