Keeping your jewelry clean is important. Dirty jewelry can create a place for bacteria to grow, which in turn can cause skin irritation and allergies. Also, your cherished piece of jewelry will not have the same sparkle and shine as it did the day you received it so why not keep it looking as it should?
How often should you clean your jewelry?
For jewelry that is worn every day, cleaning it yourself once a week is best. That helps to keep everyday oil and buildup down. Your jewelry professional should clean your jewelry once every 6 months because they will be able to use their professional-grade equipment and products to restore the brilliance of the jewelry item, and also check the integrity of your jewelry for damage. Stones become loose, prongs become worn, and clasps can become weak. At J. Rankin we will always clean and inspect your jewelry free of charge, prevention is important!
How do I clean my jewelry at home?
First, never use harsh cleaners such as bleach or chlorine as they can break down the base metals of your jewelry. Abrasive products such as toothpaste or baking soda can scratch your gold and silver so stay away from those. It is best to use warm water with a drop of mild liquid soap and clean with a soft toothbrush. You can do this every day if you like! Then make sure you rinse well. Dry off with a soft cloth, not a paper towel, as it will leave dust behind. We also have jewelry cloths free of charge at our store for you at any time.
Don’t wear your jewelry when…
Take off your jewelry, especially rings, when gardening and weight lifting, and remove all jewelry when in the hot tub, swimming pool and at the beach.
Salt water and chlorine can damage your jewelry, plus cold water makes your fingers constrict causing your rings to become loose and fall off. Not what you want to happen to your wedding rings during your honeymoon in Maui!