To keep your jewelry looking its best and ensure its longevity, consider these care tips:
- Regular Professional Check-ups: Schedule a check-up with a reputable jeweler every year or so to inspect each piece. Pay special attention to prong settings, as loose stones can lead to loss or damage. Even the slightest movement of a gemstone indicates a potential issue that needs addressing.
- Shower Before You Shine: Make it a habit to remove your jewelry before showering. Body wash can create a film on jewelry, dulling the brilliance of diamonds. Unless you clean your jewelry regularly, this film can accumulate and diminish its luster. Additionally, avoid wearing jewelry while applying makeup or perfume.
- Chlorine is a No-No: Chlorine can corrode gold and loosen gemstones. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or soaking gold jewelry in bleach. Chemicals like chlorine and ammonia can discolor gold and other alloys and damage the surface of many gemstones. If you accidentally wear jewelry while swimming or bathing, simply have it polished to restore its shine.
- Take it Easy: Avoid wearing fine jewelry during strenuous activities, especially those involving contact with hard surfaces or harsh substances like alcohol. Hard materials can scratch softer gemstones or the metal itself. For instance, Cartier's Love bracelets, though initially shiny, can become scratched over time. A simple polish can usually restore their luster.
- Heat is a Jewel's Enemy: Keep your fine jewelry away from excessive heat, such as hot stoves. Exposure to high heat can cause various gemstones to crack or break. For example, enamel can crack and shatter when exposed to sudden temperature changes.
- Humidify Your Gems: Some gemstones, like jade, jadeite, opal, and emerald, require a certain level of humidity. Prolonged exposure to extremely dry conditions can damage these stones. If you need to store such jewelry for an extended period, place it in a sealed container with a damp cloth.
