Jewelry Care 101: Simple Steps To Maintain Brilliance

Jewelry is the most powerful accessory for any outfit. With the right pieces, any outfit becomes a little more glamorous, whether you’re sporting a pair of jeans and heels or dressed to the nines for an unforgettable evening. It can even bring us sentimental value and create memories we want to cherish forever. But, can jewelry last forever?  It can if you take steps to maintain its beauty and brilliance. Whether you wear bracelets, necklaces, rings, or a combination of pieces, 

use the information below to preserve your jewelry for years ahead.

Simple Steps to Maintain Jewelry Brilliance

Jewelry gets dirty, can become damaged or broken, and endure wear and tear over time. These 

issues can diminish the jewelry’s shine and brilliance, as well as the satisfaction and comfort you feel when wearing it.  If you want jewelry that looks as good in 10 years as it did the day of purchase, you’re in luck. The steps below can help prevent jewelry wear and tear.

    1. Understand Your Jewelry 

Different materials require different care. Metals like gold may need to be polished to keep their shine, while silver should be tarnished regularly.  Learn more about caring for your specific type of metal to avoid jewelry damage.

Different gemstones may also require different care. Learn the proper care instructions for your gemstone and follow them precisely to reduce damage. Read the blog at MoissaniteCo.com for more helpful tips and strategies to keep your jewelry looking its best.

    2. Know the Durability of Your Jewelry

Some jewelry is harder and stronger than others. As you may know, diamonds are the hardest material on earth, registering a 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite, especially the great pieces from MoissaniteCo.com is a close second, registering at a 9.25 on the scale. Know the durability of your jewelry and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines on keeping it in pristine condition.

    3. Clean Your Jewelry

Cleaning jewelry is paramount in maintaining its beauty and brilliance over time.  Do not forego this simple and easy step since it can ruin your jewelry. 

Clean jewelry regularly to keep dirt and buildup away. Regular cleaning ensures your pieces look amazing no matter how long you’ve owned them. Water and mild soap are the only items necessary to clean rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces.

Clean frequently worn jewelry once every week or two. Pieces worn less often need to be cleaned once every couple of months. Quick touch-ups between cleanings further ensure the piece maintains its beauty and brilliance.

The type of metal and gemstones in your jewelry impact the frequency of cleaning.  Diamonds, for example, should be cleaned once every three weeks, while Moissanite shows dirt more easily than diamonds and may need cleaning every couple of weeks.

The type of metal used can also impact how often it needs to be cleaned. For example, silver can tarnish and gold can endure chemical changes that result in discoloration and other concerns.  

     4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Many people wrongly think they need special cleaners to keep their jewelry looking its best. This is untrue and can damage your jewelry, especially when the wrong products are used. Many cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can ruin your favorite pieces.  

As mentioned above, mild soap and water generally do the trick to keep jewelry clean and looking its best. Using harsh chemicals is more harmful than helpful. Avoid them at all costs.

    5. Jewelry Cleaning Accessories

While cleaning jewelry with harsh chemicals isn’t recommended, using accessories is a great idea. Accessories like cleaning brushes come in handy in the game of jewelry care.

If you can buy only one cleaning accessory, purchase a soft bristle cleaning brush. A cleaning brush reaches spots that might otherwise go unnoticed. Cleaning brushes are inexpensive and extremely beneficial; add one to your jewelry box.

     6. Proper Jewelry Storage 101

Storing jewelry properly is key to its beauty and brilliance over time. Storing your pieces in a cool, dry, dark place away from moisture and sunlight helps prevent scratches, tangles, discoloration, and other problems. 

Store different types of jewelry separately to prevent tangling and scratching. We recommend storing necklaces flat in a jewelry box or using hooks. Store earrings in pairs, using the backs to secure them. Store rings and bracelets in cloth pouches to prevent scratches from occurring when these items rub against each other.

Common Jewelry Care Mistakes

Now that we’ve covered jewelry care steps, let’s look at common mistakes that can take a toll on your pieces. It is essential to learn from these mistakes and avoid making them. 

Regardless of how well you care for it, making the mistakes listed below can ruin your jewelry.

  • Engaging in activities that can damage your jewelry, such as housecleaning, swimming, or playing with the kids. Always remove jewelry before participating in such activities to prevent damage.
  • Exposing jewelry to sweat and harsh environments can tarnish metals, loosen and weaken gemstones, and cause discoloration. Remove your pieces before participating in activities that may cause these conditions.
  • Consult a jewelry professionally for regular inspections as your pieces age. Over time, gemstones can fall out or loosen from the metal, wear and tear, and other issues can occur and ruin the look of your pieces. A professional inspection by a qualified jeweler helps identify any problems with your jewelry and repair it before damage occurs. 

The Bottom Line

Jewelry is the greatest accessory of all time. It elevates our look, creates sentimental value, and helps us feel confident. It boosts any outfit and allows for a flawless appearance. Caring for your pieces is the best way to preserve their beauty and longevity. Follow the simple steps outlined above and rest assured your pieces will shine bright for years ahead.