Introduction to Jewelry Care
It is important to take good care of your jewelry, as it can easily turn its color or become damaged if not maintained properly. It is important to remember that even precious metals such as gold and silver will have discoloration over time. Some environmental factors that can cause this discoloration are heat, humidity, air pollution and exposure to chemicals. Therefore, it is necessary to take steps to help prevent your jewelry from tarnishing or turning its color prematurely.
The first step in preventing jewelry from turning is to store it separately in a cool, dry place. Moisture can accelerate the job of tarnishing so a humid environment should be avoided at all costs. If you do not plan on wearing your jewelry for long periods of time, consider buying an airtight case or container in which you can store it. This helps protect the piece from dust as well as other contaminants which could also potentially damage the jewelry’s finish. Additionally, when choosing where to store your pieces, make sure it is out of direct sunlight and away from any sources of intense heat or moisture – for instance by a window or near a radiator heater – both of which causes some particularly harsh damage to metal surfaces.
Another way to prevent jewelry from tarnishing is regularly cleaning and polishing the pieces with special solutions specifically designed for this purpose – usually containing a mild abrasive element. Additionally, what many people don’t know is that when wearing jewelry keep in mind that skin oils also play their part in hastening tarnishing; so does lotions and perfumes on top of body heat! Therefore, always make sure you take off your pieces before physical activities such as exercising or showering; and take extra precautions if using certain products that contain strong chemicals like astringent face washes etc., Letting them come into contact with those chemicals could prove very damaging and should be avoided at all costs!
Different Metals and Their Variances
Jewelry is often made of a variety of metals, but each metal type can vary in how resistant it is to tarnishing. Copper and Brass tend to be the most protected from tarnish due to their composition, whereas Sterling Silver and Gold are more prone to oxidation. To reduce the chances of jewelry turning over time, it is important to choose metals that are more resistant to tarnish and oxidation. Copper and Brass generally have a high resistance and may require little maintenance in comparison with other metals used for jewelry making. As for Sterling Silver, the alloy used needs to be at least 925 parts per thousand (92.5%) pure silver because lesser amounts would result in a significantly quicker oxidation process. You can also apply protective layers in order to minimize contact with air or any corrosive agent that induces wear and tear on your jewelry, giving it a longer life. For gold pieces, applying rhodium plate coating is also an effective
method as it helps increase resistance against corrosion and discoloration, while increasing durability of jewelry items. With the right choice of metal or by taking necessary steps such as protective layer applications, you can successfully improve your jewelry’s longevity!
The Cleaning Process
One of the best ways to prevent jewelry from turning is to keep it clean. Clean items will not discolor or tarnish as quickly as dirtier items. Popular cleaning methods include using jewelry cleaning solutions, soaking in hot water and mild soap, or using a soft toothbrush and mild detergent to scrub the pieces. All jewelry should be dried completely after cleaning, either by air-drying or soft polishing cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals such cleaning agents that contain alcohol and bleach, which can damage a number of materials used in jewelry production such as gold and silver. Never use hard brushes or abrasive materials that could scratch jewelry surface and weaken settings. Household products should also be avoided for cleaning, such as vinegar, lemon juice and ammonia e.g. window cleaners because each product has the potential to react negatively with certain metals (especially silver). Ultrasonic cleaners may be used with caution on precious stones only; never use this method on any metallic part of your jewelry piece”the vibration could cause components to become loose or break off.
Jewelry Polishes
Jewelry polishes are essential for keeping your jewelry in good condition and preventing it from turning. In order to maintain the original luster and beauty of your jewelry, you should use a high quality polish to protect and preserve it. Jewelry polishes come in liquid solutions or waxes, so depending on the type of metal on your jewelry, you should select a polish that is specifically made for that type of metal. To properly apply the polish, place a small amount on a soft cloth or cotton swab, then use light pressure to gently scrub the surface without scratching it. After wiping away excess polish, you can use a second cloth or cotton swab to remove any remaining residues until the surface is perfectly clean. Don’t forget to rinse off with warm water afterward and make sure all soap residue has been washed away thoroughly. Your jewelry will look as good as new when finished!
Selecting the Right Setting
In order to prevent jewelry from turning and becoming tarnished, selecting the right setting is imperative. By choosing a high-quality setting, it will reduce tarnishing and increase the longevity of your jewelry. For example, using sterling silver with plating instead of plain silver will often be less likely to turn as fast. Additionally, you can select from an array of protective gold plating such as 14K or 18k yellow or white gold to ensure that your jewelry stays looking exquisite for longer. Depending on how often you wear your jewellery, there are also less reactive metals such as stainless steel that are easier to maintain in comparison to their pure metal counterparts. Furthermore, paying attention to the stones and details in your jewelry is key when finding a setting that won’t turn quickly. Certain stones require more delicate settings which should be taken into consideration when making a purchase.
Tips for Preventing Jewelry from Turning
1. Store Jewelry Separately: Always ensure that you store the jewelry in separate sections while putting it away. This will prevent any metals from rubbing against each other, which could cause the metal to discolor or scratch.
2. Clean Jewelry Regularly: Clean your jewelry regularly with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft dry cloth for an additional shine and smooth texture of your items. Make sure to cleanse all crevices and settings of chains, diamonds, and gems in particular.
3. Protect Jewelry from Chemicals: Many everyday products contain chemicals that can break down gold, silver and other metals used in making jewelry over time. Be mindful of this when you’re wearing pressed powders or lotions; cover up any exposed jewelry if possible and consider removing rings especially before taking part in any cleaning activities involving said chemicals.
4. Avoid Excessive Exposure to Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to the sun’s heat and rays can damage many types of gemstones over time including opals, coral, pearls, turquoise and amethysts – among others – as well as discolor metals such as silver & gold over time too; additionally discoloring or burning skin if worn on wrist or neck when exposed for long periods of time also.
Maintenance and Care of Jewelry
Pros of Jewelry Maintenance and Care:
1. Saves Money – Taking good care of your jewelry can help extend the lifetime of a piece, which is desirable if it’s expensive or sentimental.
2. Preserves Imported Pieces ” The metals used in imported jewelry may be more prone to tarnishing than those used in fashion pieces sourced domestically, so proper maintenance is extra important for certain items.
3. Prevents Rusting and Tarnishing ” To keep jewelry looking its best, it’s essential to frequently clean and store it properly, as dust and airborne chemicals can cause jewelry to discolour over time and make it look less shiny.
4. Makes Materials Durable ” Stainless steel and other durable materials can be kept in great condition with regular check-ups and care from a professional if necessary.
Cons of Jewelry Maintenance and Care:
1. Expensive Fees – Having your jewelry professionally serviced or repaired can incur high fees, especially for precious stones or complex designs that require extra expertise.
2. Wear And Tear – Professional care may also accelerate wear and tear on certain items due to repeated handling or polishing over the years.
3. Slow Processing Times ” It can take several weeks before pieces are returned after they’ve been sent off for repairs, leaving you without access to your favorite jewellery options for some time afterwards!
Conclusion
It is important to follow the steps listed above in order to prevent your jewelry from turning over time. Jewelry that is properly cared for and stored can be enjoyed for years to come. By avoiding exposure to chemicals and harsh environments, using proper cleaning methods, and storing pieces in individual pouches or containers, you can help ensure the longevity and beauty of your treasured items. Taking these precautions will help protect your jewelry and provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
So whether you’re someone who loves wearing jewelry yourself or simply enjoys learning about it, be sure to check out my blog for insightful posts on everything related to this exciting topic!
