Your jewelry deserves care to keep it looking great and lasting for years. Here’s how to maintain it:

• Daily Care:
  • Wipe jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing.
  • Inspect for loose stones or worn clasps.
  • Store pieces separately to prevent scratches or tangles.
  • Remove jewelry during activities like swimming, exercising, or applying cosmetics.
• Monthly Maintenance:
  • Clean with appropriate methods (e.g., mild soap for gold, silver cloth for silver).
  • Inspect settings, clasps, and metal surfaces for damage.
  • Rotate pieces to reduce wear and tear.
• Storage Tips:
  • Use fabric-lined boxes or soft pouches.
  • Keep silver in airtight bags to prevent tarnish.
  • Avoid storing in humid or sunny areas.
• Professional Help:
  • Get inspections every 6–12 months.
  • Use expert cleaning for delicate or damaged pieces.
  • Restring pearls annually.

Consistent care preserves your jewelry’s beauty and value. Follow these steps to enjoy your pieces for years to come.

Everything you need to know about Jewelry Care | Mejuri 101

Daily Care Steps

Keeping your jewelry in great condition starts with regular care. Small, consistent actions can go a long way in protecting and maintaining its sparkle.

Basic Cleaning

After wearing your jewelry, gently wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils, sweat, and other residues.

Quick Safety Check

Give your jewelry a quick inspection before putting it on or after taking it off:

• Look for bent or loose prongs.
• Check if any stones are wobbly in their settings.
• Make sure clasps close securely.
• Feel for rough spots or signs of wear.

Safe Storage

Store your jewelry properly to avoid scratches, tangles, or damage. Here's a quick guide:

Jewelry Type	Storage Method
Gemset Pieces	Use individual compartments with soft fabric.
Silver Items	Keep in sealed plastic bags with soft wrapping.
Chains/Necklaces	Store in separate pouches to prevent tangling.
Rings/Bracelets	Use fabric-lined slots or wrap individually.

Protection Tips

Take off your jewelry during these activities to avoid damage:

• When applying cosmetics, lotions, hairspray, or perfume.
• While washing hands, especially with silver rings, to avoid soap buildup.
• Before swimming in pools or hot tubs with chlorine.
• In environments with high humidity.

Wearing silver regularly can help slow tarnishing, but it's best to remove it during tasks that could cause harm.

Monthly Care Steps

Thorough Cleaning

Different types of jewelry require specific cleaning methods to maintain their beauty and durability:

Jewelry Type	Cleaning Method	Special Notes
Colored Gemstones	Warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft brush	Avoid hot water and mechanical cleaning tools.
Pearls & Opals	Wipe gently with a damp, soft cloth using warm water	Never submerge these in water.
Diamonds	Soak in warm water with a degreaser and clean with a soft toothbrush	Dry with a lint-free towel.
Gold	Use a mild degreasing solution and a soft brush	Skip abrasive cleaners to prevent damage.
Silver	Polish with a silver cloth or wash with tepid water and dish soap	A white vinegar solution is another option.

After cleaning, take a close look at your jewelry to spot any early signs of wear or damage.

Detailed Inspection

Regular monthly checks can help identify small issues before they turn into major repairs. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to examine:

• Settings: Lightly tap the stones with a fine tool to check for looseness, cracks, or chips.
• Metal Surfaces: Look for scratches, cracks, or weak areas that could affect the piece's strength.
• Clasps and Findings: Ensure clasps are secure and free from signs of wear or breakage.
• Chain Links: Inspect for kinks, knots, or any weak spots that might lead to breaks.

Wear Pattern Management

Once your cleaning and inspection are done, take steps to manage wear and extend the life of your jewelry:

• Rotate Usage: Alternate between similar pieces to distribute wear evenly.
• Professional Evaluations: Have a jeweler check for loose stones every 4–6 months.
• Avoid Wearing Damaged Pieces: If you spot any damage, stop wearing the item until it’s professionally repaired.

Dirt buildup can speed up wear and sometimes hide damage. If you notice anything unusual during your monthly check, consult a professional jeweler right away to prevent further harm.

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Storage Guidelines

Regular cleaning and inspections are essential, but proper storage is just as important to keep your jewelry in great shape.

Storage Setup

To protect your jewelry from damage, store it in a cool, dry, and shaded area. Use compartmentalized boxes to avoid scratches and tangles.

