Just like anything else in life, taking care of your jewelry requires some knowledge and effort. You wouldn’t just toss your car keys into a bowl of water and expect them to work perfectly after a few months, would you? The same concept applies to your jewelry. Here are some ways you might ruin your jewelry without even realizing it!
Never taking off your wedding ring: Most of us don’t take off our wedding rings. And for good reasons. You don’t want to misplace it, lose it, or risk the chances of it being stolen. However, never taking off your jewelry might not be the best way to take care of it. Many different things in our daily life may damage our jewelry.
In the shower: Residues from showers and shampoos can make the gemstones clouded over time and reduce their charm.
During Cleaning: If you are in the habit of cleaning regularly, you might want to think again. But not the cleaning. Cleaning solutions contain many chemicals that can damage your jewelry or tarnish them.
While you cook: Cooking can be pretty messy. Between the grease and the food, your jewelry is bound to get dirty. And if you’re cooking with a lot of heat, like when you’re frying something, that could also damage your jewelry.
In the gym: The gym is another place where your jewelry is at risk. Whether it’s the sweat, the chemicals in the pool, or just the general wear and tear, your jewelry can take a beating at the gym.
At work: If you have a job that requires you to use your hands a lot, like if you’re a doctor or a nurse, then you know how easy it is to damage your jewelry. Even if you don’t have a physically demanding job, there are still plenty of ways to ruin your jewelry at work. From getting caught on things to being hit by flying objects, there are plenty of ways for your jewelry to get damaged while you’re on the clock.
Not maintaining your jewelry: Like everything, jewelry needs proper maintenance. This includes cleaning it regularly and storing it properly when you’re not wearing it. Neglecting your jewelry will cause it to tarnish and lose its luster over time. Additionally, not getting your jewelry appraised and insured can also be detrimental. If your jewelry is lost or stolen, you’ll have no way of getting compensated for its value unless you have an insurance policy.
Not storing it safely:
When it comes to jewelry, storage is everything. If not stored properly, your jewelry will tarnish, get scratches, and break easily. Here are some tips on how to store your jewelry:
– Keep it away from moisture: Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of jewelry. When exposed to moisture, jewelry will start to tarnish and discolor. To prevent this from happening, store your jewelry in a dry place.
– Don’t expose it to chemicals: Another enemy of jewelry is chemicals. Things like perfume, lotion, and hairspray can all cause damage to your jewelry. So be sure to put on your jewelry after applying these products.
– Store it properly: Jewelry should be stored in a soft, padded place. This will prevent it from getting scratched or tangled. A good way to store jewelry is in a jewelry box or pouch.
– Be careful with costume jewelry: Costume jewelry is usually made with cheaper materials and is not as durable as fine jewelry. So be extra careful when handling it and avoid wearing it in situations where it could get damaged easily.
Not insuring your expensive jewelry: Your expensive jewelry is more than just a material possession. It is a reflection of your style, personality, and success. Whether it is an engagement ring, family heirloom, or designer piece, your jewelry holds sentimental value. If your jewelry is lost, stolen, or damaged, insurance can help you replace it.
Most homeowners’ or renter’s insurance policies limit how much they will pay for personal belongings such as jewelry. If you have expensive jewelry, it is important to insure it separately. This way, you can be sure that you will be reimbursed for its full value if something happens to it.
There are two main types of jewelry insurance: replacement cost and actual cash value. Replacement cost insurance will reimburse you for the amount it would cost to replace your jewelry at today’s prices. Actual cash value insurance will reimburse you for the depreciated value of your jewelry.
Touching it too often: This is one of the most common ways people ruin their jewelry. Every time you touch your necklace or rings, you are slowly wearing down the metal and the coating that protects it. In addition, your body produces natural oils that can leave a residue on your jewelry, making it more susceptible to dirt and grime.
To help prolong the life of your jewelry, make sure to take it off before participating in activities where a lot of physical contact is involved, such as playing sports or going to the gym. You should also avoid putting on lotions or perfumes before putting on your jewelry, as this can also cause damage. If you must touch your jewelry throughout the day, clean it with a soft cloth before putting it away to remove any oils or dirt that may have accumulated.
