10 Surprising things that can affect your jewellery

November 15, 2022 • 4 min read

An investment you cherish, preserving your jewellery collection is significant. That is why you must take care of it!

But did you know that you may be jeopardising your collection? Yes, you may unknowingly threaten the quality of your jewellery each day! Some things you do that can affect design may even surprise you.

Here are the top 10 things that can affect the quality of your jewellery collection.

1. Wearing jewellery to the gym

This one may not be as big of a surprise, but wearing your jewellery to the gym can damage the quality. Obviously, you want to avoid contact with hard items such as weights, but even the briefest of exercises can be an issue, as any sweat can lead to tarnishing. Not to mention, sweat can provide lubricant for your rings, increasing the risk of them falling off and getting lost

2. Cooking and cleaning

Although these are daily tasks, cooking and cleaning with your jewellery on can be a big risk. Grease, chemicals and general food or dust particles diminish the quality of your jewellery and can get trapped in the nooks and crannies of designs. This can create a build-up of dirt particles, eventually impacting the visibility of gemstones and tarnishing the metal.

3. Wearing jewellery in the shower

Wearing your jewellery in the shower where you get clean seems like a minor threat, right? Wrong! While a shower will clean you, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is good for the quality of your jewellery. Creams and gels, such as your shampoos and body soaps, can cause gemstones to become cloudy over time.

4. Irregular DIY jewellery maintenance

While taking your jewellery back to the jeweller for a professional clean is encouraged, you should also give it a DIY clean in between to maintain the quality. Your jewellery can be compromised and slowly damaged without regular cleaning. Try cleaning with a microfiber cloth or using a toothbrush with a solution made of dish detergent with lukewarm water.

5. Where you store your jewellery

You may not know it, but where you store your jewellery can be an issue! Your collection can become tarnished if not kept in dry, cool conditions. It can also become damaged if tangled or scratched up against other pieces. Make sure you place your jewellery in a safe and secure spot. Ideally, in its original packaging or a lined jewellery box is an adequate storage solution. This will also reduce the risk of losing your pieces.

6. Touching your jewellery too often

Admiring your jewellery by touching it too much can come with a price! Like dust and dirt, body oil can dirty your jewellery designs and cause build-up, diminishing the shine. Try to keep your hands to yourself and when removing designs, avoid grabbing the stone.

7. Your perfumes and topical creams

There is a reason why it is encouraged that jewellery is the very last thing you put on before you leave the house. This avoids harm to your jewellery as some designs are vulnerable to sprays and creams. Put on your makeup and lotions and spritz your perfumes and sprays before slipping on your jewellery.

8. Sanitising your hands

Just like a shower, you would think hand sanitiser coming in contact with your jewellery is a good thing. Wrong! Exposing and directly contacting your jewellery to excessive amounts of hand sanitiser can impact the lustre of your pieces. Over time it will break down the brilliance of metals and stones. his makes it important to remove rings and bracelets before you sanitise or avoid putting them on your jewellery.

9. Sleeping with your jewellery on

While your jewellery is made to be worn, wearing it when you’re asleep can be damaging. Sleeping with your jewellery on can increase the risk of wear and tear. While you’re sleeping away, your pieces can easily get tangled in the sheets or even your hair which can cause stones to loosen from their settings. Furthermore, diamond wedding and engagement rings can potentially lose shape if you sleep with your body weight on them. This makes it essential to discard any jewellery before turning it in for the night.

10. Leaving your jewellery unclasped when stored

When you take your jewellery off, you don’t think to clasp it back if you’re not wearing it. Little do you know, unclasped your jewellery can leave a vulnerability to tangle. That is why it is recommended you clasp jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets in your jewellery box or stand, so it avoids getting tangled and pulling or wearing out the chains.

Now you know what can impact your jewellery designs, extend the life of your pieces by avoiding the above!

As one of the leading jewellers in Sydney, Midas Jewellery can help you maintain your dress jewellery and engagement rings. To learn more tips, head to our website. To further explore our collection, visit us at any of our three locations across Sydney.