الأحد، 10 فبراير 2013

Advice on Jewellery Care

By Anita Hale


Anyone that values their jewellery will want to know the correct procedures for keeping it safe and clean. Keep reading for some easy suggestions on the right way to clean your rings, necklaces and bracelets.

Realistically, all jewellery will be affected from wear and tear throughout its lifespan. That is just the nature of metalwork. But don't despair! It is possible to substantially cut back on this deterioration by reducing the occasions on which you wear your jewellery. By way of example, rings, bracelets, and necklaces should be taken off before going to bed. You may wonder why this is necessary, but it will significantly reduce the risk of them getting scuffed in your sleep. Similarly, you should remove your jewellery before undertaking physical exercise. This is due to the reaction that key metals have when exposed to sweat, which can ultimately lead to discolouration. Additional agents you should keep separate from your jewellery can exist in hair spray, perfume and nail polish remover.

Now let's have a look at oxidised jewellery. You may not recognise the name, but you've probably seen such pieces for sale. Oxidised metals have been specially treated to create a darkened or sometimes black appearance. Both oxidised metals and gold must be kept well away from chlorine. Oxidised metals and pearls can also become discoloured when cleaned with silver polish.

On the flip side, jewellery that isn't oxidised must be carefully looked after to prevent this from occurring. This is because oxidation brings about tarnishing and staining in metal. Such tarnishing can take place should sulphur compounds come into contact with your jewellery. These are present in air pollution, certain types of rubber and some detergents.

It is not the end of the world if you find your favourite earrings have become tarnished as a touch of silver polish can sometimes remove the problem. However, be cautious as to which kind you use as well as the amount. Some silver polishes are abrasive and could end up doing more harm then good. But nothing beats soapy water and a toothbrush for removing daily grime and dust from your jewellery.

Lastly, it is worth noting that purer metals are far softer than their cheaper counterparts. This is why gold is so precious and requires special attention. A less pure metal will have been combined with a denser alloy and thus become harder. The key to keeping your gold jewellery scratch-free is to keep it away from less pure metals. For instance, do not wear gold rings next to ones made from nickel or other impure metals.




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