When you decide to visit a jewellery store and purchase new jewellery for yourself or a loved one, it’s not a decision you make lightly. Instead, you get plenty of advice and help from a jeweller, as well as investing a significant amount of money in an item that will last you a lifetime.
However, like most things, you can damage jewellery – even unintentionally. If you want to reduce the risk so you can keep your precious possessions in tip-top condition, pay attention to these tips below.
Don’t Wear it in Water
As most jewellers will tell you, wearing your jewellery in water can have a range of consequences – depending on the water. If you wear it in a swimming pool or spa pool, the chlorine can weaken settings while discolouring and damaging metals. What’s more, if your jewellery has gemstones, it can ruin the polish and finish. Salt water can also be harmful. As soon as you decide it’s time for a swim, take off all your jewellery and leave them at home – they will be safer there anyway.
Keep it Out of Sunlight
Australia knows how to put on a decent summer, which can be great for your tan but not so great for your jewellery. According to many jewellers, direct sunlight can bleach materials, plastics, and natural elements. To avoid the risk of damaging your rings, necklaces, and other items, don’t store them in direct sunlight.
Be Careful What You Put on Your Hands
Whether you’re gardening in bare hands or are applying lotion or sprays, be wary of what you have on your fingers. Any cream or dirt can get into the crevices of your jewellery which can be damaging. Soil is also very abrasive, while lotions can leave sticky film residue over your diamonds, making them look dull and drab.
Many people take their jewellery off before a shower or while they’re doing chores around the home, leaving it on bench tops or surfaces until they are ready to wear them again. While it might be convenient to put them there, jewellers want you to know that it’s not the safest place for them. Instead, store them in jewellery boxes or even within the cases that came with them.
Jewellery Health Checks
When you wear your jewellery every day, it’s not uncommon for them to succumb to daily wear and tear. If you want your jewellery to always be in the best condition, make sure you take them to your local jewellers for regular health checks. Jewellers check the condition of the clasps, prongs, and other small joins, as well as making sure all stones are still set in place and aren’t loose. You can also get your jewellery back looking shiny and new after a professional deep clean.
Jewellery is something that can last a lifetime, but only if you take excellent care of it. If you would like tips for jewellery care, see your local jeweller. Alternatively, take note of these tips above.
