How to Properly Care for Jewelry

Handcrafted jewelry is more than just an accessory – it reflects the wearer’s personal style and story. To preserve its beauty and durability, it is essential to take proper care of it. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious or semi-precious stones.

1. Proper Jewelry Storage

  • Individual storage: Keep each piece in soft bags or padded boxes to avoid scratches. Jewelry with gemstones should be stored separately, as hard stones can scratch metals or other stones.
  • Moisture protection: Avoid storing jewelry in humid places, such as bathrooms, as moisture can accelerate the oxidation of silver or discolor certain sensitive stones.

2. Cleaning Gold and Silver Jewelry

  • Gold: Use a solution of warm water and a few drops of liquid detergent. Let the jewelry soak for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse well and dry with a soft towel.
  • Silver: To remove tarnish, use a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub the jewelry with this paste using a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.

3. Caring for Precious and Semi-Precious Stone Jewelry

  • Avoid chemicals: Cosmetics, perfumes, and cleaning solutions can affect the luster of stones and the shine of metals. Apply makeup or perfume first and only put on jewelry after your skin is dry.
  • Gentle cleaning: Use a soft cloth or fine brush to clean stones. Avoid prolonged contact with water for porous stones, such as turquoise or opal.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Temperature fluctuations can cause cracks in sensitive stones, such as emeralds or opal.

4. When to call a specialist

Some jewelry, especially those with intricately set stones or delicate precious metals, require professional maintenance. Visit a jeweler for a deep cleaning and a check of your settings at least once a year.

5. Tips for Handmade Jewelry

Handcrafted jewelry can have unique designs, which require extra attention:

  • Handle with care: Avoid applying pressure to fine details or hand-set stones.
  • Periodic inspection: If you notice signs of loosening of the mounts or deformation, contact a jeweler for repairs.

By following these tips, your handcrafted jewelry will retain its original charm and remain a source of joy for many years to come. If you have any questions or need jewelry maintenance products, don't hesitate to contact us!