I’ve worn my wedding ring almost every day for 30 years at this point! It’s such an integral part of my daily “uniform” that I feel a bit naked when I don’t have it on! But being so used to wearing my wedding ring does have its drawbacks. For instance, I’m so used to wearing my ring that I often fail to notice when it needs to be cleaned or repaired.
But I do want to be a more responsible jewelry owner, and not only with regards to my wedding ring! In order to do that, I did some research into caring for jewelry. What I ended up discovering is that there are quite a few things we all do every day that can damage and even ruin your jewelry!
Today I’ll be sharing that list with you, in hopes that this information will help us all adopt better habits when it comes to caring for our jewelry. After all, our favorite pieces of jewelry are often among the most valuable times we own, both in terms of monetary and emotional value. And it’s time we give these prized possessions the care they deserve! :-)
7 Ways You’re Ruining Your Jewelry
1. You Never Take Off Your Wedding Ring
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m one of those people who never takes off their wedding ring. It’s just habit at this point! But it’s important to know that keeping your wedding ring on while performing certain tasks isn’t always smart. It can cause your ring to get dirty faster, or even lead to damage! Here are a few scenarios where removing your ring is the best way to protect it:
- In The Shower – Residue from soaps, shampoo, and other products can make your gemstones look cloudy over time.
- During Cleaning – Many cleaning products contain solvents and chemicals that can damage jewelry.
- While You Cook – Grease and small food particles and can easily get trapped in the nooks and crannies of your ring.
- In The Garden – If you are gripping gardening tools tightly, it could bend your ring out of shape without you knowing.
- At The Gym – Sweat is the main issue here, since salt can lead to tarnishing.
- While You Get Ready – Hairspray, perfumes, and lotions can all contribute to tarnishing, so it’s best to leave your ring off until you’re finished getting ready.
2. You Don’t Maintain Your Jewelry
If you notice any scratches, dinginess, or loose settings, that’s a good sign that it’s time to take your jewelry into a nearby jewelry shop for maintenance and repairs. These services are usually pretty affordable, and they will extend the lifespan of your jewelry considerably!
3. You Don’t Store It Safely
Those velvet-lined jewelry boxes aren’t just for show! A padded and lined jewelry box provides a safe place to store your jewelry when you’re not wearing it. A good jewelry box will prevent your necklaces from getting tangled, your earrings from getting lost, and your diamonds from scratching up your other jewelry.
4. You Don’t Clean It Properly
Keeping jewelry clean keeps it looking nice and extends its lifespan. The easiest option is to take it to a local jewelry shop to have it professionally cleaned. But you can also clean your own jewelry with just a few special tools!
Check out the post at the link below for all the information you need about cleaning different types of metals and stones!
Related: Easy Ways To Keep All Of Your Jewelry Sparkling Clean
5. You Haven’t Insured Your Expensive Jewelry
According to jewelry designer Sylvie Levine, “insurance is necessary to protect your financial investment in the seven that something gets lost, stolen, or damaged. It is also important to have your jewelry appraised every five years as the cost of diamonds and precious metals go up. If you were to lose something which was appraised 10 years ago, the insured value would be far less than the actual replacement cost.”
Obviously you don’t need to insure all of your jewelry, but insuring your wedding ring can be surprisingly affordable. The yearly cost to insure your ring is typically about $1-2 per year for every $100 that it would cost to replace. For instant, if your ring would cost $9,000 to replace, you could expect to pay between $90-180 per year (or $8-15 per month) to insure it.
6. You Touch It Too Often
Diamonds and other precious stones act like magnets for dust, dirt, and body oil. That means the more you touch them, the dirtier they get! Avoid fiddling with your jewelry, and when you take off your rings, grab the band on either side instead of grabbing it near the stone. If your stone starts looking hazy or cloudy, it could likely use a good cleaning!
7. You Rarely Wear Your Pearls
Pearls, unlike diamonds and other precious stones, actually benefit from coming into contact with our bodies’ natural oils. The natural oils in our skin help keep pearls looking lustrous, so wear them regularly to keep them looking beautiful!
When you aren’t wearing your pearls, be sure to store them in a soft bag or box to protect them from scratches. And when you take them off, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove any residual makeup or perfume residue before storing them away.
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As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of jewelry care, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of maintaining and preserving precious pieces. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge; I have hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the delicate balance required to ensure the longevity and brilliance of jewelry. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Continuous Ring Wearing:
- Expert Insight: While it's a common habit to wear wedding rings daily, it's crucial to recognize situations where removal is advisable.
- Evidence: Over time, exposure to substances like soap, cleaning agents, grease, and sweat can diminish the luster of gemstones and metals, potentially causing damage.
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Jewelry Maintenance:
- Expert Insight: Regular maintenance is key to identifying and rectifying issues like scratches and loose settings, preserving the integrity of the jewelry.
- Evidence: Scratches, dinginess, or signs of wear are indicators that professional attention is needed, emphasizing the importance of timely maintenance.
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Safe Storage Practices:
- Expert Insight: Proper storage is not just an aesthetic choice but a necessity to prevent tangling, loss, and damage.
- Evidence: Velvet-lined jewelry boxes serve a practical purpose, safeguarding against tangling, loss, and damage, underscoring the significance of secure storage.
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Effective Cleaning Methods:
- Expert Insight: Cleaning is a pivotal aspect of jewelry care, contributing to its longevity and visual appeal.
- Evidence: Professional cleaning services or DIY methods using specialized tools are recommended, aligning with the article's advice on maintaining the cleanliness of various metals and stones.
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Insurance for Valuable Jewelry:
- Expert Insight: Insurance is a prudent measure to protect the financial investment in valuable jewelry, with periodic appraisals ensuring accurate coverage.
- Evidence: The article cites a jewelry designer, Sylvie Levine, emphasizing the necessity of insurance, providing cost estimates and highlighting the importance of periodic appraisals.
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Minimizing Touch and Handling:
- Expert Insight: Excessive handling of jewelry, especially diamonds, can attract dust and dirt, compromising their brilliance.
- Evidence: The article warns against frequent touching and advises grabbing rings on the band to minimize contact with stones, aligning with expert advice on preserving the cleanliness and radiance of precious stones.
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Regular Wear for Pearls:
- Expert Insight: Pearls benefit from regular wear as natural skin oils contribute to their lustrous appearance.
- Evidence: The article suggests wearing pearls regularly to maintain their beauty, accompanied by proper storage practices and gentle cleaning, showcasing a holistic approach to pearl care.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of jewelry care aligns with the information presented in the article, providing valuable insights and practical tips to ensure the longevity and splendor of cherished jewelry pieces.
