You’ve selected the perfect piece of jewelry and are bringing it home to live its best life with you. Now...how to keep it looking just as beautiful as the day you bought it?
The good news: all Stórica jewelry is created using either sterling silver or karat gold (no plating or gold fill here), which means your pieces will never fade or erode down to a layer of base metal. But even precious metals need a little bit of love every now and then, so here are some tips and tricks for bringing out the best in your jewelry!
Keeping your Sterling Shiny
If your jewelry collection consists mostly of sterling silver, you’re probably familiar with the patina of tarnish, or oxidation, that builds up on your jewelry over time. Sterling silver tarnishes because it contains a small amount of copper which, in response to moisture and other chemicals in its surroundings, produces oxides that coat the surface of the metal and make it appear darker. If you keep your jewelry in a jewelry box or out on your vanity, you’ll see this patina develop more quickly.
One way to slow tarnish and keep your silver shiny for longer is to store it in an airtight container. Little plastic baggies or boxes with fitted lids are your best bet; keeping it stored away from moist environments (like your bathroom countertop) will also help prevent oxidation.
If your sterling silver does tarnish, it’s easy to remove that fine layer of oxides by using a special jewelry cleaning cloth. These are made of cotton loaded up with a compound that exfoliates away the layer of oxides and reveals the shiny, clean silver underneath.
Solid Gold, Baby!
Solid or karat gold jewelry is extremely resistant to tarnish. This is because most gold alloys used in jewelry (such as 14k, 18k and 22k gold) contain a very small percentage of oxidizing agents like copper.
Even though solid gold jewelry is unlikely to tarnish, you still want to protect this precious metal from becoming scratched or dulled while in storage, so it’s best to store individual pieces in soft fabric baggies or in a jewelry box where each piece can have a compartment to itself.
Stones that Sparkle
Jewelry that holds gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, ruby, emerald, and other precious or semiprecious stones can be cleaned with a gentle solution. Stórica Studio offiers a fantastic jewelry cleanser that you can purchase in our studio or on our website. It comes with a little brush to help get into the nooks and crannies of gem-set jewelry, and is gentle and safe for use on most gemstones.
Our Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Shining Bright
- Store your jewelry in a clean, dry, and safe place, preferably in separate compartments or pouches to prevent scratching and tangling.
- Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products, perfumes, and hairsprays, as they can damage the metal and gemstones.
- Remove your jewelry before swimming or taking a shower to prevent exposure to chlorine and other chemicals that can cause discoloration and damage.
- Clean your jewelry regularly using a soft cloth or a jewelry cleaning solution specifically designed for your type of jewelry.
- Take off your jewelry before engaging in physical activities or sports to prevent accidental damage or loss.
- Avoid wearing jewelry when applying makeup, as cosmetics can dull gemstones and leave behind residue.
- Keep your jewelry away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, as they can cause damage and fading to some gemstones.
- Check your jewelry regularly for any loose gemstones, clasps, or signs of damage. If you notice any issues, have them repaired as soon as possible.
- When traveling, pack your jewelry carefully in a travel case or a padded jewelry pouch to protect it from bumps and scratches.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings and inspections for your valuable or delicate jewelry pieces to restore their finish and check for any needed repairs