The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Cleaning Your Jewellery – Tips from Alexander Jewellers
Though it’s always advised to have your jewellery inspected and refreshed by a jeweller, there are many things you can do on your own to care for and protect it. Every piece of jewellery is an investment and a memory, and it can be maintained like new by avoiding common issues caused by improper storage, heat, light, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
One of the most valuable tips, often overlooked, is proper storage at the end of each day. Precious metals and gemstones possess varying levels of hardness. In addition, some jewellery designs have sharper corners or intricate details that can damage other pieces. Tossing all your jewellery together in a drawer or box can result in scratches and even fractured gemstones.
Here Are Some Tips for Jewellery Care and Storage:
Avoid Chlorine:
- Gold can be damaged by chlorine, commonly found in pools and spas. Even diluted chlorine can harm metals, so remove your jewellery before entering pools or spas.
- Chlorine is also present in many household products like bleach, detergents, and cleaners. Be sure to wear gloves and remove jewellery when cleaning.
Storing Your Jewellery:
- Remove rings before performing household chores, such as cleaning, gardening, or working with tools.
- Store jewellery separately to avoid scratches and damage from other items like coins or sharp objects. Use a jewellery box or individual pouches.
- Bead jewellery and pearls should be stored in flat pouches. Avoid storing pearls in plastic bags, as the dryness can harm them.
- Never leave jewellery carelessly beside sinks—it can easily slip down the drain.
- Do not sleep in your jewellery; always remove it before bed.
- When traveling, pack your jewellery carefully. Use padding to protect your pieces from scratches or impact damage.
Cleaning Your Jewellery:
- When cleaning at home, remember that gold and silver are sensitive to chemicals found in many household cleaning agents. Use a water pick or toothpick to clean hard-to-reach areas, and a soft, lint-free cloth for drying and polishing.
- Clean ear wires with rubbing alcohol. Use a soft polishing cloth for pearls and gemstone jewellery.
- Avoid wearing jewellery when applying hair spray, perfume, or hair dye, as chemicals can cause dullness.
- Remove grease from gold jewellery by dipping it in rubbing alcohol.
- Only use fine felt or a polishing cloth to clean precious metals to avoid scratches caused by other fibres.
Final Thoughts:
Jewellery care is simple yet essential to maintain the value and beauty of your pieces. By following these tips, you can ensure your jewellery remains as dazzling as the day you bought it. For professional cleaning or inspections, visit Alexander Jewellers for expert care.