How To Clean & Care For Your Jewelry
Jewelry should be stored away in an air tight jewelry box or bag, away from sunlight or direct lighting.
Exposing jewelry to direct sunlight can cause discoloration and dullness. Ultra-violet light can also lead to structural problems with your piece, leading to fast deterioration. Heat can also distort color in some gemstones. It is thus advised that you store your jewelry in a cool dry place.
Keep away from water.
Yes, even if its “real” jewelry. Water has other minerals and inorganic compounds so over time, it can do some damage to your jewelry.
Avoid direct contact with perfume, cologne, lotion, and other chemicals.
Remove your jewelry when bathing/showering or swimming.
Clean your jewelry occasionally with a soft jewelry cloth to get all the dirt off. Or to real get in deep; use liquid jewelry cleaner.
Remove your jewelry before going to sleep or doing physical activity.
When you go to sleep, you move and turn throughout the night and you never know if you pull on your jewelry while asleep.
Same with any physical activity. Your jewelry can get pulled or snag and sweat can make your jewelry darker.
Making Your Own Jewelry Cleaner
Mix 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup warm water.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ammonia based household cleaner (like a glass cleaner)
Soak your jewelry in the solution for about 5 minutes
Gently scrub with a soft-toothbrush.
Air dry or carefully towel dry with paper towel or regular cloth.