The Most Common Causes Of Jewelry Damage And How To Prevent Them
Jewelry is a valuable and sentimental possession, and it's vital to ensure it stays in good condition. Unfortunately, jewelry can become damaged for various reasons, and here are the most common causes of jewelry damage and how to prevent them.
Sleeping While Wearing Jewelry
Sleeping with your jewelry on can get caught on your bedding or clothing and become damaged or tangled. This is especially true for pieces with small or delicate parts, such as earrings or bracelets.
Your body naturally sweats while you sleep, and this sweat can accumulate on your jewelry. Sweat can cause jewelry to become tarnished or discolored, which is problematic for metal pieces such as silver or gold.
Not Getting Regular Maintenance
Have a jeweler maintain your jewelry to ensure it stays in good condition. Look for signs of damage. For example, prongs are the metal points that hold a gemstone in place on a ring. Over time, these prongs can become weakened or damaged, which can cause the gemstone to become loose or even fall out.
If you notice that the prongs on your ring are damaged or weakened, have them repaired as soon as possible. A professional jeweler can assess the damage and determine the best action. This might include strengthening the prongs, replacing them, or re-setting the gemstone.
Handling Chemicals While Wearing Jewelry
Chemical exposure is a common cause of jewelry damage. Certain chemicals can damage or tarnish jewelry, causing it to lose its luster or become discolored.
For example, chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent that can damage or tarnish jewelry, and it is commonly found in swimming pools, hot tubs, and household cleaning products. Remove your jewelry before using household cleaning solutions and getting into a pool or hot tub.
Perfumes and lotions also contain chemicals that can damage or tarnish jewelry. These chemicals can interact with the metal or gemstones in your jewelry, causing discoloration or damage. To prevent damage from perfumes and lotions, apply them before putting on your jewelry.
Storing Jewelry Incorrectly
Storing your jewelry together can cause it to become tangled or scratched. To prevent this, store each piece of jewelry separately in a compartment or a separate bag. This will also help prevent your jewelry from becoming tangled or scratched by other jewelry.
A jewelry box with compartments is a great way to store your jewelry separately and keep it organized. Another option is to use a jewelry organizer, which can be hung on a wall or placed on a dresser. It has a variety of compartments and hooks for storing different types of jewelry. Alternatively, consider storing higher-value items in a locked safe to keep them safe from moisture and unwanted access.
If your jewelry is damaged, contact a jewelry repair service near you.