Cleaning and Storing Your Jewelry

Cleaning and Storing Your Jewelry: Preserve the Beauty of Handcrafted Pieces

Your BRILLIANT CARATS jewelry is crafted with care and precision, designed to be cherished for a lifetime. Proper cleaning and storage are essential to maintaining its beauty and ensuring its longevity. Follow these expert tips to keep your jewelry sparkling and secure.

General Cleaning Tips for Handcrafted Jewelry

Regular cleaning is key to preserving the brilliance of your jewelry. Dust, oils, and everyday grime can dull the shine of gemstones and metals over time. Here’s how to clean different materials safely:

  • Use Mild Soap and Water: Most handcrafted jewelry can be safely cleaned using mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage delicate metals and gemstones.
  • Gently Brush with a Soft Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas, especially around gemstone settings and detailed engravings.
  • Pat Dry with a Soft Cloth: After rinsing, pat your jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can scratch metal surfaces or loosen stones.
  • Polish with a Jewelry Cloth: For an extra shine, polish your jewelry with a jewelry cleaning cloth. Be sure to use a cloth specifically designed for precious metals and gemstones.

Cleaning Tips by Material Type

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds require minimal maintenance but benefit from regular cleaning to maintain their brilliance. Soak your diamond jewelry in a solution of mild soap and warm water, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush to remove any buildup. 

Recycled Metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum)

Recycled metals are durable but can tarnish or dull over time, especially silver. Use a polishing cloth to restore shine, and avoid moisture to prevent tarnishing. For stubborn tarnish on silver, use a silver-specific cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. 

Ethically Sourced Gemstones

Some gemstones require special care, as they can be softer or more porous than diamonds. For example, pearls and opals are especially sensitive to moisture and chemicals. Clean these stones with a soft, damp cloth and avoid soaking. Store them separately to prevent scratches. 

Storing Your Handcrafted Jewelry

Proper storage is essential to protect your jewelry from scratches, tarnish, and other types of damage. Follow these storage tips to keep your jewelry safe and in pristine condition:

  • Use a Soft, Lined Jewelry Box: Store each piece in a separate compartment to avoid scratching, especially for softer gemstones.
  • Keep Away from Moisture: Store jewelry in a dry area to prevent tarnishing, especially for silver. For added protection, consider using anti-tarnish strips in the jewelry box.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause certain gemstones, such as amethyst, to fade over time. Store these pieces in a shaded or covered area.
  • Separate Metals and Gemstones: To avoid scratches or metal transfer, store each material separately. For example, gold should be stored separately from silver or platinum.

Additional Tips for Prolonging Jewelry Life

With the right care, your handcrafted jewelry can retain its beauty and value for generations. Here are some extra tips to extend the life of your pieces:

  • Remove Jewelry Before Physical Activities: Remove rings, bracelets, and necklaces before engaging in activities like exercise or household chores to prevent accidental damage.
  • Avoid Chemical Exposure: Protect your jewelry from exposure to chemicals like cleaning products, perfumes, and chlorine, which can discolor metals and damage gemstones.
  • Schedule Professional Maintenance: For jewelry worn daily, an annual professional cleaning and inspection can keep it in excellent condition, ensuring prongs and settings remain secure.

Regular maintenance will ensure that each piece continues to look as beautiful as the day you received it.