Precious jewels are not just accessories, they are witnesses to the special moments in your life and symbols of your personal style.
To preserve their beauty and brilliance, it is essential to maintain and clean them regularly. In this guide, we’ll give you practical advice on how to care for your silver jewelry, with an emphasis on ethics and sustainability.
1. Cleaning silver jewelry
Avoid tarnishing
Silver tends to tarnish over time as it reacts with oxygen and chemical compounds. To avoid this, it’s important to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Fabric-lined jewelry boxes are ideal for protecting jewelry from oxidation.
Clean regularly
Use a microfiber polishing cloth to gently wipe your silver jewelry after each use. This will remove fingerprints and prevent tarnishing.
Use gentle products
If your silver jewelry requires thorough cleaning, it’s best to opt for cleaning products specially designed for silver. Avoid abrasive products that could scratch the surface.
For daily cleaning, you can opt for products that are readily available. Prepare a mild cleaning solution by mixing lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then rub gently with a soft bristle brush to remove dirt.
Entrust them to a professional
For very precious or complex jewels, it is advisable to entrust them to a professional for in-depth cleaning. They have the expertise to treat jewelry with care and make it as good as new. (At Initium, we have a superb after-sales service that can clean, repolish and repair your jewelry.)
2. Cleaning gold jewelry
Gentle cleaning with warm water and soap
As with silver, basic cleaning for your gold jewelry involves warm water and mild soap. Here’s how it works:
- Fill a bowl with warm water.
- Add a few drops of mild soap.
- Soak your gold jewelry in this solution for a few minutes.
- Use a soft bristle brush to gently brush the jewelry and remove dirt.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Dry carefully with a soft cloth to avoid water marks.
Using a gold jewelry cleaner
Commercial gold jewelry cleaners are also available. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid any risk of damage. These cleaners are designed to effectively remove stains and tarnish from gold.
Avoid abrasive products
Avoid using abrasive products or hard materials such as steel brushes on your gold jewelry, as this can lead to scratches. Gold is a soft metal, so it’s best to treat it with care.
Consult a professional
As mentioned above, for more complex jewelry, we recommend that you entrust it to a jewelry professional for a thorough cleaning. They have the expertise to treat jewelry with care and make it as good as new.
3. Maintenance tips
- Remove jewelry before showering, swimming or physical activity to avoid damage.
- Avoid contact with chemicals such as perfumes, lotions and household cleaners.
- Store your jewelry separately to avoid scratches and tangles.
- Have your jewelry inspected by a jewelry professional from time to time to detect any problems.
By following these simple care and cleaning tips, you can preserve the beauty and value of your precious jewelry for generations to come. What’s more, by choosing ethical jewelry, you’re contributing to a more responsible and environmentally-friendly jewelry world.
