Your jewelry may be made from tough materials and formed into thick ringlets, such as gold chains for men, but there’s a certain TLC that comes with each item. Follow these top 10 tips for protecting your bling. Those favorite rings and chains can last for years without a scratch.
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Tip #1. Pick a Dedicated Storage Area
Tossing your favorite chain on the side table because you plan on wearing it tomorrow may be convenient, but it’s not the best care for your jewelry. Create a dedicated storage area for the items. You can use anything from a traditional jewelry box to a sealable plastic container.
Place the box in a convenient location, so you can always use it at the end of the day. You’ll always know where the jewelry is located, and it remains protected from getting bumped or damaged.
Tip #2. Be Aware of Air and Moisture Issues
Certain metals react with the air, which leads to tarnish and other discoloration. A white gold chain can suddenly lose its luster as air reacts with the surface.
If your dedicated storage area isn’t airtight, consider adding a desiccant bag. It wards off humidity trapped in the air, which contributes to discoloration. In fact, some people even place their jewelry in sealed plastic bags within the storage area.
Tip #3. Separate Each Piece
Take a look at how you store your jewelry. In particular, it’s easy to allow multiple chains to crisscross and become entangled in any storage area.
Be sure to separate each piece of jewelry as you store it overnight. Carefully lay the chains parallel to each other. By separating the pieces, you avoid scratching or tangling them together. Jewelry is highly vulnerable to these superficial scratches that can add up over time. As a result, stones and metals appear lackluster even under the brightest lights.
Tip #4. Avoid Contact With Chemicals
You may not realize that the chemical compounds in cologne, lotion, hair products and other cosmetic items can damage jewelry. They may be safe for humans, but your jewelry might suffer permanent damage.
Silver, gold, and platinum are particularly vulnerable to chemical damage. Keep your wrist, fingers, or neckline free from these cosmetic products when you wear jewelry to keep the metals looking brand new.
Tip #5. Wipe Jewelry After Wearing It
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A great rule with jewelry care is committing to basic cleaning at the day’s end. Use an anti-tarnish cloth or even a soft towel on the jewelry items when you take them off. Carefully wipe every surface, paying careful attention to areas that touch the skin. You want to wipe away oils and dust collected on the jewelry during the day. Always use a clean cloth with each jewelry item. You don’t want to move oils from one chain to another surface.
Tip #6. Wear Different Pieces Each Day
You’ll give your jewelry a long life if it’s not worn every day. Try to wear different items each day. The change will look great as a fashion statement, and those jewelry items can avoid the sunlight and weathering elements as they’re put away for a day or two afterward.
This practice also encourages you to organize and care for the jewelry. For example, when you have many chains, you’ll keep them arranged with care.
Tip #7. Create a Regular Cleaning Routine
Aside from wiping down your jewelry each time you wear it, consider a deep-cleaning routine. Use a soft toothbrush, and apply a mixture of mild dish detergent and water to your jewelry.
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Carefully move the bristles across the jewelry while allowing them to do the work. Don’t scrub the jewelry. It’s safe to clean most stones and metals in this manner. Never add anything stronger than mild detergent to the water. If the jewelry remains dirty after this routine, seeking a professional’s assistance is in order.
Tip #8. Choose the Right Occasion
There’s always a time and place for your bling. A night out for dinner, dancing or even chatting with friends are great times to wear your favorite chains.
However, leave your jewelry at home if you’re exercising, swimming or soaking in a hot tub. Sweat, chlorine, and moisture are enemies of your jewelry. Picking the right occasion for the jewelry is one way you’ll extend its lifespan.
Tip #9. Pay Attention to Wear
Ideally, casually inspect your jewelry every time you put it on. Look for any scratches or damage across the chains or stones. Pay careful attention to any fasteners. Broken clasps, for instance, can come undone in seconds. It’s possible to lose a favorite piece with a turn of the head.
Clasps can often be replaced with ease by a professional. They can also buff out those deep scratches, which can only worsen without expert care.
Tip #10. Insure Expensive Items
Protect your bling by insuring certain pieces. You might have splurged on a beautiful Cuban link chain, for instance. Because of the craftsmanship and quality of the metals, these chains can cost more than $1,000. Look for insurance that’s designed for jewelry. If anything happens to the item, your insurance can cover it. The policy gives you peace of mind as you enjoy the luxury chain.
Make Jewelry Care a Daily Routine
Take care of your jewelry, and it’ll shine brightly through the years. If you use these tips each day, that bling can reflect your personality with its quality and cleanliness.
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