Whether it’s given as a symbol of a lifetime
commitment or just as a heartfelt gesture, jewelry is a popular Christmas gift
for people of all ages. Taking care of each piece properly is important to keep
it looking beautiful for years to come.
Old-fashioned methods tend to work best when it comes
to cleaning most precious metals, but each has its own unique properties so
it’s important to understand the differences before you begin scrubbing.
Gold
·
Gold doesn’t tarnish, but it can become
dull or discolored from repeated exposure to oils in your skin, lotion, makeup,
or other chemicals.
·
One of the best cleaning agents for gold
is plain old dish detergent. Squirt some detergent into a bowl filled with
warm water and let the item soak for a few minutes. Scrub it gently with a
toothbrush and sit it on a towel to air dry. Finish up by giving it a quick
polish with a soft polishing cloth.
Silver
· Silver is a softer metal and scratches
easily, so it requires more delicate care. Clean sterling silver pieces with a
soft 100% cotton or flannel cloth; use mild dish detergent and warm water
to clean rhodium-plated silver.
Gemstones
- Most gemstones are durable in and of themselves, but you still need to handle them carefully, especially if the stone is in a high or unique setting. Repair loose stones (and the prongs, which is likely the problem) as soon as possible to prevent them from falling out.
- Some stones are stronger than others and should be stored accordingly. For instance, don’t throw a diamond ring on top of a pearl necklace if your jewelry box is less than perfectly organized—the diamond could scratch the pearls.
- The best cleaning methods vary depending on the type of stones. Harder gems like diamonds are best cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush (to gently scrub away dirt and grime that builds up in the setting); softer, organic stones like pearls and amber should just be wiped clean with a soft cloth.
General Jewelry Care
- As a rule, remove your jewelry when doing a physical task that could damage the piece.
- Keep your jewelry away from harmful chemicals, such as chlorine or bleach.
- Put on your jewelry after you apply perfume, hairspray, or lotion, as each contain ingredients that could damage various metals.
For an added layer of protection, consider purchasing
insurance for your most precious jewels. Whether you’re now the owner of a brand-new wedding
band or engagement ring as of Christmas, or recently inherited an heirloom
that’s been in your family for generations, keep those pieces the treasures
they are with proper coverage. Some insurance plans require regular inspections
and cleanings to keep the coverage in force, but the requirements vary among
different plans.
Here at ETA Insurance Group, we help protect what
matters most to you. Give us a call to learn more about the best plan for your
needs and budget.
