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Your fine jewelry is more than just a beautiful accessory, it’s an heirloom that can last for generations if properly cared for. Whether it’s an antique piece passed down through the family or a recent addition to your collection, the longevity and sparkle of your jewelry depend on how you treat it. With proper care, you can ensure that your jewelry stays in top shape and continues to shine for years to come.
Fine jewelry is a delicate treasure, and it’s essential to protect it from circumstances that can cause long-term damage. Here are a few situations where you should remove your jewelry to avoid accidental harm:
Any form of exercise, whether it’s light stretching or intense weightlifting, can put your jewelry at risk. Jewelry is susceptible to damage from pressure, impact, and sweat. The oils and sweat from your skin can tarnish precious metals and even damage more delicate gemstones like opals, emeralds, and pearls. It's best to remove your jewelry before any physical activity, including gym workouts, running, or yoga.
Fine jewelry should be removed before showering, bathing, or swimming, whether it’s in a pool, the ocean, or a hot tub. Hot water, chemical additives in the water, and impact with metal fixtures can harm both the precious metals and gemstones in your jewelry. Additionally, soaps, shampoos, and body products can leave a residue on your pieces, causing long-term damage, especially to more delicate stones. Swimming in the ocean also brings the added risk of losing your ring or necklace in the sand, which can be abrasive to your jewelry’s setting.
Avoid wearing jewelry while applying lotion, sunscreen, oils, makeup, hair products, or perfumes. These substances can cause unseen damage to both gemstones and precious metals. Chemicals and oils can cause tarnishing, discoloration, and even gradual degradation of your jewelry’s integrity.
Wearing jewelry while cooking or baking can lead to buildup of food products under stone settings or in hard-to-reach crevices, and metal-on-metal contact with cookware can cause scratches or chips. Additionally, the heat and potential for accidental impact make the kitchen a risky place for your precious pieces.
When doing household chores, like washing dishes, cleaning, or washing the car, be sure to remove your jewelry. Harsh cleaning agents, abrasive materials, and contact with water can cause unseen damage over time. Activities like gardening or painting can expose your jewelry to dirt, chemicals, and scratches.
Certain jobs or hobbies, especially those that involve frequent handwashing or physical labor, require extra attention when it comes to jewelry care. For instance, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, mechanics, chefs, and other professionals who frequently wash their hands or use tools should remove jewelry to avoid potential damage from friction, chemicals, and daily wear and tear.
Proper cleaning and maintenance are key to ensuring your jewelry maintains its beauty. Here’s how to care for your fine jewelry:
Routine Cleaning: Most fine jewelry can be cleaned easily with a soft cloth or a very soft bristle toothbrush. Use warm water and a mild dish soap (anti-grease). Gently scrub the settings and stones, and dry the jewelry with a 100% cotton shirt or microfiber cloth.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Methods: Do not use harsh brushes, solvents, or abrasive cleaners like toothpaste, as these can damage your jewelry. Ultrasonic cleaning should be left to professionals, as it can loosen stones or harm delicate settings.
At T.K. Anderson, we believe in offering the highest level of care for your jewelry. When you purchase a T.K. Anderson original, you will receive complimentary inspections and cleanings for life. We recommend bringing your jewelry in for an inspection at least once a year to ensure that it’s in optimal condition. Regular inspections can prevent small issues, like loose stones, from becoming bigger problems that require expensive repairs.
Without routine inspection, stones can become loose in their settings, potentially causing them to fall out or even be lost. By committing to regular care, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements and keep your jewelry in excellent condition for future generations.
While proper care can help prevent damage to your jewelry, accidents can still happen. Jewelry insurance is an excellent way to protect your investment in the event of theft, loss, or damage. If your jewelry is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged beyond repair, insurance can help you recover the financial value of your pieces or assist with replacing them.
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