Everyone loves the thought of owning beautiful, precious jewelry but how many of us truly take out the time to look after the pieces that we own? Not many, I’m sure, and certainly not as often as we should be. As someone who is extremely passionate about baubles of all shapes and sizes, I realize that it is important to give my pieces the TLC they need so that they continue to look fabulous in the years to come. If you are as clueless as I was a year ago, look no further!
Silver
This beautiful metal is one of the brightest of the lot, but also one of the most delicate, which means that it can get scratched and tarnished rather easily. The best way to look after silver pieces is to regularly clean them with a salt bath. Create a solution of hot water and salt, and then immerse your jewelry in the bowl for five to ten minutes. When you feel that the shine has returned, take it out and pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Voila!
Gold
Gold is not quite as delicate as silver and most people say that you can never really “over clean” it. In a large bowl, mix equal quantities of hot water and dishwashing soap. Let your pieces soak in the mixture for a couple of hours, pull them out and then gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush to make them shine. You can do this as often as you like, but it is also a good idea to take your gold baubles to the jeweler every year for a quick steam and buff to amp up the shine factor.
Diamond
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and you had better treat your #bff right! For starters, try to touch your diamond as little as possible. I know it is very tempting to finger your rock but diamonds instantly attract the oils from your hand, which can make them look greasy. Like all precious jewelry, you must clean your stones every fortnight. Use a mild solution of warm water mixed with an ammonia-based household cleaner as a soak. Avoid the toothbrush method; simply dry your diamonds with a soft washcloth instead.
Pearls
Ladies, if you want your pearls to maintain their radiance, keep them away from makeup, perfume, hair spray and the likes. To do so, it is always a good idea to put your jewelry on after you have completed your hair and makeup routine. Since pearls tend to scratch easily, each piece must be kept in its own compartment. Unlike other jewelry, do not try to clean your pearls at home! If you feel like they do need some cleansing, take them to a professional for the best job.
