Minimal Jewellery by Oh My Clumsy Heart
A Note On Buying Jewellery
Purchasing jewellery made from high quality metals like solid gold, gold-fill, vermeil, or sterling silver is a far more economical way of investing in accessories. Quality is always preferable to quantity. In the same way we should learn the best materials to buy when it comes to our clothing choices, the same can be said for jewellery. If you would like to learn more about jewellery quality, you can do so here.
Costume jewellery is cheap for a reason; made from plated gold or silver, brass, bronze, or oxidised metals, costume jewellery is not made to last and will not only turn our necks and fingers green but irreparably flakes, patinas, and tarnishes quickly, making it completely unwearable within a few months.
However, no matter how your jewellery is made, heavy wear, mistreatment, and rough conditions will dramatically affect the way it looks and how long it lasts. If we learn to take care of our jewellery properly it can last a lifetime. Here are a few simple lessons on how to take care of your jewellery.
How to Clean Jewellery
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes especially if left exposed to the air (like on a bedside table or hung from a jewellery hook) and this process will happen very quickly. This is completely normal and does not signify poor quality. Wearing jewellery daily is enough to prevent the tarnishing process but if it does become tarnished your jewellery can be easily cleaned. Solid gold, gold-fill, and vermeil shouldn’t tarnish but it can lose its shine.
Cleaning fine jewellery is simple: use a mild soap with lukewarm water and gently wash your jewellery pieces, rinsing to make sure the soap is completely removed. Leaving jewellery damp or wet can cause water stains and corrosion so make certain the jewellery is completely dry before placing it into storage.
To bring back shine use a gentle cleaning cloth - a polishing cloth would be ideal although a microfibre cloth would work just as well - and gently buff your jewellery until the shine has been restored.
How to Store Jewellery
Wearing your jewellery regularly will prevent or at least slow down the natural tarnishing process or discolouration that can sometimes occur with fine jewellery. If you have a lot of jewellery, you need to make sure you store it properly when not being worn. Store jewellery with the chains fastened to prevent tangling and avoid leaving it in sunlight, damp environments, or exposed to the air. Airtight boxes or ziplock bags (polyethylene or mylar only) make perfect storage since they will prevent tarnishing and accidental damage. Although lovely, jewellery displays and trinket dishes leave jewellery exposed both to the air and sunlight, which will cause tarnishing and discolouration. Try to only use these as a short-term storage solution.
Taking Care When Wearing Jewellery
As much as you love those special jewellery pieces you must always remove them when showering, bathing, cleaning, sleeping, or working out. Be wary of using household chemicals around your jewellery or spraying perfume near or onto areas where your jewellery lays. If you don’t your jewellery will become damaged and you run the risk of causing (sometimes irreparable) corrosion, tarnishing, and discolouration. This might seem really obvious but to avoid snagging and accidental breakage, be super careful when getting dressed/undressed while wearing your jewellery.