Receiving jewelry can be a great gift, whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, or some other occasion. Rings, necklaces, and other items should be cared for to ensure that they last a lifetime. Knowing about your jewelry item will empower you to make the right decisions to keep it clean and in good shape to last a lifetime or more.
Know Where to Store It
You need to know where and how to store your jewelry properly. Jewelry boxes can be a great starting point as long as you have enough room. If there are too many chains, they can become knotted very easily. Higher-end jewelry should be stored in a safe so that it’s kept safe from the possibility of theft. Then, when you want to wear it, you can remove it from the safe for a particular occasion.
When to Wear It
Jewelry should be worn based on the occasion, not all the time. It might be necessary to remove jewelry based on what activity you’re involved in. If you’re going swimming, no jewelry should be worn because it can slip from your fingers or tarnish due to the chlorine. If you’re working with heavy machinery or near moving parts, rings should be removed so that they don’t get crushed, potentially causing damage to your finger at the same time. Necklaces tend to get caught in moving parts, too, especially if they’re longer.
How to Clean It
You should be cleaning your jewelry on a regular basis so that sediment doesn’t get in and around the stones. Silver can tarnish, too, leaving dark marks on the jewelry that make it less attractive. Not all jewelry can be cleaned the same way, especially if you have an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. You have to look at what is and isn’t advised to go into the machine.
How to Protect It
Some jewelry can be extremely valuable, so it’s a good idea to find out how you can effectively protect it. Rings and other jewelry should be taken to jewelers periodically to be inspected. If there’s a loose diamond, for example, it can be addressed before you lose the stone.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to look at having your valuable jewelry covered under an insurance policy. If you’re still living at home, find out if your parents can add your pieces to their homeowners policy. If you’re on your own, look into your own policies. There may be a warranty that comes with new jewelry, too, allowing you to register it on the company’s website.
By learning more about the jewelry that you have, you can be sure to take care of it properly. It will allow you to keep your jewelry looking great for many years to come.
Jewelry isn’t the only valuable thing to protect — your car needs protection, too. Click here for tips on how to protect your car, yourself, and others following an accident.