When it comes to jewelry, we often don’t realise how many things in our day to day life can cause wear and tear. Even the constant hand sanitizing due to COVID can dull your precious jewels! No matter the piece of jewelry, your cherished items should be properly taken care of to keep them in good condition. Continual maintenance means the less likely they will tarnish or lose their jewels.
Here are some easy ways to keep your accessories safe and clean:
Keep Your Jewelry Away From Chemicals
Many people wear their wedding rings every day and rarely take them off. But, it’s important to know that exposure to chemicals can damage or discolor precious metals and can harm some colored gems. So, before you dive into a chlorinated swimming pool, put on hand lotion, or use household cleaners (wear gloves!), make sure to remove those gems. If you forget to take them off, don’t stress, just give them a light scrub with a soft toothbrush.
Protect Your Jewels From Extreme Light
Just as the sun’s harmful rays can damage our skin, light and heat can affect a colored gemstone’s durability and color. Over time they can cause fading or damage to some gemstones. Pearls and other delicate materials, such as ivory, can even bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other gems may darken over time when exposed to too much light. All in all, if you live in hot climates or are going on a long hot vacation, it’s best to leave everything at home in your jewelry box.
Every Nogama purchase comes with a small pump cleaner. However, if you don’t have one, don’t worry! There are a few DIY home solutions to keep everything in tip top shape:
Lightly scrub your jewelry using a soft toothbrush. Remember to focus under and around any stones, in small circular motions.
Use a dry microfiber cloth, like a lens or screen cleaning cloth, and wipe down your piece using light pressure focusing on any areas of discolouration. Ensure to dry thoroughly.
**If any of your gems are wiggling or loose in their prongs, bring the jewelry to a jeweller right away to tighten the piece accordingly.
DIY Jewelry Cleaners
In a glass jar or ramekin, cover your jewelry with 1/2 cup of vinegar or witch hazel. Add one drop of tea tree oil and swirl to mix.
Allow jewelry to soak in the mixture overnight.
The next morning, coat with baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse with water. Dry thoroughly!