Taking care of your jewelry is essential to maintaining its beauty and longevity. However, even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cause damage. To help you protect your precious pieces, here are some common jewelry care mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Wearing Jewelry During Physical Activities
One of the most frequent mistakes is wearing jewelry during strenuous activities such as exercising, gardening, or heavy lifting. Sweat, dirt, and physical impact can cause metals to tarnish, gemstones to loosen, and delicate pieces to bend or break. Always remove your jewelry before engaging in physical activities to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
2. Exposing Jewelry to Harsh Chemicals
Chemicals found in everyday products like perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and household cleaners can damage jewelry. These substances can discolor metals, erode settings, and dull gemstones. To avoid this, put on your jewelry last after applying beauty products, and remove it before cleaning or swimming in chlorinated pools.
3. Not Storing Jewelry Properly
Improper storage can lead to tangled necklaces, scratched metals, and damaged stones. A common mistake is tossing all your jewelry into a single drawer or pouch. Instead, store your pieces in a soft-lined jewelry box with separate compartments for each item. For silver pieces, consider using anti-tarnish strips to keep them shining longer.
4. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Over time, dirt, oils, and dust build up on jewelry, diminishing its sparkle. Many people forget to clean their jewelry regularly or use harsh cleaning methods. The safest way to clean most jewelry is with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush. Avoid using abrasive materials, especially on delicate stones or plated jewelry.
5. Using Ultrasonic Cleaners Incorrectly
While ultrasonic cleaners can be effective for cleaning some jewelry, they are not suitable for all pieces. Soft or porous gemstones like pearls, opals, and emeralds can be damaged by ultrasonic waves. Before using an ultrasonic cleaner, ensure that your jewelry is safe for this method, or stick to hand-cleaning techniques for delicate items.
6. Overexposing Jewelry to Water
Water exposure, especially in hot tubs, pools, and showers, can harm your jewelry. Chlorine and saltwater can erode metals and damage certain gemstones. Even freshwater can loosen settings or dull finishes over time. Always remove your jewelry before swimming or bathing to avoid this mistake.
7. Wearing Jewelry to Bed
Sleeping with your jewelry on, especially delicate items like chains and bracelets, can cause them to bend, break, or tangle. Over time, this can weaken clasps or settings. It’s best to remove your jewelry before going to bed to ensure it remains in good condition.
8. Failing to Inspect for Damage
Another common mistake is neglecting regular inspections of your jewelry. Loose stones, worn prongs, or damaged clasps can lead to loss or further damage if not addressed in time. Make it a habit to check your jewelry regularly and have it professionally inspected at least once a year.
9. Over-polishing Silver Jewelry
While polishing silver can help keep it bright, overdoing it can wear down the metal, especially if it’s silver-plated. Use a polishing cloth designed for silver, and polish gently to avoid removing too much of the metal’s surface.
10. Ignoring Metal Sensitivities
Wearing jewelry made from metals you’re allergic to can cause skin irritation. Many people wear nickel-based jewelry without realizing it can trigger allergic reactions. If you experience irritation, switch to hypoallergenic metals like sterling silver, gold, or platinum.
By avoiding these common jewelry care mistakes, you can protect your pieces from damage and keep them looking beautiful for years to come. Taking a little extra time to care for your jewelry properly will ensure it retains its sparkle and value.