It is surprisingly easy to make gorgeous jewelry shine to its fullest potential, and the true fashionistas of bling know all of the tips and tricks to make their vintage pieces reclaim their sparkle and their new accessories last several lifetimes. We’re all about the self-care lifestyle, and decorating ourselves in icy diamonds and white gold or luscious gemstones and polished platinum is one of the best age-old ways to feel like a brand-new woman. When creating a self-care routine, add some time for jewelry care as well. The attention to personal detail can do wonders for the lifespan of the gems and precious metals as well as for a girl’s own mental health. With the stressors of daily life, a curated jewelry care routine will be a perfect addition to anyone’s self-care practices. The methodical cleaning can be an oasis of meditation for the girl with a million things on her mind.
Proper cleaning isn’t the only way to extend the life of fine jewelry. Knowing when to slip that lovely diamond engagement ring off, or when to hang up grandmother’s vintage yellow gold necklace is integral to the life and shine of fine jewelry. We’ve all heard the horror stories of losing a family heirloom or a priceless diamond down the drain of the kitchen sink. There are plenty of ways that jewelry can be lost or tarnished with harsh chemicals if the careless gal totes them to the wrong event. There is also the matter of how to properly store one’s priceless heirlooms and adornments in a way that is fitting for flawless pieces. Proprietary jewelry cases and jewelry portfolios have specific facets in place for any piece of fine jewelry that might need extra care. Fear not - we’ve got all of the information needed to keep fine jewelry in tip-top shape.
Keep em Clean
The most important thing to remember when researching jewelry care is that gentleness is key. Even though we are often times working with some of the hardest natural substances in the world like diamond and platinum, all fine jewelry requires a gentle touch for their care and polishing so that the settings don’t become loose. While it is recommended to have a professional polish and clean jewelry about once a year, it’s important to know how to administer at-home jewelry care as well. Take a look at each gemstone and precious metal that needs to be cleaned. Abrasive dips and chemicals can do more harm than good out of a professional’s hand, so we recommend the easy solution of warm water and a microfiber or non-lint cloth. For the softer gems like pearls, using a soft make-up brush for cleaning can allow for even gentler care. The last step is making sure every single piece is completely dry to work against tarnishing.
Take it Off
Not only is it imperative to know how to clean and care for jewelry, but it’s also important to know when to hang them up. First of all, no fine jewelry should ever see a house cleaning day. Any time we have dishes to do or bathrooms to bleach, we want to keep our collection out of the way. Harsh cleaning chemicals can tarnish and eat away at many different materials used to make fine jewelry. Make sure to remove jewels before exercise as well. We all love to be Instagram-ready in case our gym crush walks in, but sweat and chemicals from places like pools can severely limit the lifespan of a diamond band or intricate timepiece. Lastly, there are certain UV-sensitive gemstones that deserve a little extra trepidation in direct sunlight. Stones like aquamarine or amethyst can fade over time if they are exposed to direct sunlight, while amber has been known to darken in UV light. Keep those babies in the dark.
A Place for Everything
After the jewelry cleaning process has been completed and it’s time to store fine jewelry, having a proprietary location for them makes all the difference in the world. Without proper storage, gold chains can become tangled, mechanisms of timepieces can degrade, and gemstones can lose their luster. Thankfully, the designers at Wolf1834 have it covered.
A classic of Wolf1834, the London Jewelry Roll is a sleek and transportable option for multiple fine jewelry options. Perfect for travel, this jewelry roll allows for the safe storage of many outfits’ worth of accessories – boasting 8 earring holes, 4 jewelry compartments, and 2 ring rolls. The lizard-embossed leather is a marriage of practicality and style and adds the perfect touch to this lovely jewelry roll.
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