Jewelry is a beautiful accessory, but it needs to be taken care of properly. It is sensitive to external influences that can affect its appearance as well as low long it lasts. Did you know for instance that regular jewelry maintenance can extend its shine for generations? In this article, we’ll look at practical ways to look after not just gold, but also silver, pearls and gemstones.

Why does jewelry lose some of its shine?

Gold is a noble metal that doesn’t oxidize on its own. So why does it tarnish, change color or show stains from time to time? The reason is that jewelry is not made from pure gold but from a gold alloy that contains other metals such as silver, copper, zinc or nickel. These metals can react with moisture, oxygen, or chemicals in the environment, and this leads to the gold alloy oxidizing. The result is dull maps, blackening or discoloration on the surface.

How to take care of gold jewelry

Proper jewelry care is not at all complicated but it is very important. Here are some tips to make sure that your gold jewelry keeps its shine:

1. Avoid cosmetics and chemicals: Take off your jewelry before applying perfumes, hairspray or creams. These products contain substances that can react with metals and cause them to tarnish.
2. Don’t wear your jewelry in the water: Chlorinated pool water and sea salt can damage it. You should also ideally take it off before showering or bathing.
3. Properly store your jewelry: We recommend storing it in a jewelry box lined with a soft fabric. If you don’t wear jewelry daily, you could store it in a sealed bag and away from daylight.
4. Clean your jewelry regularly and dry it thoroughly after.

How to make your jewelry beautiful again

If your gold jewelry has lost some of its beauty, you can have it professionally cleaned and polished in a jewelry store. Many jewelers can also rhodium plate the jewelry which will protect it from oxidizing further and which will add back the luster it has lost.

To clean your jewelry at home, try this simple process: fill a bowl with warm water, add a little bit of detergent and gently clean the jewelry with a soft brush. Avoid using aggressive chemical solutions that could damage it.

How to take care of other types of jewelry

While gold is quite durable, other materials require extra special care:

• Silver: It is more sensitive to oxidizing, so we recommend keeping it in a sealed container and polishing it regularly with a special type of cloth.
• Pearls: They are organic and very sensitive. You should therefore avoid contact with cosmetics and chemicals and wipe them with a soft cloth after each wear.
• Gemstones: Each gemstone has its own specific needs. For example, opals and emeralds are sensitive to drying out so keep them away from high heat.

Summary

Regular care is the key to ensuring that your jewelry stays beautiful for a long time. Avoid contact with harsh substances, store it properly and clean it regularly. This way, your gold jewelry will retain its value and shine for generations. And if you’re not sure how to do this, it’s always better to turn to the experts to restore your jewelry to its former glamor.