High-quality jewellery, notably with fine and rare gemstones, is quite a strong investment and a fun part of a diversified portfolio. But it can also be sentimental, meaning the pieces can never be replaced. It doesn’t matter what it is, there’s likely to be some emotional reason you wear a ring or a necklace. Knowing how to care for and protect your most intimate and cherished accessories can make a substantial difference in their brilliance, keeping your bijoux sparkling for generations. Several mistakes are bound to happen, and it’s not always easy to realise you’re making them. Correct your errors by steering clear of the following mistakes.
Not Removing Your Jewellery Before Taking a Dip
Indeed, it can be a hassle, but if you want to ensure your jewellery maintains its beauty and lustre for as long as possible, remove the pieces if you’re showering or swimming. Water can be corrosive, and the chemicals you use can deteriorate your favourite picks’ appearance and overall quality. If your jewellery is gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel, and so on, you can shower with it, but remember that other metals, such as brass, copper, or bronze, don’t react well with water because they’re inert toward cold and hot water.
Showering is one thing, but swimming is even worse. To be more precise, the chlorine and other chemicals in the water can lead to discolouration, tarnishing, and even corrosion. Not only does wearing jewellery in the pool ruin your favourite accessories, but it also causes skin irritation or allergic reactions. Chlorine affects gemstones, causing the smooth surface to wear away. When you dip into the pool, you risk losing your bijoux, which can be sucked into the intake of the drain. And if the fittings corrode, you might not be able to salvage your tarnished pieces.
Not Cleaning Your Jewellery at Home
From everyday jewellery to the pieces you wear on special occasions, they all need a good polish. Lotion, body oils, and makeup can build on your adornments, especially if you wear them on a daily basis, compromising the settings. You can take your precious accessories in to get cleaned by a professional, but it can be costly and inconvenient. Even if you do take your jewellery in to get cleaned by a pro, at-home maintenance is still necessary. Some wear and tear are expected, but you can quickly transform your pieces from dull to dazzling. All you need is gentle dish soap and a polishing cloth.
Not Bringing Your Jewellery Pieces in For an Inspection
Try as you might, without professional methods of cleaning, there’s not much you can do to make your jewellery sparkle. So, don’t skip taking your treasured heirlooms to a jeweller for cleaning and polishing. Some will do it for free, and it can really extend your pieces’ life. Delicate items require specialist cleaning to avoid damage, so schedule a cleaning at your local showroom. Equally important is to have your jewellery inspected. Jewellery withstands a lot of wear and tear, so have it regularly checked by a professional. Even if a ring looks good to you, there might be a problem you’re not aware of.
Local jewellers have extensive knowledge about their products, so they can help clients make the best decision for their needs. Events that are completely out of the ordinary of business can occur. You could be injured, seriously, perhaps. Under a personal injury claim, the property owner may be liable for unsafe conditions if you trip on loose carpeting, for instance. There’s currently a wealth of information on how to proceed. Further details are available at https://www.howmuchcompensation.co.uk/. If you somehow contributed to the accident, you forget all about it. By and large, jewellery stores practise caution, so no hazards should be present.
Not Educating Yourself Before You Make a Purchase
You don’t just sit around waiting for things to come to you. Acquiring a piece of jewellery is a huge investment, so educate yourself to avoid costly mistakes. In case you didn’t know, pearls aren’t the only items that require a delicate touch. If your engagement ring is the most expensive piece of jewellery you’ve ever owned, don’t polish it too often, leave it at home if you’re exercising, and avoid harsh chemicals. As you’re buying a piece, it’s a good idea to look it up. Almost everyone is susceptible to making impulse purchases, both large and small, and while it can be fun there and then, it can engender feelings of guilt and regret.
Gemstones like ivory tend to develop a brownish patina, but it’s not a good enough reason to whiten the artefact, so no attempt should be made. The jewellery should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. You must apply the solution sparingly, just dampening the surface and cleaning a few centimetres at any one time. Ivory is a porous, organic material, so you must treat it with a light coating of olive oil every few years. Be well-informed and rely on information prior to a purchase. The more details you have, the better you’re able to make a good choice.
Not Taking Your Jewellery Off When You Sleep
Finally, yet importantly, you should take your jewellery off at night. The movement while you’re asleep can wear out the prongs, so if you sleep with your engagement ring on, you risk breaking it. Chains or pendants can stretch and, therefore, weaken. Additionally, sleeping with your cherished accessories on can cause them to tarnish, sweat ending up on the jewels and dulling their shine. The idea is that you can damage the jewellery by constantly wearing it, so remove everything at night. Wearing your jewellery while sleeping is the main reason for losing gemstones.
Conclusion
Adequate maintenance and cleaning can help extend the life of your jewellery and prevent damage that causes it to wear out faster. Jewellery can become a cherished memory, and if you give it the care it deserves, you can make the pieces stay longer. Use a separate box with a soft fabric lining to avoid scratches.
