Do you want your jewelry to stay beautiful and in good condition for a long time?

Regular jewelry care is worthwhile, as it not only extends the lifespan of your pieces but also keeps them looking beautiful. Jewelry is actually similar to clothing in that regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary for longevity.

5 key things to consider when wearing jewelry:

1) Remove jewelry when necessary, for example, during yard work

The simplest and most effective way is naturally to temporarily remove the jewelry in situations where dirt is hard to avoid. Wearing jewelry is generally not recommended during yard work and house cleaning. Dirt and grease stains can often be cleaned with just water and a cloth, but natural stone is particularly sensitive to strong cleaning chemicals. Similarly, disinfectants may cause silver to become tarnished.

2) Avoid getting cosmetic products on jewelry

It's important to let cosmetic products and chemicals, such as hairspray, perfume, and sunscreen, dry thoroughly before putting on jewelry. When they come into contact with the surface of the jewelry, they trigger a chemical reaction with the oxygen in the air. In this case, for example, silver jewelry often tarnishes. A special caution period is during the summer when high temperatures activate more reactions together with salts secreted from skin sweating. Hairspray also accumulates on the surface of the jewelry, forming a dull layer that diminishes its original shine. The same dullness occurs if shampoo or conditioner residues dry on the faucet after a shower.

Remember to put on your jewelry last:
First, put on your clothes. Apply makeup, use hair products like hairspray, and finally, spritz some perfume and let it dry thoroughly. Only then is it time for the jewelry.

3) Remove jewelry before showering, sauna, or swimming

There are two problems with wearing jewelry in the shower. First of all, shampoo and conditioner are used there, which can easily get trapped in the crevices of jewelry if not rinsed thoroughly.

The second issue is the water itself. Some jewelry pieces use glue to join different parts together. Depending on the quality of the adhesive, it may gradually dissolve, causing issues like stones coming loose. This issue intensifies in the sauna, where heat becomes part of the equation. Washing dishes can also be harmful to rings in the same way. Dishwashing detergents further enhance the dissolving effect of water.

Swimming: Especially in swimming pools where chlorine has been added to the water, it's best to remove your jewelry. Additionally, be especially careful with rings (especially if the ring is even slightly loose) to ensure they don't accidentally fall off. The water in the swimming pool is often cool, causing your fingers to shrink slightly.

Sweat is also not good for jewelry. If you engage in intense exercise, it's best to remove at least your necklaces. Even a slightly larger necklace can be uncomfortable if it bounces during exercise. It's rare for anyone to sweat from their earlobes and fingers.

4) Maintain your jewelry regularly

• Wipe the jewelry with a damp cloth, such as a microfiber or flannel cloth.
• If needed, if the jewelry has become very dirty, use a very mild dish soap to clean it.
• Silver jewelry tarnishes over time. The speed and amount of darkening depend on your skin's pH level. Regularly wipe silver jewelry with a silver polishing cloth to make them shine again.
• Pearl necklaces: Wear pearl jewelry regularly. Helmets love being on the skin. If your pearl necklace gets dirty and you need to wash it, let it dry before wearing it. Moist pearl silk stretches and collects dirt.
• If you wish, you can treat the leather bracelets with leather conditioner (i.e., colorless shoe polish). This treatment adds a protective layer to the leather surface, preventing dirt and wear.

5) Give your jewelry a "long-term maintenance" once a year

It's a good idea to clean your jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner once a year. Ultrasonic cleaning is a gentle cleaning method. The cleaning solution in the ultrasonic cleaner vibrates at a high frequency (35-45 kHz), removing even the tiniest dirt particles from the hard-to-reach crevices of jewelry. Ultrasonic cleaning is perfect for gold, silver, and diamond jewelry. It's important to be cautious when working with porous materials like gemstones and beads.