7 Ways to Take Care of Your Precious Jewellery

When it’s about faded clothes, you replace them without second thoughts. When your bags or shoes show signs of tear and wear-out, you start looking for a change. When it comes to jewellery, the story is different. It's an expensive investment and you are attached to it emotionally. Precious jewellery is a prized possession and you may want them to look as bright and new as the day you bought them. Everyday dust and dirt can clog your jewellery, making it look dull and lifeless. However, there are  a few quick and effective hacks can make help you keep your heirlooms sparkling for generations to come. Sanjay Ranawade, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Jewellery Division, Titan Company Limited, shares a few tips and tricks on how to clean and take care of your precious jewellery while sitting in the comfort of your home.

1. Keep jewellery in a zip lock bag

Jewellery gets tarnished when it comes in contact with moisture and air. It’s important to preserve precious jewellery in a zip lock bag and squeeze out all the air before sealing it.

2. Wipe the jewellery piece after day’s use

To preserve the shine of the jewellery, wipe your jewellery at the end of the day with an anti- tarnish cloth before storing it away. This will make sure any lingering moisture, oil or dust is removed. In the time of ongoing pandemic, Sanjay, suggests you use Ultra Violet- C type light box for jewellery sanitization. This is to be used for about a minute.

3. Fine diamonds and studded gemstones

It goes without saying that diamonds and studded gemstones lose their sparkle with time if not cared enough. Simply, mix a few drops of very mild soap, like hand wash, with warm water in a bowl. You can let the jewellery soak in it for a bit. Use an old toothbrush to clean it under running water but do make sure to keep a filter just in case any loose part falls off. Finally, use a hair dryer to dry it.

4. Gold, platinum and silver

Usually jewellery is kept in velvet-lined jewellery boxes, the diamonds tend to lose their colour because of the jewellery’s reaction with the glue used to make the box. A better way to store such jewellery would be to keep it in soft cotton or muslin cloth and plastic boxes. For surfaces of plain gold and diamond jewellery, clean with an alcohol-based sanitiser. Use the soap and water mixture for metals such as gold and platinum. For silver, which gets tarnished quickly, use lime juice to make it shine.

5. Kundan

Vintage jewellery is unique and Kundan is one of them. It's known for its dainty and intricate designs and hence needs more attention. To prevent Kundan jewellery from getting stained or discoloured, wrap it in cotton and piece of muslin cloth to prevent it from coming in contact with atmospheric gases and the glues of the jewel boxes.

6. Be Careful with Light and Heat

Just as the sun’s harmful rays can damage our skin, light and heat can affect a coloured gemstone’s durability and colour. Especially gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite and topaz can fade or get damaged with exposure to light. Pearls and other delicate materials, such as ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light.
 

7. Put it on last, take it off first

Lastly, perfume, hair sprays, and lotions can potentially harm and will certainly dirty your pieces. A simple guideline to help you take care of your jewellery is to put it on last, after you are done with your makeup and are ready to head out. Remember to take it off before changing your clothes or going to bed.