If you or your loved one has visited a custom jeweler to design your wedding rings or other types of jewelry, you’ll understand the care and expense that goes into each piece. But just because a diamond is the hardest substance known to man — it ranks as a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale — doesn’t mean that you should think of your rings, watches, and necklaces as indestructible. Failure to take care of your jewelry can cause scratches, dullness, and other damages that may be quite expensive to fix. To extend the life of the pieces you’ve obtained from your custom jeweler, here are a few care tips to keep in mind.
- Store in a clean, dry place
As a general rule, your jewelry should not be stored in a damp or dusty environment. Ideally, you should store it in a box, tray, or drawer that’s lined with fabric. Alternatively, you can wrap each piece in tissue paper. No matter what, don’t simply throw your jewelry in a cluttered space together; this can lead to scratching or tangling. - Remove before applying anything
In extreme temperatures, many people will apply lotions, sunscreens, oils, or other substances to protect and nourish your skin. You should always remove your jewelry before applying these products. Otherwise, the film that forms on the pieces will make them look dull or can even make them sticky to the touch. This can happen when you use shampoos, conditioners, and soaps too (especially if you have harder water), so don’t wear jewelry in the shower, either. - Wipe down after removal
Even if you remember to take off your jewelry before you apply sunscreen or moisturizer, it’s possible for these products to rub off on your pieces after you’ve put them back on. Therefore, you should wipe down your jewelry with a soft, slightly damp cloth when you remove and store it. Not only will this make the pieces from your custom jeweler cleaner but it will also restore their shine. - Say no to salt water and chlorine
By all means, you should soak up the summer and swim in your pool or in the ocean. Just make sure to remove your rings and necklaces before you dive in. Chemicals used in pools and hot tubs and the salt water of the ocean can cause metal discoloration to gold and platinum and can even erode the polish and overall finish of certain gemstones. If you’re taking a dip, take off your jewelry first and store it in a safe place. - Stay away from the sink
If you remove your rings to wash your hands, don’t ever set them on the sink’s edge. One bump will send them right down the drain — the nightmare of many married couples! Instead, consider putting an attractive ring dish in a cabinet (far away from the sink) or in a compartment of your bathroom storage unit. Put it in the same place every time so you don’t misplace it!
We’ve all heard the saying: diamonds are forever. But if you don’t care for them correctly, you may have to look into repairs or replacement early on. If you’ve received beautiful rings, time pieces, or other jewelry designed by a custom jeweler, you’ll want those to last forever. With these care tips, you’ll be able to keep your jewelry looking brand new for decades to come.
