Jewelry such as engagement rings, gold necklaces, and diamond-encrusted broaches can last for generations if well cared for. Even a piece in perfect condition can start looking grimy over time if kept in storage, but a quick clean is usually enough to bring it back to life. Here are some basic care tips for prolonging the lifespan of your valuables.

Do:

Clean with water.

Warm water is usually enough to eliminate common residue from lotion, perfume, makeup, and hardened soap. Soak your pieces in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes, brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush if necessary, then rinse in running water. To get rid of tougher grime on gold or silver, use a mild soap or a detergent-free dishwashing liquid.

Store with silica gel packets.

Silica gel absorbs moisture and helps keep your jewelry from tarnishing. You can find them in most office supply stores, or use ones that arrive in vitamin bottles or boxes of new shoes.  

Take repairs to jewelers.

If you aren’t a trained professional and don’t have the right tools for manipulating stones and metals, attempting to fix a bent piece can cause further damage. If you need resizing, stone tightening, soldering, and other types of repairs, take your item to a jeweler.

Don't:

Clean with toothpaste.

There’s a common misconception that you can use toothpaste to clean jewelry, but its formula is abrasive and can scratch or damage gold and silver. The chemicals used in their flavoring can also cause metal corrosion, so always opt for warm water or a mild soap when you need to polish your pieces.

Store improperly.

Keeping pieces separate from each other avoids tangling and prevents hard stones from scratching more malleable materials such as gold. To store your jewelry, choose boxes with fabric lining and separate compartments.

Clean with harsh cleansers.

Most cleansers are too harsh to be used for valuables and can scratch or corrode metal. When picking cleaners, stick to mild formulas designed to clean jewelry or only mild soap and water.

If you're in the market for high-quality or custom jewelry, visit Klass Jewelers in Florence, KY. This family-owned company carries jewelry of all types, sizes, and karats, and if you can’t find the piece of your dreams, they work with you to create computer-aided custom designs. Visit their website to view their collection, or call (859) 525-7500 to speak to a representative.