In an age of fast and cheap fashion many of us have lost the art of caring for our most precious belongings, as generations before us were so adept to do.
If we are lucky to own special pieces of jewellery, however, we will want to make sure they remain in their best condition for as long as possible. This is perfectly achievable with a few simple steps.
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Before we dive deep into jewellery care, I want to be transparent with you and let you know that this post does contain two affiliate links. This means that if you chose to purchase the items mentioned below I would receive a small financial benefit. Having said that, both are products I use both at home and in my studio so I feel comfortable recommending them to you.
know your metals
Jewellery care starts at the purchasing point. If you buy plated jewellery, especially from the cheaper end of the spectrum, you will find that over time it will lose its sheen no matter how careful you are.
Solid gold or silver jewellery is not within everyone's budget but whenever possible choose gold filled over gold plated items, as these will last longer, especially when it comes to frequently touched pieces such as rings and pendants.
never mix
The right storage is key to prolonging your jewellery’s life. Start by separating metals from each other as well as gems. Diamonds are very tough but other gems as well as gold plated items are more prone to scratches and damage.
know your moisture levels
Silver and gold do well in snug storage, ideally with an anti-tarnish cloth. Pearls, on the other hand, need a degree of moisture to keep them from cracking so gently wrap them in soft cloth or a pouch.
wait your turn
The refrain “last on, first off” is worth remembering - apply lotions, make up and perfumes before you put on your jewellery. At the end of the day, take it off before you do anything else.
sleep without
As tempting as it is to sleep with your favourite earrings in because you’re just going to wear them again in the morning, you’ll be grateful in the long run if you remove all jewellery before going to sleep.
don't get wet
No jewellery likes prolonged exposure to water so avoid wearing your most treasured pieces while showering or swimming.
choose the right cleaners
There are a lot of Pinterest ideas on how to clean jewellery cheaply, but I'm not about to suggest you reach for the dish detergent. I'm a staunch believer that jewellery deserves proper cleaning with dedicated materials. Luckily, gone are the days of dabbing liquid silver polish on cloths, getting it all over the place. At home and in my studio I use these handy cloths by Town Talk and their range include specialty products for the likes of pearls.
return
If you’ve purchased an Oak + Whistle piece and some time down the line it has lost its sparkle please get in touch - because I’m passionate that you should enjoy your purchases for many years to come, polishing and replating are available at no extra cost.