Jewelry Type	Storage Container	Notes
Gold	Soft cloth bags or tissue paper	Wrap each piece individually
Silver	Cotton or felt-lined box	Minimize air exposure
Diamonds	Dry box	Keep away from humidity
Pearls	Soft cloth pouch	Avoid airtight containers

Proper storage works hand-in-hand with regular maintenance to help your jewelry stay beautiful and last longer.

Tarnish Prevention

To keep silver jewelry from tarnishing, follow these tips:

• Place silica gel packets in storage to absorb moisture.
• Use cotton or felt-lined boxes for added protection.
• Wrap each piece in soft cloth to prevent scratches and air exposure.

Tangle Prevention

Avoid the frustration of tangled chains and necklaces by:

• Using hooks or specialized hangers for longer chains.
• Organizing smaller pieces with drawer dividers or compartmentalized boxes.
• Storing necklaces flat if hanging isn't an option.

For larger or more valuable collections, consider investing in a quality jewelry box with lined compartments. Adding a small dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing packets to your storage area can provide extra protection.

Professional Services

Professional care is essential for keeping your jewelry in great condition over time. It helps maintain both the appearance and structural integrity of your pieces.

Regular Checkups

Routine inspections can identify potential issues early, preventing them from becoming bigger problems. Experts suggest the following schedules:

Wear Frequency	Inspection Schedule	What to Check
Daily Wear	Every 6 months	Settings, prongs, clasps
Occasional Wear	Annually	Overall condition and structural integrity
After Impact	Immediate	Damage and loose stones

If your jewelry experiences a significant impact, have it checked right away. Sticking to these timelines can help secure settings and avoid costly repairs.

Expert Cleaning

Professional cleaning goes beyond what you can do at home. Techniques like ultrasonic cleaning, high-speed polishing, steam jet cleaning, and specialized solutions are commonly used. However, not all jewelry is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning - delicate gemstones or intricate designs may need alternative methods. Always consult your jeweler for advice.

Pearl Maintenance

Pearls need extra care to maintain their natural beauty. Here’s what the experts recommend:

Pearl Item	Service Interval	Professional Care Needed
Pearl Strands	Every 12 months	Knot inspection and restringing
Pearl Bracelets	Every 12 months	Professional inspection and rethreading
Pearl Rings/Pins	Every 6–12 months	Setting check and gentle cleaning

"Have pearl bracelets professionally inspected and rethreaded every 12 months."

Regular professional attention ensures your jewelry, especially pearls, stays in excellent shape for years to come.

Care Mistakes

Harmful Cleaners

Using the wrong cleaners can ruin your jewelry. Many household products, like chlorine bleach, acetone, or ammonia, contain strong chemicals that can corrode metals and dull gemstones.

Harmful Products	Potential Damage	Safe Alternatives
Toothpaste / Baking Soda	Scratches surfaces	Mild soap & warm water
Chlorine & Bleach	Discolors metals	Mild soapy water
Commercial Dips	Damages finishes	Gentle brush cleaning
Hot Water	Cracks gemstones	Room temperature water

FTJCo advises, "Toothpaste and baking soda can be abrasive, so avoid using these on your jewelry."

In addition to using safe cleaners, how you store your jewelry plays a big role in keeping it in good shape.

Storage Errors

Improper storage can undo all your cleaning efforts. Storing pieces together can lead to scratches or tangles, while exposure to air and humidity speeds up tarnishing. Here's how to protect your jewelry:

• Use fabric-lined pouches or boxes for each individual piece. For silver, wrap items to reduce air exposure.
• Store your jewelry in dry, low-humidity spaces, away from direct sunlight.

Wear Risks

Everyday activities can also put your jewelry at risk. Some actions might seem harmless but can lead to damage.

Activity	Risk	Prevention
Swimming	Chlorine damage	Remove before pools/spas
Exercise	Impact risks, loose prongs	Remove before workouts
Sleeping	Increased wear, loose stones	Remove before bed

Conclusion

Taking care of your jewelry is essential to maintaining its beauty and ensuring it lasts for years. Regular daily and monthly upkeep helps protect your investment and keeps your pieces looking their best.

Consistency is the foundation of effective jewelry care. Professional inspections are also critical for long-term preservation. As Bell and Bird explain:

"We do encourage you to have your items – especially rings – to be checked by us once a year to make sure all the gemstones are tight and that the piece is in good condition to wear. It's not uncommon for gemstones to become loose over time and it is best to fix them when they are loose before losing the stone."

To keep your jewelry in great condition, store your pieces properly. Use fabric-lined compartments or individual pouches to prevent scratches and tangling. By following these steps and scheduling regular professional checkups, you can ensure your jewelry remains stunning for generations.

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