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Diamonds are a girl's best friend. With any friendship, you have to put in a little effort to keep the friendship going. The same is true with fine jewelry. If you want to ensure that your precious stones and metals remain in top condition you will have to give them a little tender loving care.
Storage is one of the most important ways to protect your jewelry. Your precious pieces should be stored in a clean, dry place. Storing pieces together is not a good idea. Jewelry can become scratched by rubbing against other pieces. As such, it is a good idea to store them in separate compartments. It is also recommended that you store them in a cloth lined box. If not, you can individually wrap them in tissue paper and this will help protect them from scratches.
It is also a good idea to periodically check your jewelry for loose prongs and any other worn out parts. This will protect you from loosing any precious stones. If you discover any problems with your jewelry such as loose prongs, clasps that are worn out, or scratches your jeweler will be able to polish, tighten, or fix any problems you may have.
Avoid wearing your jewelry in chlorine or salt water. Chlorine can permanently damage some jewelry including gold. Take your jewelry off before washing your hands and you won't have to clean them as often. However, be careful where you set your jewelry down. Many plumbers have been called by desperate individuals trying to retrieve their priceless jewelry from the plumbing abyss.
Cleaning your jewelry can be done with a simple store bought jewelry cleaner. Be careful not to rub too hard because you can scratch the pieces. Also, follow the directions. Some colored gem stones are easily damaged and require special care. Use soft cloth when cleaning your jewelry and if you have any questions ask a jeweler. |