Every piece of jewellery is a work of art, and needs to be treated with care and caution. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind to protect your jewellery.
Plain Gold Jewellery
There are many reasons why both new and old gold ornaments lose their shine over time. The primary reason is obviously the regular use of it. The more and longer your wear them, the more they lose their sheen and glitter.
But that’s not all, even the perfumes you wear and the moisturizers you apply on your body can affect gold’s natural shine.
You don’t have to visit your jeweller every time your jewellery starts losing its sheen. One of the easiest and the most effective way to clean your gold ornaments is by using water and soap. Cleaning your plain gold jewellery with soap water rids it of accumulated dirt and oils. This method is one of the fastest ways to restore your gold jewellery’s shine without any hassles.
So, how do you clean your plain
gold ornaments with soap and water?
- First, take a bowl and fill it with warm water. Add mild soap and mix to form a solution. You can use mild detergents or a few drops of dishwashing liquid to make the solution.
- Dip your plain gold jewellery into this mixture. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Next, rinse with cold water and lay it flat on a soft, clean, and dry cloth or towel. Let it air dry completely.
- You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt from the nooks and crannies. Don’t rub the jewellery hard, though.
- Don’t forget to store it safely and properly, preferably in a jewellery box.
- This soap-water-brush method can be used for cleaning any plain gold jewellery.
Antique Jewellery
Always store your Antique jewellery in an airtight box; preferably in a “Plastic Box” as the chemical /glue used in the jewellery box might damage / discolour the gems & stones used in your antique jewellery & thus the jewellery may lose its charm.
In case you need to clean your Antique jewellery, use a soft toothbrush, perhaps a baby toothbrush to clean it. You may also use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from it without applying much pressure on it. Remember, harsh and modern chemicals can damage and discolor your jewellery. Be sure to always visit your jeweller or a professional to deep clean your jewellery piece.
Diamond Jewellery Care
A diamond sparkles because of the way light passes through it. However, oil, sweat, and dirt can block the passage of light. Thus, unless you clean your diamonds regularly, you cannot expect them to sparkle as they should.
Diamonds are easy to clean. All you need is warm water, a soft toothbrush, and mild soap. Do not use toothpaste to clean diamonds. Soak your diamonds in soapy water for a few minutes and gently clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Along with the face of the diamond, also clean the back where dirt is easily accumulated. Ideally, diamonds should be cleaned once a fortnight. Do not use any chemicals to clean your diamonds. This can erode the metal prongs or even dissolve it.
When cleaning them, do not scrub them too vigorously or apply too much of pressure on them. For the same reason, do not use a hard toothbrush to clean your diamonds. If a diamond gets caught in your clothing, do not pull it out. Gently disentangle it from the cloth.
Polki / Jadau Jewellery Care
Spraying perfume directly on to your piece of Polki / Jadau jewellery could in time damage it or can result in gradual discolouration because of the chemicals used in the perfume.
Store your Polki / Jadau Jewellery in a dry place, at room temperature away from moisture. Your best storage option is an airtight plastic box as the chemical / glue used in the jewellery packaging box might damage / discolour / blacken the gems & stones of your Polki / Jadau Jewellery & thus the Jewellery may lose its charm. Your jewellery will turn blackish over a period of time if you are not careful with it.
Handle with care! Be gentle with your Polki / Jadau Jewellery while putting on or removing it, so that it doesn’t slip out of your hands, and drop to the floor weakening it.
If it all you need to clean your Polki Jewellery, use a soft cloth and wipe gently. Do not wash it with soap and water. Remember, it has to be kept dry. Do not scrub Polki directly with toothbrush or any other abrasive material.