Florence Uwaeme
Here are some quick and easy tips to take care of your jewelry to prevent tarnishing, scratches and dullness.
Whether it is fine or costume jewelry, there’s always a sentimental reason behind every piece of jewelry you buy, and you will want to wear it forever. Here are some quick and easy tips to take care of your jewelry to prevent tarnishing, scratches and dullness.
Keep it away from wood
Avoid leaving your jewellery on chemically treated surfaces or on wood which can stain or speed up the tarnishing process.
Keep it in a ziplock bag
Over time, your jewelry comes in contact with moisture and air which causes it to eventually tarnish. Put it in a ziplock bag and squeeze out all the air before sealing.
Store your silver with chalk
Chalk absorbs moisture, or if you find that dusty, invest in some dehumidifiers or silica packs.
Keep your jewelry dry and away from skincare
Don’t wear your jewelry then apply lotions, perfume or hairspray. Never wear silver jewelry when you go swimming or at the sauna.
Avoid leaving it in sunlight
The colour of gemstones will become dull when exposed to too much light.
Put your pieces on rotation
Jewelry isn’t meant to be worn 24/7, give it a break and show some love to other pieces of jewelry.
Keep gold jewelry separately from silver jewelry
Gold scratches easily, so keep them in individual soft cloth bags or the original boxes they came it.
Give it a wipe
At the end of the day, wipe your jewelry with a anti-tarnish cloth before storing it away. This will make sure any lingering moisture, oils or dust is gone.
Do not use toothpaste
That home remedy is too abrasive and will damage your jewelry in the long run.
If by chance you had no idea of how to care for your jewelry before now and you happen to have tarnished jewelry, here is a step by step process on removing the tarnish and making your jewelry look all new and beautiful again.
Step 1
Place a piece of foil in the bottom of a bowl.
Step 2
Add a cup of warm water.
Step 3
Add a tablespoon each of baking soda and salt.
Step 4
Add one tablespoon of dish washing liquid and mix properly.
Step 5
Add your pieces of jewelry and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Step 6
Give it piece a gentle scrub using a clean toothbrush.
Step 7
Rinse each piece in cold water
Step 8
Air dry on a towel, then wipe each piece down to make sure it is completely dry.
