Your jewelry is more than just a fashion accessory, it’s an investment. Whether it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations or a new piece you’ve splurged on, proper care and maintenance are crucial to keeping its value.
From cleaning and storage to insurance and repairs, there are several tips to remember when caring for your jewelry. Discover ways you can ensure your jewelry stays in top condition and maintains its value so you can sell it for cash or pass it on to family.
1. Clean Your Jewelry at Home
Silver or gold jewelry can be scratched over time. Cleaning it can keep your pieces looking their best.
To clean gold jewelry, soak it in a mild cleaner, such as gentle dish soap or a splash of white vinegar, and warm water. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse it in cool water, then dry it with a soft polishing cloth.
Use a silver polish, a mild at-home solution made of soap and water, lemon and olive oil, or vinegar and baking soda to clean silver pieces. After soaking the jewelry for about five minutes and gently scrubbing with a soft, untreated flannel cleaning cloth, rinse the items with lukewarm water and dry them with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid using harsh cleaning products or abrasive materials when cleaning your jewelry since these can cause damage to the metal or gemstones. Also, note that silver jewelry may develop a slightly blue, green, or gray patina. This is a natural aging process for silver that may not need to be cleaned, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.
2. Have Your Jewelry Professionally Cleaned
Although you can take care of basic jewelry cleaning at home, having your pieces professionally cleaned can help them hold their value. Depending on how often you wear the items, take them to a professional cleaner at least once per year.
Professional jewelers can access special tools, like ultrasonic machines, that use high-frequency waves to clean your jewelry without damaging delicate stones or settings. They also use a special polishing wheel to give your jewelry a high shine and may use steam cleaning to remove grime and dirt.
They also inspect your pieces for loose settings and other potential damage and repair these elements, so your jewelry doesn’t lose its worth.
3. Avoid Wearing Silver Jewelry in Water
If you plan on engaging in water-related activities such as swimming, remove silver jewelry pieces to prevent damage. For example, take off your silver jewelry before swimming, soaking in hot tubs, or taking a shower or bath, especially in hard water.
Chemicals like chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs can cause tarnishing or discoloration in silver, and hard water can result in mineral deposits that stain your pieces.
4. Store Your Jewelry Properly
The best way to ensure your collection maintains its value is to store each piece of jewelry separately in soft cloth pouches or boxes lined with felt or velvet fabric.
Chemical reactions between compounds used in some silver pieces can cause discoloration in your items. This often happens through humidity and air exposure. Keeping your jewelry stored separately prevents this from occurring, especially when storing for an extended period. Store all silver pieces away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid areas like bathrooms. This prevents metal corrosion due to oxidation from exposure to dampness or extreme temperatures.
5. Put on Jewelry After Applying Makeup and Skincare Products
Products like makeup, hairspray, or body lotion may contain abrasive compounds like retinol or alpha or beta hydroxy acids that weaken or cause chemical discoloration to precious metals. Ensure your jewelry avoids contact with these products to maintain its original shine.
6. Avoid Wearing Jewelry While Working Out
Avoid wearing high-value jewelry when you go to the gym or perform a workout. Sweat and intense physical activity can damage jewelry pieces, resulting in discoloration and bent or broken settings that devalue the item.
Consider removing your jewelry when doing activities like cleaning, gardening, or cooking as well. Dirt, chemicals, and food can cause grime to build up on jewelry like rings, bracelets, and watches, or dislodge precious stones from their setting.
7. Remove Your Jewelry Before Bed
To prevent damage, don’t sleep with your gold or silver jewelry on, like a wedding or engagement ring. Tossing and turning during sleep might break or bend settings, links, and clasps, especially if you wear delicate pieces like anklets or thin chains.
Place your jewelry on a bedside container such as a jewelry tray, a velvet-lined hanger, or in a jewelry box.
What to Do With Jewelry You Don’t Wear Anymore
If you’re looking to turn your old jewelry into cash, AU Precious Metals has the expertise and the technology to provide you with an accurate evaluation of your jewelry before offering you a competitive price. We purchase both gold and sterling silver jewelry, regardless of the condition.
Contact us at (248) 833-6133 to speak with a team member about our gold and silver buying service and get cash for items you no longer wear.