ewelry Care Guide

Taking good care of your jewelry is essential to maintaining its beauty and value over time. Precious metals like silver and gold naturally change with use and exposure to weather, oxygen, and moisture. Here are some simple tips to help your jewelry keep its appearance for as long as possible.

1. How to Clean Your Jewelry

Cleaning is key to keeping your jewelry looking shiny and beautiful. Here are specific tips for different types of jewelry:

• Silver Jewelry: Use lukewarm water and mild soap without perfume. Dip a soft toothbrush into the water and gently clean your jewelry. Rinse with clean water and dry with a silver cloth. If your silver jewelry has become dull, a silver polishing cloth can help restore its shine. However, never use a silver cloth on gold-plated or black rhodium-plated jewelry, as it can alter their appearance.

• Gold-Plated Jewelry: Gold-plated jewelry is more delicate and requires extra care. Gently clean them with a soft cloth or toothbrush without rubbing too hard. Avoid harsh cleaning agents as they can remove the plating. Rinse carefully with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. It’s important to be extra careful, as over-cleaning can wear down the plating over time.

• Black Rhodium-Plated Jewelry: Jewelry with black rhodium plating is sensitive to scratches and discoloration. Use only a very soft cloth to gently clean them, and avoid silver baths or harsh cleaners, as these can remove the black coating. Rhodium plating will naturally wear off over time, but regular care can extend the lifespan of the coating.

2. How to Store Your Jewelry

Proper storage protects your jewelry from scratches and discoloration.

• Cool and Dry: Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as in a jewelry box or cloth pouch. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as humidity and steam can cause tarnishing.

• Individual Storage: To prevent damage, store jewelry separately, especially those with stones or delicate coatings.

3. Avoid Chemicals and Damage

Jewelry is sensitive to chemicals found in everyday products. Make sure to:

• Avoid Chemicals: Remove jewelry before cleaning or contact with chemicals like bleach and ammonia. These can dull the shine or cause discoloration.

• No Perfume or Lotion: Wait until perfume, lotion, and other body products are completely dry before putting on your jewelry. These can degrade the plating and affect the jewelry’s appearance.

• Remove Jewelry Before Sports and Swimming: Sweat, saltwater, and chlorinated water can alter the color and plating of your jewelry. Be sure to remove them before any physical activity.

4. Expert Care and Repair

Even with proper care, surface treatments and coatings will naturally wear off over time. To maintain the original beauty of your jewelry, consider having it checked and replated by a professional. This is especially relevant for gold-plated jewelry, where replating can renew the appearance and extend the lifespan of your jewelry.