It is all very well purchasing an array of beautiful jewels that you can drape around your wrist, neck and fingers for that glistening, eye-catching effect, but if you don’t look after your princely purchases properly then you will be missing out on the opportunity to suitably showcase your elegant accessories.
All jewellery needs a little care and attention to keep it looking its best, and with busy, active lifestyles, our jewellery can attract a lot of dirt, leaving them looking rather lacklustre at times. Never fear though, all it takes is a little care and attention to keep your gems shining and sparkling like new and here, we share five top tips on how to achieve sparkling perfection.
1. Wear with care
We’re a lot rougher with our jewellery than we tend to think we are, and whether you wear your jewellery everywhere you go, or only for special occasions, it’s still going to get dirty. With the right care you can keep your gems looking their best and it starts with simple steps like taking your jewellery off if you’re involved in any activity which could scratch, knock or damage it – including when you go to sleep.
Harmful chemicals can lurk in everyday products, so apply any lotions or perfumes before you put your jewellery on or after you take it off and keep items well away from chemicals, like bleach or chlorine. Store your jewellery in a soft lined box away from sunlight and try to keep your pieces separate so they don’t tangle or scratch each other.
2. Check your jewellery
Life happens while we wear and enjoy our jewellery and sometimes the odd mishap can occur, such as worn plating or a loose stone. It may seem like it at the time, but it isn’t the end of the world – jewellery is very rarely beyond repair and, after a quick trip to your local jeweller, your favourite pieces will be ready to dazzle once more.
It is best to catch any repairs early and the easiest time to check your jewellery is while giving it a clean. Check for worn or missing claws on settings, loose stones and clasps, rough links or wearing plating in metals.
3. A little scrub goes a long way
Daily maintenance will keep your jewellery looking better for longer. The safest and easiest way to clean your precious items at home is by mixing lukewarm water with mild dishwashing liquid. Gently scrub using a soft-bristled brush, rinse thoroughly to remove any soapy residue and wipe down with a soft cloth. Alternatively, using a jewellery cleaner with jewellery cleaning wipes or a polishing cloth made for precious metals will leave your jewellery shining.
4. Take it to the professionals
Even with daily maintenance, your jewellery can still get built up with grit and grime. While warm soapy water and a toothbrush may get rid of a lot, dirt and oils can get stuck under the prongs and setting of your jewellery where a brush can’t reach. In come the professionals. Most professional jewellers have specialist machines like ultrasonic cleaners that can remove dirt from all those hard-to-reach places and will be happy to give your jewellery a clean. While most jewellery is suitable for this type of cleaning, it is always best to check with your jeweller first.
5. Shine bright like a diamond
Fun fact: Diamonds are attracted to grease! If your diamond jewellery has lost some of its sparkle, it probably just needs a little clean. Just like other jewellery, you can clean your diamond jewellery in warm soapy dish soap with a soft-bristled brush but if you’re looking for a deeper clean, a diamond dazzle stick is a quick and easy way to keep them shining bright. Just brush it on your diamonds and they will be sparkling bright in minutes.
The bottom line
To keep your jewellery looking its best, remember jewellery should be the last thing on and the first thing off when going about your daily grooming routine. Remember to avoid contact with lotions and chemicals and be mindful of the tasks you are undertaking if you want to keep your finest jewels in better condition for longer. Most of the time your jewellery simply requires a gentle clean to get it looking back to its best – shining bright and ready to stun!
For more information on how to keep your jewellery clean, contact Maddisons of Durham.
